السبت، 28 مارس 2015

Todgha Gorge

                              Todgha Gorge                                     Todgha Gorge  is a canyon in the eastern part of the   High AtlasMountains in Morocco, near the town of Tinerhir. Both the Todgha and neighbouring Dades Rivers have carved out cliff-sided canyons on their final 40 kilometres (25 mi) through the mountains. The last 600 metres (1,969 ft) of the Todgha gorge are the most spectacular. Here the canyon narrows to a flat stony track, in places as little as 10 metres (33 ft) wide, with sheer and smooth rock walls up to 160 metres (525 ft) high on each side.                                                                                                              

During the drive from Tinerhir to the gorge there are thick passages of palmeries and Berber villages. What ever direction you begin your journey the route that brings you to the Todra Gorge should taken slowly as it is truly remarkable. This is especially true if you are coming from the barren parts of the oases before the Todra.
The palmeries that begin from Tinerhir line both sides of the Todra River and can be reached by car or bicycle. Traveling this region of Morocco by 4x4 along with a guide is recommended. However if you are not traveling during the summer time and you will be in Morocco for several weeks then consider renting a bicycle to explore the gorge as it will add charm to your trip.
The palmary that leads up to the gorge is best visited a couple hours prior to sunset as the affects of the suns rays make every color on the palm leaves stand out. Make sure to stop along the way to enjoy the fragrant smell of the pomegranate, almond and fruit trees that lie just beyond the olive terraces. Within the garden, there are also ksours (single Kasbahs) around to explore.
Once you arrive to the gorge, you will be eager to explore it. In recent years, the Todra Gorge has attracted allot of attention from serious climbers and hikers. The rock formations vary between twenty- five to three hundred meters and there are over one hundred fifty hundred routes to explore.
Come prepared with an itinerary if you are an independent traveler or it is likely that you may feel pressure from the guides huddling around the bottom of the gorge to take a tour. A tour is suggested if you don’t have your own itinerary as it will provide you with a history lesson on the gorge and the Berber population that lives nearby.
If you think that you may want to stay the night surrounded by the jaw dropping beauty of Todra, you can do so. It is possible to stay at the mouth of the gorge, right next to the three hundred meter cliffs. This option is especially popular with gorge climbers and hikers who explore until the last bit of light leaves the area. The three hotels by the foothills of the cliff are simple and inexpensive. However, if weather permits an even better option is to spend the night outside just underneath the overhanging cliffs, the most dramatic part of the gorge. Les Roches and Yasmina are the hotels there; their prices fluctuate depending on the season. An interesting sleeping option both hotels provide is to sleep underneath the stars on their terraces   .
On a final note, be prepared to see a wholesome amount of tourists. As the Todra Gorge is not difficult to reach, many tourist buses make a stop on their way to the villages of Tamtatotoucht and Aït Hani. 
If you want to see traditional Berber villages, it is easy to do so from the Todra Gorge as they are located on the surfaced road running between Tinerhir and Tamtatoucht. Add adventure and mystery to your expedition by making the trip on a mountain bike or ask your guide take an offbeat route so you can stop to visit a local Berber family for couscous and tea
 Watch The Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEjAP5UNOtg&feature=youtu.be

Merzouga, Moroccan Sahara

                   

Merzouga Desert                                                    

 Merzouga is a small village at the feet of Sahara's dunes. You get there by tar road and you have a wide range of hotels and desert camps offers to be able to enjoy the desert in a comfortable way.The
sand has little crystals in it that reflects the sunshine, resulting in
a variety of colors shades changing along the day, going from the
tender pinks of morning to more orangy and reddish tones as the sun
reaches its zenith.....
its
really enchanting and magic!                                          
                                                             
   

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I advice to visit a desert at least once in your life, its also a deep meeting with your self...  http://youtu.be/dmX80ZEFvx8
                                                    

الجمعة، 27 مارس 2015

           Moroccan Wedding..                                       Every bride is beautiful on her wedding day, but in Morocco, she gets to be a queen, too!       

