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Morocco stands at the
western extremity of the Arab and the Muslim world.
Seperated only by 9 miles from Europe. A gateway for
travellers into Africa. A country of inspiration and
romantic allure for the westerner. Its greatest
charm lies in the labyrinths of the imperial cities.
Rabat, Marrakech, Meknes,and Fes. It is with no
doubt that Morocco is home to an amazing rich
architectural tradition and its medieval
cities,Roman ruins,Berber fortresses,and beautiful
Islamic monuments are among the the best examples of
the their kind in the world.
Tangier, Casablanca, Marrakech...just
the names of these cities and towns should stir a
hint of spice in the nostrils of the most
geographically challenged. Many Moroccan
destinations have been mythologized, and for good
reason, but the more jaded traveller may well moan
about the extinction of the `real' Morocco. Still
others will extol the country's unique living
history, its shimmering light, its art.
Morocco is the ideal starting point for the
traveller to Africa. An easy hop from Europe, it can
be a friendly, hectic and stimulating place to get
around in. Open-air markets throughout the country
are piled high with rugs, woodwork, and jewellery.
Spectacularly diverse, Morocco combines sand, sea
and snow. The southern coast stretches to the edge
of the Western Sahara while to the north the bulk of
Morocco's population fills the foothills of the
often snow-capped Atlas Mountains. The mountains are
important obstacles against the invasion of the
desert.
Between the mountains and Morocco's Atlantic coast
are plateaus and plains which are fertile and well
watered.
The `coolest of the hottest countries', Morocco's
colder months are most un-African. In the higher
regions in particular, winter conditions can be
positively Arctic. In summer, the mountains are hot
during the day and cool at night. The rainy season
between November and April is something of a
misnomer, bringing only occasional light rain.
From the `standard' Arabic
culture, Morocco has developed an elaborate
patchwork of artistic traditions. The thread holding
it all together is music; from the classical style
that developed in Muslim Spain and the storytelling
musical traditions of the indigenous Berbers through
to the contemporary fusion of African, French, pop
and rock. Although identified more with Algeria, Rai
(opinion) music is a burgeoning force in Morocco.
Despite its distinctly Arab-African rhythms (it owes
much to Bedouin music), it's probably the most
thoroughly westernised style, combining a variety of
electrical instruments to create a hypnotic effect.
Merzouga:
The dromedary is the only and vailable mean of
transport in the desert. When we arrive to the
dunes, we leave our 4x4 landrovers behind and take
part in a camelride with the native camelman. This
excursion can be at any time during the day; early in
the morning to admire the colourful sunrise from the
top of the dunes, in the day to meet nomads or in
the afternoon to enjoy the sunset and a bivouac (in
nomad tents) in a oase inside the erg.
We can also go for a camelride for
more than one day starting from one of the Berber
village near the erg like Merzouga or hassi Labiad.
These itineraries will allow us discover the
villages and fossils sites and also the nomad camps.
A lunch iwth nomads is an experience not to miss.
If it about long rides and walks itineraries, the
bivouac is considered a relaxing site in an ocean of
silence. A night in such a place is the ideal cure
against stress.
The evening is animated by the black people and
Berber music and songs while the night is marked
with silence and the the charming stars and the sky.
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