Map-Morocco

Budget-Morocco Trip

Plane fare roundrtrip: $1343.61
Total hotel cost: $643
Total food cost: $85
Cab fares: $98
Tourism/shopping expenses: $106


Total amount spent: $2,273.61 or 18579 dirham.

Day 7

     For my final day in Morocco, I wanted it to go out with a bang. I quickly left for Chefchaouen to walk to the famous blue-painted streets. I learned they were painted by the Jewish refugees in the 1930s. They are still well-maintained and painted a gorgeous sky blue color. It was enchanting to walk through. On my way through I stopped by a Henna decorator in the streets. I had my hands and feet dyed a bright blue like the walls and then had patterns draw on them. I felt silly, but it was really beautiful. Unfortunately, the dyes last 1-2 weeks, so I'd be going back home stained. What a souvenir though. My stay in Cihefchaouen was brief, for I took another taxi ride to Tangier. My first stop was through the Hercules Cave. I took the natural-made trail to the sea, which had a stunning view. I suddenly felt the need to go back into the Moroccan waters one last time before I had to leave. The winter climate brought perfect temperature down on the beach, and the waves were perfect for surfing. After mediocre lessons, I decided to attempt to get into the water. It was lovely, but I tired easily. However, the camel ride on the beach and back to my taxi cab was interesting.

 My final meal in Morocco was Moroccan chickpeas and sweet potatoes (all vegetarian yet again.) apricots and cinnamon oranges followed for desert for a cool. Despite all my eating, I do believe a few pounds were shed from all the walking through this country. I was saddened to leave, but before I knew it I was boarding the airplane back in Rabat straight to Pittsburgh, a whole day flight. I'd return on the 23rd of December, just in time to show everyone my painted feet and new slippers for Christmas. It was an eventful trip.

Day 6

Phew! I practically jumped out of the excruciatingly  long ride to Fes. 242 miles! I wanted to shake my weak legs out, so I quickly scarfed down honey croissant and various fruits with green tea. Onward I went to the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, which has occured for 18 years every winter. I cam at the perfect time, for the weather was lovely and the music was delightful. You could dance in the streets and sacred Moroccan music was played throughout the city. Arab pop and American folk could be heard sometimes and the people talked loudly, but I enjoyed myself regardless. As the crowd carried on I noticed the close mosque not even a mile from where I was. I stolled along until I came across the Andalusian Mosque. Not as brilliant as my first visit to a mosque, but still extravagant. There was a pool in the center of it with optical illusions within it. Very entertaining and passed the time quickly. I walked back through the beautiful Fes with 300 less dirham. My last adventure of the night included venturing into the Souks. Somewhat like a market, but much more glorious. Everything looked like Aladdin, from slippers to jewelry to carpets to genie lamps; I loved it.

Some of the many "magic" carpets sold in the Souks.

 I ended up actually buying a glimmering pair of slippers for 450 dirham, my most expensive purchase yet, but I didn't care. I danced back to Le Palais de Fes, my hotel room, before sliding off my new slippers and going into a deep slumber.

Day 5

As I woke, a certain grogginess hit me. All the running and sight-seeing was certainly taking its toll on me. I decided to travel even farther south to Marrakesh, where I heard the Medina was very healing. After another long taxi ride and fares, I arrived and headed straight for the Hamman Spa. The building was gorgeous, and I didn't even mind the publicness of it all. The hour massage was wonderful and I felt completely rejuvienated afterwards. All the ladies were friendly, but didn't speak much English and my French is poor, so we all smiled and continued on. After that, I decided to grab breakfast. Melon and orange slices with Bissara. Split peas weren't the best choice today, but I enjoyed the relatively cheap food. A calming walk through the Majorelle Gardens soothed my stomach. Afterwards I hit the Djamaa El Fna Square, where I enjoyed snake charmers, story tellers, and even monkey handlers. I paid each 200 dirham. After my fun day, I found another hotel for 250 dirham and settled for my long trip tomorrow.