Moroccan wedding is considered as the symbol of the continuity of the community and the basic foundation of the family unit. The marriage is celebrated in Morocco following a ceremonial with roots in ancient traditions.
The celebration of this event remains, in general, more or less the same in different regions of the Kingdom of Morocco. Certain local traditions inspired and generated by ancestral practices enrich the ritual of marriage and give it a distinctive character of a certain locality. Moroccan Wedding
Indeed, the organization of a Moroccan wedding varies by region and highlights the cultural diversity that is manifested in particular by various rituals (costumes, rituals, music, culinary. traditions etc ...)
These local peculiarities and authenticities are preserved and perpetuated from generation to generation. They are the cardinal virtues of cultural diversity in Morocco.
However, the ceremony of marriage has been, in parts of Morocco, changing due to a new form of urban life and the adoption of a modern lifestyle.

                                                             


        The Art of Moroccan cuisine                             Moroccan cuisine is considered one of the most important cuisines in the world. One of the reasons for its importance is its remarkable diversity of influences. In Moroccan dishes, one can trace the country’s long history of colonizers and immigrants who have left their mark in more than one way. The cuisine of the first inhabitants, the Berbers, still exists today in the staple dishes like tagine and couscous. The Arab invasion brought new spices, nuts and dried fruits, and the sweet and sour combinations that we see in dishes like tagine with dates and lamb. The Moors introduced olives, olive juice and citrus while the Jewish-Moors left behind their sophisticated preserving techniques that we see in the frequent use of preserved lemons, pickles, etc. The Ottoman Empire introduced barbeque (kebabs) to Moroccan cuisine. The French colony, although short-lived compared to reign of some of these other empires, left behind a culture of cafes, pastries, and even wine. Over time, cooks in the kitchens of the four royal cities (Fez, Marrakesh, Meknes, and Rabat) have developed and perfected the dishes that blend each of these distinct tastes. Every Moroccan dish has its place in society and varies with the market, the season, and the region.                                                                                                                                                   

Don’t leave Morocco without trying 

B’ssara 

At a few pennies a bowl, this rich soup of dried broad beans is traditionally served for breakfast, topped with a swirl of olive oil, a sprinkling of cumin and bread fresh from the oven. 


Chicken tagineTagine 

A tagine is the clay cooking pot with a conical lid that gives its name to a myriad of dishes. Tagines can be seen bubbling away at every roadside café, are found in top notch restaurants and in every home, and are always served with bread. 
Try making your own chicken tagine 


Fish chermoula

With its long Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, Morocco boasts a rich array of fish dishes. Chermoula is a combination of herbs and spices used as a marinade before grilling over coals, and as a dipping sauce.
Try making your own chermoula-marinated mackerel 


harira and chicken soupHarira

During the holy month of Ramadan, the fast is broken at sunset each day with a steaming bowl of harira soup. Rich with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas and lamb, it is finished off with a squeeze of lemon juice and some chopped coriander, and served with a sticky sweet pretzel called chebakkiya.
Try making your own harira chicken soup


Kefta tagine

Beef or lamb mince with garlic, fresh coriander and parsley, cinnamon and ground coriander is rolled into balls and cooked in a tomato and onion sauce. Just before the dish is ready, eggs are cracked into depressions in the sauce and soon cook to perfection.
 

Golden couscousCouscous

Seksu’ or couscous is a fine wheat pasta traditionally rolled by hand. It is steamed over a stew of meat and vegetables. To serve, the meat is covered by a pyramid of couscous, the vegetables are pressed into the sides and the sauce served separately. It is often garnished with a sweet raisin preserve, or in the Berber tradition, with a bowl of buttermilk.
Try cooking with couscous
Makouda
Moroccan street food is legendary and the best place to sample the wide variety is Djemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech. Here beside the kebabs, calamari and grilled sardines, you will find the more unusual sweet cheek meat of sheep’s heads, snails cooked in a spicy broth that wards off colds, and skewers of lamb’s liver with caul fat. Makouda are little deep-fried potato balls, delicious dipped into spicy harissa sauce.
Zaalouk
Moroccan meals begin with at least seven cooked vegetable salads to scoop up with bread. They can include green peppers and tomatoes, sweet carrots or courgette purée, and a dish of local olives alongside. Zaalouk is a smoked aubergine dip, seasoned with garlic, paprika, cumin and a little chilli powder.


