Written Journal from Tetouan, Morroco - September 17, 2005

I am not sure if it was the maze streets of Fez, the colors o the a red sunstream in Marrekesh, the shades of blues in Chefchauan, the white beamed streets of Rabat, the kind souls in the golden city of Meknes, the or the brilliant colors jetting out from the fish market and bazaar, but whatever it was, I fell in love with the colors, city and people of Morroco.

The sound of a busy baker, tea shop, shoe makers, metal workers, wood carvers, tailors and mechanics filled the air with sounds of a hard working city.
Upon leaving the comforts of our hotel, it was easy to find the source of the hammering, drilling, carving and sewing that was muted from the inside but much alive at street level. The smells of each trade poured out from every open door and welcomed you with fresh cut wood, mint and fresh baked bread put your senses in a frenzy at every corner.

It was hard to decide whether to look at the beatiful men, carriages and women walking down the street or the various food stands. In Merrekesh the orange juice, mint and olive trade is booming. Each food product vendor was lined up side by side in their numbered carriage selling his produce. A tough business, considering their 10 to 20 competitors were lined up next door.

Each souqs were a maze of streets which at times divided the trades, hid peoples home and was a base for their business. It was easier to enter one souq and be mesmerized by the colors of fabric, shoes, copper bathroom fixtures, rod iron products, clothing and then be transfered to the scent of spices brewing in someone's kitchen. It was easy to see how many get lost within the maze and get thrawed in to spend a fortune and then within minutes find themselves behind a heavy wodden door that concealed a garden, fountain and the comforts of home.

Both in spirit and people, Morroco lives on as it did centuries ago where hard work and a trade was the basis of wealth. I could not have picked a better location to spend with a friend and have my four month travel anniversary.

I for one, fell in love with Morroco.