{"id":1859,"date":"2009-10-06T23:36:45","date_gmt":"2009-10-07T04:36:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=1859"},"modified":"2016-12-17T01:43:56","modified_gmt":"2016-12-17T07:43:56","slug":"through-the-eyes-of-emma-morocco","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2009\/10\/through-the-eyes-of-emma-morocco\/","title":{"rendered":"Through the eyes of Emma: Morocco"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Emma Simmons<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Fes, Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, Essaouira: It all sounded so exotic that I traveled to Morocco<\/strong> <\/a>in an attempt to capture everything I had read and heard about over the years.\u00a0 This country that hugs the northwestern coast of Africa<\/strong> offered even more to the naked eye\u2014and to experience it on the ground gave way to more than any magazine story could convey.<\/p>\n

I traveled by train and private car (a surprisingly cheap and recommended method of transportation) throughout the country, stopping often to explore and photograph the small towns between the big cities. In the 10 days between leaving my apartment in New York and touching back down on U.S. soil, I roamed many souks (markets)<\/strong> tucked inside each city’s medina (ancient quarter)<\/strong>. The souks offered incredible shopping<\/strong> opportunities and even better photographs; the display and color of leather goods and shoes, pyramids of spices in tin cans and beautiful yarn hanging to dry mesmerized me. On a typical day, I would set off with just my camera and get lost in a maze of small shops with Moroccan souvenirs, beautiful fabrics and clothing all for a great bargain.<\/p>\n

In addition to being a photographer I am a self-proclaimed foodie and tea connoisseur. In terms of food and drink Morocco<\/strong><\/a> did not disappoint and is high on my list in comparison to the culinary experiences on previous travels.\u00a0 Moroccans drink sweetened mint tea poured high from a silver teapot like we drink our grande macchiatos and lattes; there is always an endless supply. The smells that waft through the air in the courtyards of the medinas are intoxicating: a combination of various spices like cinnamon, saffron, ginger and paprika, and meats, including lamb and beef, being seared on the grill. Medinas, such as the Jemaa el Fna in Marrakech<\/strong>, offer hundreds of booths that serve local fare, like couscous, tagine and harira.<\/p>\n

Although I cannot share with you the smells and tastes of my adventure, I can show you what I saw and experienced. Below you will find the evidence of my journey<\/strong>\u2014a m\u00e9lange of people, places, colors and textures that offer a window into the lives of the Moroccan <\/strong><\/a>people.<\/p>\n

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Man taking a break inside a medina in Fes<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Morocco<\/p>\n

The fishing village of Essaouira<\/p><\/div>\n

\"The

The spices of Morocco<\/p><\/div>\n

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Rabat, Morocco<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Morocco

The maze of small streets and alleyways in Fes<\/p><\/div>\n

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Women shopping for wedding belts<\/p><\/div>\n

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A typical scene of beautiful leather shoes<\/p><\/div>\n

\"0035\"

Fish stand in the medina in Fes<\/p><\/div>\n

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Essaouira, Morocco<\/p><\/div>\n

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Yarn hanging to dry after being dyed <\/p><\/div>\n

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A break for water<\/p><\/div>\n

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Alleyways of Rabat, Morocco <\/p><\/div>

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Man taking a break on the outskirts of Mekn\u00e9s, driving between Fes and Rabat <\/p><\/div><\/p>\n

\"0870\"

Late afternoon light in the old medina of Marrakech <\/p><\/div>\n

\"03371\"

One of the hundreds of booth at the Jemaa el Fna in Marrakech<\/p><\/div>\n

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Women walking through the medina in Fes<\/p><\/div>\n

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A man stops for a quick snack from the local sweets booths \t<\/p><\/div>\n

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Related Resources:<\/strong><\/p>\n