Travel Tip Tuesday-Destinations

This week, for Travel Tip Tuesday, Cherrye and I are focusing on destinations. As you might have figured out by now, my two favorite destinations are France and Italy. But, believe or not, I know there are other great places on this planet of ours and I would love to visit them all!!

It is hard to pick just one, but this week I am going to focus on my top pick.

Morocco. Stunning Morocco. Why Morocco, you ask?

Well, first of all, it does have a French influence. Maybe that has something to do with it, non?

Secondly, I think it has a bit of a mysterious feel to it. It's a bit different. It is not at the top of everyone's must-see list. In fact, I bet most would not think to go there and many will never make it there in their lifetime. Morocco seems to fly under the radar, virtually unnoticed.

You know the movie Casablanca? Well, Casablanca is in Morocco. And for most, that is all they know about Morocco. Well, you may have also Rocked the Casbah, to the Clash, back in the day. But seriously, that's it!

But there is so much more, let me show you…

Morocco has beautiful deserts. Deep terracotta colored sand dunes, like this one. So beautiful.

And since it is on the coast of Africa, it has beautifully clear aquamarine water and red jagged cliffs. Breathtaking.

And then there is the eye-popping architecture. Bright bold colors like azure blue, burnt orange and mint greens set against pure white and clay colored structures.

The arches that I love so much in France and Italy, are similar, yet distinctively different here. They have a round shape, but come to more of a point at the tip. It is very unique. And the mosaic tile-work is just exquisite.

Though in the desert, it is also home to tropical foliage and lush gardens, like the Majorelle Gardens in Marrakesh.

Souk's are a dream come true for a flea market queen like me. These markets are filled with everything from handmade Moroccan wooden carved furniture, lanterns, slippers, rugs, pottery, food and spices. A trip to a souk would be a must for me!

And speaking of food, the cuisine is also intriguing and sounds deliciously different. Of course, I am familiar with couscous, which is a Moroccan dish, but I would love to sample a Tagine. This is a traditional North African dish named after the pot used to cook it. It is like a slow cooked stew, containing a meat, vegetables and many different spices native to the area. I'd also sample some Harira, a traditional Moroccan soup, as well as the ubiquitous mint tea.

I have never been on vacation to an area where camels roam or better yet, are used as transportation. And that also intrigues me. Now, I have seen camels up close and personal at petting zoo's, but that's the extent of my contact. They aren't necessarily pretty creatures, but I think it might be fun to go for a camel ride, don't you?

And after said camel ride would be the perfect time to partake in a spa-like experience…local style! How about a visit to a hammam? These are tiled bathhouses with steam rooms, baths, scrubs and some even have massages. I'd love to experience this. The goal is to wash yourself off, open your pores with hot steam, scrub yourself down 'till you're baby smooth and then rub in some aromatic oil.

Ohhh yes…pleeease!

And now for some practical info:

The most well-known area's in Morocco are Casablanca, Marrakesh, Tangier and Fès.

The currency is called the Dirham. Currently one Dirham is equal to approx .14 USD, which makes it an excellent spot to visit in the current economy!

Morocco is very close to Europe, so ferries are available from Spain, France and Italy. Check here for schedules and rates. It is also very easy to fly from Europe to Morocco. Flights are available from the US as well. Royal Air Maroc is Morocco's airline.

Once in Morocco, trains seem to be the best way to get around.

To read more about Morocco, check the following links to these articles or blogs that offer a wealth of information.

http://www.morocco.com/
http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-srv/misc/0804_MoroccoDecoder/index.html
http://budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2008/02/25/AR2008022502908.html
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/moroccos-secret-sands
http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/10339
http://www.cntraveller.co.uk/Guides/Morocco/Marrakech/
http://www3.nationalgeographic.com/places/countries/country_morocco.html
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/morocco/
http://www.fodors.com/world/africa-and-middle-east/morocco/fez-and-meknes/

Blogs

The View from Morocco
Real Travel
My Marrakesh

So, I hope you have enjoyed this armchair tour of Morocco. After writing this and posting these fabulous photos of the area, it makes me even more determined to get there…someday. But, once I get the bug…it's hard to think of anything else until I can make it happen!

Morocco waits for you….will you go? If you have been, what was your impression? What is one of your dream destinations?

And, don't forget to pop on over to Cherrye's blog to see which destination she is highlighting today!!