Confit duck pastillaB’stilla

This very special pie represents the pinnacle of exquisite Fassi (from Fez) cuisine. Layers of a paper-thin pastry coddle a blend of pigeon meat, almonds and eggs spiced with saffron, cinnamon and fresh coriander, the whole dusted with icing sugar and cinnamon.
Try one of our similar pastilla recipes


Mint tea

Known as ‘Moroccan whisky’, mint tea is the drink of choice. It is usually heavily sweetened with sugar chipped off a sugar cone. Gunpowder tea is steeped with a few sprigs of spearmint stuffed into the teapot. It is poured into a tea glass from a height to create a froth called the crown.

   and More more of kinds foods you can try it just if you visit morocco 

الخميس، 26 مارس 2015

 

   What You Need to Know Before Traveling to

                              Morocco

     

So you're planning your Morocco travel! As they say in Arabic, Mabruk! (Congratulations). Now what? Well, before you get on the plane, there are some things you probably want to know.
Morocco, Morrocco, Morroco? Which is correct?
In English, we spell the word: Morocco. But in Arabic, there are no vowels, so it's really anybody's guess. If you can pronounce it, that's more important than if you can spell it correctly.
Do I need any vaccinations before I go?
While this is always a personal choice, the answer about mandatory vaccines in Morocco is NO. For many people, they prefer to err on the side of safety (and the CDC recommendations), and get inoculated against such fun things as rabies and hepatitis (A & B both!), but we've had folks in-country before and no one has had trouble with health issues.

What's the local currency? Do they take credit cards?

