On the Road in Morocco -- March 11th - 14th

Friday, we drove to the city of Marrakesh. Marrakesh is city that is well known as a trading center throughout history. The first place that we went to was the city square, where there is a huge open air market. We found out that the square was once known as the "square of death," since at one time public executions were held there and up to 45 people a day might be beheaded and their heads would be displayed on the city gates to deter anyone else that was thinking of committing a crime. Fortunately, those days are long gone, and the market had merchants welling everything from fresh vegetables, meat and spices to souvenirs. We also saw the city wall, which protected the city. If you see a picture of the wall, you will notice holes in the wall. Can you guess the purpose of the holes? We wondered, too, and found out that they were there to allow the wall to contract and expand without cracking. It was raining, so we went to the home we were staying at for the night. There was no internet, so I am posting this a few days late.

One of the most interesting things about shopping in Morocco is that some of the shops will allow their customers to bargain. We were all looking for great deals, and the merchants were trying to make money, so it is really a game of strategy between buyer and seller. I was looking for a bowl to bring home to my wife, and traditional Moroccan clothing for my daughter. One thing that was really important was to get things that were traditional Moroccan items, not just keychains or I love Morocco t-shirts (although I have nothing against those things). Let's just say that I found what I was looking for, and a lot more. I thought I got a great deal, and the merchants all seemed to be smiling, too. It was fun, and now I have to figure out how to get it all home!

One of the things that is most interesting about Morocco is the importance of hospitality. Our hosts will not let us do anything! We are served first at meals, and instead of staying at hotels we have been invited into peoples' homes. Everyone is interested in what we think about Morocco, and they always tell us how open and accepting the Moroccan people are. We certainly agree! Hospitality is something that we can do even if there are no guests in our homes. Are you hospitable to new students transfering to our school, or new neighbors who move near you? How about subsitute teachers, who are guests at our school? Being a good host is an ancient custom, when travelers had to trust their lives to their hosts, and not only makes the guest feel good, but the host as well. Ms. Skarsten and I are thinking of a way to thank our hosts for this hospitality. How do you think that we can be as good a guest as our hosts have been good hosts? If you have been reading, maybe you would like to post an idea.

Marrakesh is more than an ancient city. There are modern shopping malls, and the city has a film festival and other art activities. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Do you know other world heritage sites? How could you find them? Have you ever been to one?

More posts coming soon about our day in Rabat, the capital city of Morocco. Stay tuned!