Experience the Natural Riches of Ouirgane

Some of the most precious sights and breathtaking destinations in Morocco are generally off the beaten path; where modernization and city life has not yet stripped the villages of culture and tradition, and where simple, uncomplicated lives have created a peaceful and tranquil lifestyle. Of course nothing stays a secret forever, and one of these secrets of natural splendor lies a mere ninety minutes outside the city of Marrakech. It is the village of Ouirgane and its surrounding landscapes.

Shopping in Morocco

In order to take full advantage of your time in Morocco, you’ll have to prepare yourself for what has truly become the art of shopping. When shopping in the country’s busiest market streets of Fez or Marrakesh, in your arsenal you should have the following: an idea of what you are looking for, a set price range, and a sure method of payment.

Couscous, Morocco’s Tasty Secret

Couscous, also spelled cous cous or cous-cous, is perhaps the only food that most people associate with Morocco. Indeed, couscous is a staple of not only Moroccan cuisine, but most of the Maghreb (northwest Africa, essentially Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya). Couscous is a food with a long history and it has become a part of various cuisines as its use has spread beyond the Maghreb. Couscous was brought to America mainly by Sicilian immigrants who shared in the Italian islands Arabic heritage.

Keeping stomach bugs at bay on the road in Morocco

Before the overland truck filled with tourists continued barreling through Morocco and on its way to Ghana, the driver and guide of the tour revealed that it seemed that their crew got sick in Morocco almost more often than anywhere else in Africa. What they were talking about was Montezuma’s revenge – a nice way of saying traveler’s diarrhea.

Tanneries of Fez - Leather Goods Just Like Mom Used to Make

One of the highlights of a recent trip to Morocco was a visit to the infamous tanneries of Fez. If Morocco is famous for its leather goods, it owes its reputation to the young men who -- day after day -- selflessly work in tanneries like this one, using the same methods today that were used centuries before. It is an experience for the senses (especially the sense of smell) and one that should not be missed!

Reams of cow hide are treated in huge vats of dyes – whose main active ingredient just happens to be pigeon droppings. To say it's a strong smell is an understatement. As fascinating as this process is, this trip is not for the faint of heart or stomach! What's even more impressive, are the young craftsmen who repeatedly hop into these vats of colored dye and guano as they saturate the cow hide before taking out the leather and spreading it out on the flat rooftops nearby.