Marrakesh Express (the weekend)

"...Wouldn't you know we're riding on the Marrakesh Express.
Wouldn't you know we're riding on the Marrakesh Express,
they're taking me to Marrakesh.
All on aboard the train.
All on aboard the train.

I've been saving all my money just to take you there.
I smell the garden in your hair.
Take the train from Casablanca going south,
blowing smoke rings from the corners of my m m m m mouth.
Colored cottons hang in the air,
charming cobras in the square.
Striped djellebas we can wear at home.
Well, let me hear ya now."

Many of you are probably too young, or have never heard the song “Marakesh Expess” by Crosby, Stillls, and Nash.  That music kept playing in my mind as we hopped into the car (of course in the song it was a train) with Mr. & Mrs. Massaq.  Our gracious hosts were kind enough to take us to Marakesh for the weekend.  It is about a two hour drive from Benimellal to Marakesh.  Mr. Massaq is wonderful behind the wheel with quick reflexes and the instincts worthy of any Grand Prix driver.

Our tour bus complete with multilingual narration

Lots of fresh spices

Always plenty of action in Marakesh

Many beautiful things for sale

We took a tour of the city in an open topped double decker bus.  This gave us excellent views and plenty of photo opportunities.

There were more markets and medinas.  These also included musicians, story tellers, and snake charmers.

Snake charmers

Fearless leader trying on the latest in reptilian neckwear

An area in the marketplace had craftsmen and artisans.  We saw leather working, calligraphy, wood working, musical instrument construction, and rug weaving.  Mrs. Rosa even tried her hand at weaving.

Mrs. Rosa Getting becoming an expert weaver

Caligraphy....want your name spelled out in Arabic?

We stayed at the home of one of Mrs. Massaq’s sisters. We learned that she is a travel agent, and her husband has many business interests in Morocco.  The food, as always, was superb with many complex flavors.  In Morocco, dining is more of an event than it is in America.  Food comes out in multiple courses and a meal can last an hour or two.  I find that I like this approach because it allows time to taste and enjoy the meal.  There is also always interesting dinner conversation.

Rosa, Laboe, and Massaq taking the grand tour of Marakesh

Want to buy a hat?

Yes, they have McDonald's too...the McFondue looks kinda yummy

Well, it was a fun and interesting weekend.  We headed back to Benimellal for Monday classes.

All on aboard the train.

All on aboard the train.

to your health - بالصحة - besseha