The Moroccan Dirham (DEE-rahm). It's been worth between 11¢ and 13¢ since about 2010, so it's a good bet's about 12¢ per Dirham.
Relatively speaking, the rate of the Dirham is good, and it's steady, so there shouldn't be a lot of surprises. Granted you can pay western prices if you go looking for them, but for the most part, Morocco is a great travel bargain.
Remember that you will get money out of an ATM in dirham, and that you will often be charged a foreign transaction fee of about 3 percent by your bank, whether you get cash out or use a credit card. This dirty little secret can add up, so make sure you budget for it. Note that some credit cards have no foreign transaction fees. Also, if you want your debit/credit cards to work in Morocco, or any foreign country, call your bank before you leave! Many times, we have had guests calling back to their home country because their transactions were declined. It's a fraud concern for the banks, so they are all pretty careful. Most larger places will take credit cards; the souks (open-air markets) and smaller shops will probably still want cash, and especially if you want to bargain for something, cash is still king!
What language do they speak?
The Moroccans speak a fascinating mixture of Arabic, Berber, English and French - a patois for which we have perhaps only Creole in the US as a comparison. In a single sentence, you are likely to hear several languages, as in, "Mabruk! Welcome, haltu redu café e thé?"
While English will likely be understood by many in the larger cities, you may have language trouble in smaller or rural areas. In this case, Arabic and French are probably equal fallbacks for the intrepid traveler. Of course, if your Arabic was learned somewhere else (like Egypt) prepare for some polite snickers!
What customs could get me in trouble if I don't follow them?
There are probably two big things you should be concerned about here. One is the idea of using your left hand to do anything socially important, like eat or shake hands. Muslims, Moroccans among them, feel that it's unclean. Especially in public, be aware of this important cultural distinction.
The other thing is that women often dress modestly in Moroccan culture, and the Western tendency to want to run around in tank tops and short when it's hot (it's usually hot!) is outside their custom. While you can do it, I always like to err on the side of consideration of local tastes, even when it's inconvenient. So airy, flowy things that don't constrict but still cover the female form would be appropriate, as well as one-piece bathing suits. It also depends on where you are, with smaller places in the countryside being more conservative than big cities where they're more used to seeing a variety of people in variety of clothes. You can always buy clothing locally, which will also give you some fun souvenirs!
2014-02-06-MoroccoSufi3.jpgDo they drink/do drugs/party?
Moroccans, though most are devout Muslims, seem to do all of the above. Hashish is quite common in Morocco, and it's easy to get alcohol at many bars despite the Muslim stricture against it. In bigger cities, like Casablanca or Marrakech, you can find bars and nightclubs where they like to party until the wee hours.
There is also a sacred musical form of party called an Aissawa, which is basically a Sufi rave. Sufism, an ancient mystical branch of Islam focused on elevating the spirit, is still practiced throughout the world. The famous poet Rumi was a Sufi, and many Westerners have come to know Sufism through Rumi's writing. Spinning and dancing is one of the most common practices at the Aissawa, with the desired effect to create an altered state of the mind. It's a great opportunity to get out of your comfort zone if you get the chance to participate.
Should I buy travel insurance?
These days, with things going haywire with world weather, it's probably a good idea. But remember you probably don't need a million dollar evacuation clause; you can probably see a local doctor in Morocco for whatever ails you locally, at a fraction of the cost of what it would be in the States. Almost all hotels these days have a doctor on call; just remember that the in-room visit may be a little pricy. But think of the travel story you will have! Medical insurance will often reimburse you, but note that if you are really concerned, get a policy that covers medical issues fully so that they will send a nurse. Note that the travel insurance you buy for a few dollars with your plane ticket may not cover you fully for your trip, especially if you're not on a tour. So read the fine print -- you have a short cancellation period once you purchase the insurance.
Do I need a visa to get in?
Almost all English-speaking countries (with the exception of South Africa) require no visa to enter the country, and visitors can stay up to 90 days, which is quite generous. Please note that your passport expiration date MUST be after the date of your intended return if you are a US Citizen, and if you are coming from England, it must be valid for 6 months after the intended date of departure. So check with the Moroccan embassy online in your own country just to be sure. Many countries are moving over to this second, stricter requirement, so it's best to always ensure your passport is up-to-date.
You'll need one blank page in your passport for the entry stamp which they will add at customs.
What kind of power converter do I need?
If you're coming from Europe, it's usually the same. If you're coming from England or the US, it's the kind they use in Europe, so yes, you will need a power converter. Note that it gets pretty complicated from here on out, as there are both 4mm and 5mm plugs, and some of the newer sockets use a grounding (third) pin. Many cafes will allow you to charge your device as well as having the correct converter to do so, all for less than USD $1, so if you are in a pinch, consider asking the locals.
Will my cell phone work there (and cost more than I earn in a month to use?)
Like many countries in the Middle East, it will be far cheaper for you to buy or bring a small cell phone with no bells and whistles and get a local number, than it will be for you to use your own cell phone, which will likely cost hundreds of dollars in extra roaming charges and fees before you are done. To give you an example, for around USD $20, you can get a phone, a local SIM card, and about an hour of talk time. Trust me, it's cheaper. Ask at your hotel, ask your tour guide, etc. It won't be the first time they've gotten the request. And, bonus! Your excursion to get a local cell phone is another great travel story in the making!
2014-02-06-Morocco17601024x768.jpgWhat food will they have there, and can I eat fresh fruits & veggies and drink the water?

Unlike the US and UK, which are moving rapidly to packaged foods, even for staples such as fruits and veggies, Morocco will have almost exclusively local produce. As a result, the selection will be smaller than perhaps you are used to, but most of it will have been grown, harvested, and brought to your table the way it would have been in the old days - fast and without any real processing. If you're worried about nasties in fresh stuff, do what the locals would do: squeeze a good quantity of lemon or lime juice on it. I guarantee there will be fewer chemicals on your salad than at McDonalds at home, and the food will taste fresh and delicious. Be smart -- if you're eating from a street vendor, you're taking your chances (that said, I've had amazing meals from a cart pulled by a donkey) and they have no regulations or even refrigeration sometimes. If you have a funny tummy at home, pack charcoal tablets and plan on eating yoghurt in Morocco to get some probiotics. Enjoy the local cuisine - that's one of the main reasons you went! As in most foreign countries, you should probably stick to bottled water just to be safe - we are often not used to the critters in someone else's water supply.

