Rabat, Morocco Day 1

---

It has been a long while

But our long time dream of visiting Morocco Has come true

the Riad had arranged for a driver to pick my husband and I from the airport at different times My husband arrived in the afternoon and I arrived at midnight

As I drove thru The city, I was not sure how to describe it

Modern? Traditional? Old? Safe? Crowded?

I was dropped off at the entry to the old city and was greeted by Ibrahim the keeper of the Riad We walked thru the old city, dirty, full of trash and stray cats, I wondered what I got ourselves into this time

The alleyways were being cleaned But at this late hour the activity was overwhelming

we walked thru several dark alleyways, before we arrived at our Riad Ibrahim opened a big wooden door and the interior revealed itself like a jewel It was love at first sight!!!

I feel that is how Rabat is. It takes a little effort and time to know it and unlayer its richness

We are starting our journey around and thru Morocco with Rabat



Leather, carpet, clay pottery, metal artisans/merchants selling their beautiful and colorful products In the souks from morning Thru the late hours of the night. As the day progresses the city comes to life; dynamic and vibrant. It is a mercantile society And it prides itself In its diversity and color. one has to love to barter and go along with passion and walk thru the crowds with a certain gusto and openness.

The air is infused with the smell of Mint tea baklava turmeric cardamon cinnamon henna alovera smoke from the grills barbecuing kebabs

clammering Sound of metal dishes tea pots shop keepers repeatedly yelling the price of merchandise

All thoroughly intense

The sound of prayers reflects from different directions and all distances five times a day

Allah O Akbar God Is Great

The city momentarily silenced droves of people all color and type men and women head to the local mosques for prayers

We are staying in an old and beautiful Riad in the old Medina With a quaint roof terrace where we had our breakfast And a little central courtyard with fountain. This guesthouse is tucked in one of the narrow white wash alleyways of the old Medina. The tile and wood works are beautiful. Each doorway is further embellished with ornate plaster archways. The colored windows of the room open up to the glass covered central courtyard. It is in the midst of the souk and yet silent and calm The care taker of the souk is a middle age lady by the name of Fatiha She is pensive collected and extremely kind She has made our stay very special

---