The end of May started our summer with a trip to Morocco, logistically Fez, for the Festival de Fès des musiques sacrées du monde (Annual World Sacred Music Festival). Which, if I described, I would say “sensorially saturating”. The atmosphere, the smells, food, the patina on such an ancient city, and of coarse the sounds. Close your eyes as you listen to Byzantine choir under a blossoming tree in a 9th century courtyard. Lean back on the overlaid carpets on the ground and watch the blossoms fall in the afternoon light. And hear the Muslim call to prayer as it rains over the city, whispering over the walls and windowsills, harmoniously weaving through the Byzantine chant. May we return to experience it again. In šāʾ Allāh.

Marrakech, Morocco

The second week we took a driver and traveled to Marrakech, along the sweltering merchant trail. We drove down the coast, past Rabat, Mohammedia, and Dar-el-Beida, until we arrived in Marrakech. Bustling, hot, and insanely populated, especially when you combine the first two elements. Where you definitely use the word “SAH-fee” (stop, enough) when walking through the Djemaa el-Fna. But there are sanctuaries in this chaos, respites to relax such as Jardin Majorelle (the famed garden of Yves Saint Laurent), La Maison Arabe, a phenomenal re-designed riad converted to a boutique hotel, or the v. expensive Amanjena Hotel where you can have a wonderful lunch, empty your bank account, then put a pillow on your head. (see attached photo)

Road to Morocco, continued….