Beautiful foliage in the Majorelle Gardens

Day 4

Safi, Morocco was my destination as I traveled the 3 hour driving distance. I wanted to work out my restless legs from the ride, so I visited the Kechla, which thrived with culture. The Kechla was a prison until 1990, so it was now open to tourists like me. I unpacked my camera and started snapshotting the many pottery and other ceramics the inmates created back when it was still used. Inspired by the pottery, I soon left the Kechla and walked through the colored streets and into the rolling hills to the Collines des Potiers-also called the potters' quaters. There I was allowed to create my choice of mosaic or tiles. I choice a small plate and decorated a mosaic. Not a beatiful masterpiece like the Moroccans made, but I was proud of it and carefully placed into my bag.

Plates, tiles, and pottery made in Safi. Much prettier than mine.

 The experience left me with dirty hands and short 165 dirham (about 20 dollars.) I cleaned off and continued on. On the menu for lunch was a traditional Harira soup, minus the lamb of course and vermicelli pasta with vegetable consomme. Very different. I finished my day by shopping around the street markets by the Agadir. I ended up buying a few handmade shirts, which were very cheap, around $5 each (Steal!) Night came quickly and I found a small hotel- Golden Tulip Farah Safi Hotel- to rest in for tomorrow's activities.

Day 3

I packed my bags first thing in the morning and headed for Casablanca. It was about an hour drive by small taxi. I paid the 250 dirham fee, then continued through the glorious city for attractions. I was most interested in sight-seeing, and this popular tourist city offered tons of it. I was in the middle of the city, so I headed for the Hassen II Mosque. From the tourist information, this monument was a major highlight in Casablanca, and as arrived near it, I could see why. It was massive. It could possibly have been the largest mosque (I quickly learned that mosques were Muslim places of worship, kind of like churches, but so much more beautiful.) in Africa. Since I was not a Muslim myself, I could only enter on a guided tour. With my luck and terrible timing, none were going on. I could only admire the beautiful mosque from outside, but I quickly picked up a pamplet to read about its history later. I scurried along and since I was already near the shore, the lighthouse in the distance sparked my interest. It turned out to be the El Hank Lighthouse. I was so attracted to Morocco's lovely beaches, so I had to take a view from the top. I soon regretted this idea, for the lighthouse was 45 meters high, and there was quite a few steps to climb. The view from the balcony was worth it though. Oh, how gorgeous Casablanca was! I finished gazing out of of the blue waters and headed towards my next destination as my stomach started to rumble. Good thing my next location was at a bar! Yep, I entered the Casablanca Bar as the pianst just sat down. I ordered a non-alcoholic pina colada and Chili Con Carne (vegetarian of course) for a rough $24. After enjoying my meal, I sat back and enjoyed the cozy atmosphere and show. The evening ended nicely as I exited the bar, and I entered my quiet motel for the night.

The old-time saloon that resembled the movie where I enjoyed my evening.

Day 2

I started my morning by immediately sightseeing and looking for activities to do. I decided to take it easy today, for I was still fatigued from such long flights. A small café in Oudaia caught my eye, so I went inside and ordered traditional Moroccan tea and fresh fruit for 41 dirham. It was an odd  concoction, but sitting outside was nice. The winter here had such a nice climate with warm weather and a beautiful beach in my view. I ended up taking a nice stroll along the coast and even enjoying a small swim when the sun came out. After swimming for the first time in the blue Moroccan waters, I headed for the Oudaia Kasbah, a beautiful historical building. 

Traditional decoration inside the Oudaia Kasbah. Very beautiful place.

There were few tourists, but the guide was nice and the lookout view from its windows was stunning. My next stop was Chellah, which contained many ancient ruins and cemeteries. It was free to look about, and it was very historical. I learned a lot about Morocco's culture from my day of touring. After my relatively calm and quiet day, I headed back to the hotel for another night, hoping that tomorrow promised even more.