الأربعاء، 25 مارس 2015

Moroccan people and henna 

Moroccan Henna is a popular tradition in Morocco worn by women of all ages. During special occasions such as Moroccan weddings, holidays and circumcisions, women get henna on their hands and feet. It’s a temporary design applied to your skin in a brownish paste made from powder. Many women also apply henna to their entire body and/or hair in the hammam once a week. It has a distinguished smell and needs to be left on the skin to dry for several hours to achieve darker, longer lasting results. Some times, black henna is used, but it can be dangerous so stick to the regular henna for safety.


Moroccan Henna

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Henna Tattoo Morocco

Where can I get a henna tattoo in Morocco 

In Rabat, you can find a woman ready and willing to create elaborate designs for you near the Mausoleum as well as at the Garden of the Old Fortress near Oudaya. She is usually waiting for willing participants and will ask you if you’re interested in henna. She’ll create the flowers and vines with a syringe and work very quickly. But, negotiate the price with her before she begins. Once she starts it’s hard to negotiate, and you don’t want to walk away with half a design. The truth is if you wipe it off right away, it probably won’t leave a mark. It will help you avoid an uncomfortable situation though! Don’t undercut her, but don’t take the initial price she says either. Meeting her in the middle of what she is asking is probably fair. Remember, she is quite sure you are a tourist if you aren’t speaking Arabic or have blond hair and blue eyes, so she will automatically give you a higher price to start.
Once the artist is done, allow the henna to dry for several hours, as long as you can stand it. If possible, don’t shower or wash the parts of your body that have the henna either. Then, it should last a week or more . 

In Marrakesh, plenty of women will call out to you with books full of their designs in Jemma El Fna square.
In Agadir, henna artists can be found along Agadir Beach. All the same rules apply! Talented henna artists can not be missed in most Moroccan cities and towns. 

 

       ? What Is A Moroccan Caftan 

                                                                    Moroccan Caftan  is a long dress that Moroccan women wear in special events such as weddings and birthdays. Moroccan Kaftans gained popularity after they have been introduced to the World by the biggest clothing lines and stylists through fashion shows.

The beautiful country of Morocco is located in the extreme north western region in Africa. It lies in the great Sahara desert and is a region where the climate is usually very hot. Moroccan climate is Mediterranean type of climate which goes extreme towards the interior region. The climate is very humid and place to place it varies also. Even in some places it is very dry especially where the region faces Sahara desert. The summer lasts here for very long time.
Morocco has got a very rich culture and civilization. Since Morocco had welcomed many civilization from past to help building up their history  such as Arabs Romans Jews , present Morocco is a vast ethnic mixture of all these culture. These cultures have influenced its way of living life, its mannerism, its clothing, food, in short almost everything. The population is dominated by Arab ethnic groups by heritage so the clothing mostly goes according to their own style and custom.
The traditional Moroccan clothing for both men and women is called djellaba, a long loose outfit with long sleeves and hood. On special occasions they also wear a red cap which is locally called fez. Women wear caftans dazzled by ornaments. There is a difference between djellaba and caftans. A djellaba has hood while a caftans does not.
Djellabas for women are generally very much decorated sometimes with beads or ornaments and are always very bright in color. Men djellaba or Caftans are always plain in color. They look very simple. Women are very loyal to their own ethnic wear despite its high cost. Caftans are always hand made because of their delicacy. Still most women love to wear their national dress. Every year they must buy at least one if not more either for wedding or their religious festival. Keeping in mind the warmer weather and hot dry climate the caftans are made either of cotton or silk. As these dresses are exclusively worn in ceremony or festivals the outfits are quite expensive. Clothing is a part of the social status so the lower groups of people try to wear neatly pressed dress so as to avoid their own shabby condition if they cannot afford to buy costly caftans or Djellabas.                               
           
Morocco is a highly progressing country. Though Muslim culture dominates still along with western higher education western culture started prevailing its influence. Since woman’s dress is a major issue in Islamic culture it is always observed that nobody violates the unwritten law of exposing any part of the body. Modern Moroccan youth have nicely combined western design with the traditional one. Moroccan caftans have been reduced in length and have become tight in fittings with modern jeans.
Over the past years, Moroccan dressing has improved a lot and in a way that made it more popular. Rich works on Djellabas are not just a favorite among all women, but they show the richness of Morocco and the North African countries. Visiting these places, you can surely catch a glimpse of these great hand works.