Happy Travels!

erin :: the olive notes
May 27th, 2008
oh, I’ve not been to Morocco yet, but would love to one day. Thanks for the great photo tour

Laume
May 27th, 2008
You’re wrong about not being on the top of folk’s to-see list. I’ve really wanted to go to Morocco for years!! Everyone keeps trying to tell me it’s not a safe place to travel. I’m not sure how true that is, after all, folks also told me not to go to France because the people are so rude there. Well, we did meet ONE rude guy….
but I want to go for all the things you mentioned – the colors, the architecture, the bazaars, the food.
I did get to go to a really fun Moroccan Restaurant in London called Souk Medina. Twice, actually. I posted about it this month (May 18) with lots of photos. The whole family loved the experience.

Cherrye at My Bella Vita
May 27th, 2008
Oh, ROBIN! Egypt is my #1, but Morocco is my #2! GREAT CHOICE!
We HAVE to travel together, girl.
PS – You know my friends I blog a bit about today? They’ve been to Morocco, too! Lucky things.

My Mélange responds
May 27th, 2008
Erin~ You have been so many places, glad I found something you have yet to visit!! And you are welcome!!
Laume~ Have to head over and check out your post. I will be trying Moroccan food in NYC next time we make a trip down there. I have a few good recommendations…nothing in my area though I hope you get to Morocco- don’t listen to all the negatives…you just have to be careful.
Cherry~ Your friends are very lucky!! Maybe we should do them both together

janie
May 27th, 2008
Thanks Robin-it looks fascinating and I’m intrigued by their food!

mohammed
May 27th, 2008
here is a great travel blog about Morocco
Morocco Travel Information
http://2morocco.blogspot.com/
A Morocco travel guide with historical, cultural and geographical information about Morocco, including sightseeing suggestions and more.

My Mélange responds
May 27th, 2008
Janie~ You are welcome! I too can’t wait to try some delih Moroccan food. We will try some in NYC before we go to Morocco..so I’ll report back
Mohammed~ Thanks for the fantastic link!! I am grateful for your input

Linda
May 27th, 2008
Ah, gorgeous pics! And I just have to go to that market. Love those lamps. And I love the food too. Where do I sign up?

anne
May 27th, 2008
Hi Robin
Thanks for your great Tuesday travel tips…I have been toying with the idea of going to Morocco..not quite sure…I will read more of your links. Thanks for the lovely pics ..love the market!!

Country French Antiques
May 27th, 2008
as-salam alaykum Robin,
Well I guess great minds just think alike!!
I took a flight over to Marrakech while I was in France. I’ll be blogging about it over the next month. What a wild place!!
A marriage of 12th century and present day. The colors were mind boggling and I loved the souk. I got some great pics (coming soon)
Did those massages too with Orange oil…
Fabulous!
And I always felt safe. Police are everywhere, but they are very kind people.
I am glad for the experience.
You need to go, because some things you just need to see for yourself!
Bisou

My Mélange responds
May 27th, 2008
Linda~ Aren’t they great!!! Hmm, lets sign up together
Anne~ No more toying…you MUST go!! Just look at it
Shawn~ That is too funny. Great minds do think alike!! I’d love to hear about your trip….and some great pics I hope Maybe I can shoot you an email…..

bleeding espresso
May 28th, 2008
Sounds great to me…where can we find some all-expense paid trips

rochambeau
May 28th, 2008
What a stunning post! In my life I will go to Morocco. There is something there tugging at my heart.
Thinking of you Robin.
Have a lovely day. Hi to the assistant:
Woof~Woof.
xo
Constance

NurseTerry
May 28th, 2008
When in Spain, we considered going to Morocco but didn’t. I’m sorry now. However, I do cook a great tagine. Goodle Sunset Magazine and then look up Moroccon tagine under recipes. I use lamb and add garbanzos, raisins, apricots and lots of cinnamon. Serve with Couscous! Delish!

My Mélange responds
May 28th, 2008
Michelle~ Uh, if you find any…I’ll definitely go with ya. Keep lookin’ girl
Constance~ Oh, I hope you do go…I get the tuggin’ at your heart thing
Terry~ Mmmm, sounds great!! Sans lamb for C. of course But I’m on board with everything else! Thanks for the info!!

Claudia
May 28th, 2008
It’s hard for me to go anywhere but France and Italy too but Morocco is my next destination now for sure!

Foodie Froggy
June 6th, 2008
Hi Robin,
I’ve been to Morocco three times and I can tell everyone that it is a very safe destination. There is really nothing to worry about; it is one of French tourists’ favorite destinations because it is so close to France (3 hour flight), the weather is great almost all-year long, and everyone speaks french there. oh, and it is much cheaper than in France (hotels, food, souvenirs,gorgeous moroccan furnitures,…)