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Experiencing
the multiplicity

of the country,
the dry masa to
gin joints in all the towns in all the the lush apple
world? She walks into mine”. Now,
I was anxious to start my adventure orchards and
of the mystique! Renowned National olive trees was
Geographic photographer Massimo
Bassano led the journey. captivating.
I found the people of Morocco are very kind and
polite. In Casablanca, we were on the move from
souks (Arab markets), mosques, to palaces in just the first day. In Marrakesh, we
explored the over 10,000 interwoven alleys of the Medina, furrowed with market
stalls and craftspeople. The large Djemma el Fna Square was electrifying with
hundreds of people from magicians to musicians to food vendors. Everyone was
competing for your attention to sell their unique skills and wares. Beware of the snake
charmers; I hate snakes, especially cobras! You see colorful mounds of spices, olives
and tanners soaking skins in vats of dye. We visited the exotic and exquisite Majorelle
Garden, once owned by Yves Saint-Laurent.
On to Ouarzazate, known for its movie studios where films such as Game of
Thrones, Tyrant, Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed. This area is home to
thousands of movie sets. I was looking around every corner for Russell Crowe.
We rode the legendary “Road of 1,000 Kasbahs” and began to realize the vast
diversity of terrains from the flats to high mountains. Experiencing the multiplicity of
the country, the dry masa to the lush apple orchards and olive trees was captivating.
Suddenly, we found ourselves in the desert on a camel awestruck by the colorful
sunset of the Saharan sand dunes. We slept in the desert with native Berbers in tents
made of Berber rugs. Entertainment was an evening of folk music. The stars were out
in force with no city lights to blur the sky. To be in the Sahara for sunrise and sunset
is a memory to remember for a lifetime. The colors of the sand change by the angle of
sunlight before your eyes. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Morocco, take it.
An appropriate end… “Play it again Sam!”