AN INSIGHT INTO MY TRIP TO MOROCCO DURING MAY 2014

One of my greatest loves is travelling and I enjoy going to unusual places.  Everyone asked “why Morocco”? I said “why not”.

To me it conjured up exotic words and images such as babushka’s (shoes), jalabiyas (long dresses worn by both men and women); tagines (ceramic cooking pots) and berbers (nomadic people).

Morocco is steeped in history from the French invasion of 1912 to full independence in 1956.  It is a kingdom ruled by King Mohammed VI.

Morocco consists of the Sahara desert

; the Atlas Mountains, the Ziz valley and it is bordered by both the Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans with Rabat being the capital.

In fez, which is the country’s oldest imperial city, we visited the fascinating dye-pits and tanneries.

Quarzazate was the setting for a number of famous movies including Lawrence of Arabia, Cleopatra and Gladiator.

Marrakesh is comprised of an old fortified city – the medina – and has the largest traditional market (souk) where one can purchase beautiful carpets and unique souvenirs. The Djemaa el Fna Square is in the old quarter, with its palm readers, acrobats, camels and snake charmers.

Morocco’s economy seems to be booming. They are the largest producers of phosphate in the world. Huge donations are being made to them by Saudi Arabia and Dubai. One sees construction sites everywhere as well as vast amounts of partially built houses.  Apparently, the reason for this is that no rates and taxes are payable until they are fully completed.

For those of you who remember the movie “Casablanca” the original Rick’s Café is still operating.

There are numerous trees such as Cork, Oak, Cedar, Olive, Henna, Carob and Eucalyptus.

Camels, goats, sheep and donkeys abound in the rural areas.

Moslems, Christians and Jews live in harmony with free education and health care. Polygamous marriages are allowed provided that wife No. 1 agrees thereto. Some marriages are still arranged.  Abortion is illegal except for health reasons.

My memories of this beautiful and fascinating country will last me a lifetime.

BELINDA SCHOLTZ