In Morocco

	Morocco is an Arab country in North Africa. If you go there the first thing that strikes you is its people. They walk in the streets in all variations of traditional dress as well as jeans. They represent a harmonious combination between tradition and modernity, between east and west.
	There are many ways of getting around, camel, taxi, bus, train. The old part of the cities is called Medina and the best way to discover it is on foot. You can also rent a bike, a motorbike
	or a horse-drawn carriage.
	In the Medina the streets are narrow and the density of the crowds might be overwhelming.
	Camels are mainly found in the desert . In the city they are used mostly as a tourist attraction.
	In a main city like Marrakech, you might even find a “big bus tour” operating between the modern and old parts of the city.
Shopping Shopping is one of the best things that you might want to do in Moroccan souqs. It is very different to shopping in the UK. For a dedicated shopper, the activity can easily take days with the overwhelming presence of textures, smells, flavours and colours. All the while shopkeepers call you to have a closer look or sample their goods. The range of things on sale in the local markets is amazing. Morocco is a country of rich colours reflected in everything from food to rugs. In the market you will find:
	Beautifully decorated slippers (called babouches or smata)
	Bags
	Rugs of magnificent patterns and colours
Rug designs You will see many different patterns, colourings and rug designs which vary greatly from region to region. There are carpets with formal designs that usually include a central motif and intricate border. You will also find tribal rugs made by different Berber and Arab tribes and they vary in techniques and design. They feature different patterns such as diamond, zigzag and lozenge in addition to simple geometrical designs featuring symbols of the evil eye. Have a look at the following designs.

	Ceramics The cities of Fes and Meknes in Morocco have a heritage of ceramics production that goes back hundreds of years. Most of the traditional designs have been handed down by artisans exiled from Al-Andalus (modern day Spain). The colourings vary from city to city. You will find the browns, greens and yellows on white background in Fes and the chrome green pottery in Meknes. Have a look at these decorative ceramic plates, tajine (casserole dishes with a conical cover) and coffee and tea sets.

	Silverware In addition to ceramic teapots, you will find decorative silver ones
	You will also see decorated brass and copperware. Look at these lamp bases I saw in Marrakesh;
	However, browsing for shiny metal does not have to stop here, you can always dig for some gold jewellery such as these bracelets
	In the old souqs of the city it is possible to look around for various traditional musical instruments (string, wind and percussion)
	You can also pick up lanterns and lamps
	glasswork
	accessories and precious stones
	In the souqs all your senses are indulged in the colourful surroundings. The aromas are overwhelming

	you will find spices, herbs,
	soaps, essential oils,
	and if you get hungry you can always grab some traditional sweets or nuts and dried fruit on the go
	or sit down for a tajine
	you might even want to try some snails
Architecture
	Architecture in Morocco seems to be dominated by its climate, history, natural resources and social structure. You will find religious buildings such as mosques (masjid) and medrasas.

	Walls and gates (bab) and citadels (kasbahs) in the old town (medina ) architecture. The Islamic gate was designed to impress and to provide security

	While town houses look austere on the outside…
	…they are lavish on the inside.

	Windows and doors come in various designs



	Walls are decorated with calligraphy and Islamic designs

The light of Morocco
	Whether you go out at night or during the day, light makes this a most attractive experience. Here are some pictures from the Djema el Fna square in Marrakech. Look at street performers and snake charmers.

	In the evening
By the sea
	However, not all cities are as busy as Marrakech, look at these pictures of the laid-back Atlantic city of Essaouira

	This is a beautiful country with endless layers of beauty. Here is the Moroccan Santa wishing everyone a happy festive season.