Day 1-Morocco

Morocco awaited as I boarded yet another plane in Paris.This was my second layover, the first had been in New York. I had initially started my trip in the Pittsburgh International Airport, and was now finally headed straight towards my destination, Rabat, Morocco. I watched the sky darken from the window seat of my comfortable chair. It was worth the nice class and airline, for such expensive tickets. I paid $1,343 for round-trip, but for only one person! I made up for it with the quaint hotel I found for only 443 dirham (about $54 U.S. dollars) per night. I arrived into Rabat late in the night on December 15^th, but the streets were still lively and beautiful.

I went straight to bed at the Hotel Rabat International, trying to sleep off the jet-lag. I planned to explore the attractions in Rabat the next morning, so I didn’t want to be tired. It was going to be an eventful trip.

M’hencha - Morocco Recipe

Also known as the Almond Snake, it's a traditional and tasty Moroccan dessert.

Ingredients:

Filling:

• 2 cups ground almonds
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon powder
• approx 2 tbs orange blossom water (or enough to make a paste)-artificial vanilla may be substituted.

Pastry:

• 1/2 strudel dough recipe or 1/2 pound phyllo pastry
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• egg wash for glazing (beat 1 egg yolk with 1 tbs water)

Directions:

1. Mix all the filling ingredients and work into a paste with your hands.
2. Roll out strudel dough thinly and cut into 3 inch wide strips (whatever length you can handle).
3. Brush one strip with melted butter. Take lumps of the almond paste and roll into fingers about 3/4 inch thick.
4. Place end to end in a line along the long edge of the dough strip.  Roll the dough sheet over the filling, tucking the ends in to stop the filling from oozing out.
5. Lift the roll carefully with both hands and place in the middle of baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Very gently curve the roll like a coil without tearing the dough. Repeat with the rest of the strips.
6. Brush the top of pastry with egg wash and sprinkle with some ground almonds. Bake in preheated 350F oven for 30 – 40 minutes  until crisp and lightly browned.
7. Serve at room temperature. Sprinkle with cinnamon and powdered sugar if desired.  Cut the pastry like a cake which will give you a piece with varying sizes.
   
   Ta-daaaa. Serve and Enjoy. 

Witness Account-Francis Scott Key

I solemnly gazed out into the night yet again from the ship I was detained on until morning. The battle raged as I watched helplessly while the sky lit up from the rockets being shot back and forth. Slowly the night crawled on as I paced along the side of the “Surprise,” hoping that the billowing smoke would fade soon. It has just been over a day I had been trapped alongside my negotiation party at Fort McHenry, and dawn was surely to be approaching soon.

   Then, just as the thought occurred, the first signs of dawn breaking emerged. I excitedly peered again through the smoke as it began to slowly clear across the Chesapeake Bay. I stared out into the distance looking for any sign of who had just won the battle. That’s when I saw it-an enormous flag flying proudly in the distance. It gleamed across the morning’s first rays. It was the American flag, our flag. It stood tall through the entire bombing and yet survived the perilous fight. Pride swelled through me. Deeply inspired, I hastily grabbed a letter and turned it over. Feverishly I became to write as I heard the faint, triumphant cries and cheers from the Baltimore shore.

Original written copy of the Star-Spangled Banner from Francis Scott Key.

Francis Scott Key

Francis Scott Key was born on August 1, 1779 at his family plantation Terra Rubra in what is now Carroll County, Maryland. He is the son of  Ann Phoebe Penn Dagworthy and John Ross Key. He was a lawyer, author, and amateur poet. He is famously known as the author of our national anthem- The Star Spangled Banner. He also helped with the approval of the national motto “In God is our Trust.” (It was later changed to "In God we Trust" by law.) Francis Scott Key was a very patriotic and religious person. Later in his life, he also was associated with the American Bible Society and was an attorney for many court cases. He died at the age of 63 in 1843 from pleurisy. There are many monuments and memorials dedicated in Key's honor throughout the country.