Bye for now, but l shall return.

This seems so strange to write my last posting about Marrakech. There is still so much to say, so many pictures to post…but maybe less is more. I hope that this makes you interested in taking your own adventure. Maybe you can make your dream come true.

Oh…are you wondering about the band?? Well, they ROCKED!!! The artist ‘we’ were with was fabulous and such a joy to be around. It was cool to be there show night with the Queen of Morocco (she’s a big fan), and to watch her rock in the front row. I’m sure there was tons of security, but they just mixed in the crowd around her and the royal cousins. She is very nice and truly beautiful.

As we closed down this show, we gave Nejoua, our ever present and hardworking guide an autographed photo from our celebrity. She cried. It may have been because she realized that it was over and she could finally get some sleep or because she was truly moved by this small act of kindness. It made me think about the kids here.

The US is a country where it's “what can you do for me??” In Morocco, it was more “there is nothing nor problem that we won’t take care of for you.” It’s easy to get spoiled by people who actually like what they do, and a simple “thank you” is worth its weight in gold. It’s easy to get wrapped up in a culture that makes you feel welcome.

I loved my time in this magical country, and I will return. I will remain in touch with my new friends and hope to see them again. While I probably won’t stay at the Rabat Hilton (sorry…the bed was just too hard for this princess ☺), I will come back to Morocco. It is truly a country filled with sun, beauty, history, culture, people and of course, it’s mint tea.

Se’hha Morocco! (Thank you in Arabic)

Souks to the Left of me...continued...

We continued our adventure by calling Sied's friend Abdallah. Abdallah was very handsome, and spoke PERFECT English. It seems that Sied had been trying to call him several times during our trip so Abdallah could translate for us. When he finally picked up his messages, Sied and I were just entering Aguedal Gardens.

This approx 3 mile garden contains some of the most beautiful orchards that have lemon, orange, apricot and olive trees. What makes this space extra special are the pool and pavilion named Menara Imperial. On a very clear day, you can see the snow capped peaks of the High Atlas mountains. Our day was hazy and need I repeat…hot?! I don’t think these pictures do them justice, but I did try.

After our visit, we went into town because Abdallah was hungry after a late night so we went for pizza. Let me explain, Abdallah is a movie set producer (he helped design the sets on several movies including Gladiator, Troy, and a few others I forget now), so they were finishing up a shoot that went very late last night. That’s why he didn’t retrieve his phone messages until almost 15:00 (3:00pm). While I was getting better with Sied, I was glad to have him here. Having an easier way to communicate was...great and chatted up while he ate seafood pizza. Very thin crust, and not like anything I’ve ever had before. I had a cappuccino (needed the rush) and while the boys sat and talked, I walked around and took more photos. I told you, I like a good adventure and am rarely scared to wander off and often to my own beat.

The architecture is so beautiful, and I’m drawn to the windows/doors. What am I saying? Everything is so beautiful. I am really glad I came to Marrakesh…and know that as the sun is beginning to get lower, and the breeze cooler that it will soon be time to go. Sure enough, we drop Abdallah off at his apartment and Sied and I head back to Rabat. I know the moment we get on the interstate that I will come back. Have you ever dreamed of going somewhere only when you finally get there, you are disappointed? This is not this country. There is a pull from this magical place. I’ve dreamed of Marrakesh for 4 years, and it was beyond my every dream and imagination. Believe me, I have a pretty good imagination ☺

We are about 8 miles away from the hotel when Sied gets a phone call. It’s the hotel just checking in to make sure that everything is ok. How’s that for service?? Of course it’s almost 20:30 (9:30pm) and I’ve been gone since early this morning. The concierge knew how excited I was so he was just checking to make sure there were no problems. I give the Hilton Rabat an A+ for caring about their customers.

After showing my goodies to everyone, and basking in their jealousy that I was able to go while they were in rehearsals, I grabbed a quick night snack, some tea, and off to bed for me. Today was a perfect day.

Souks to the Left of me...Souks to the Right of me...

With so many things to look at, it takes your eyes several moments to take it all in.










Then you think....Where do I begin?

There is so much beauty everywhere yet the market is just as it was described. Stalls of dried figs, dates, apricots, nuts and grapes. There were the snake charmers (did you know that because of the extreme heat, that’s why the snakes seems to dance? It’s like they are coming out of their heat-coma.), and my friend the camels.

Now…those of you know I can probably carry a tune in a bag if I try. Sied and I happened upon some friends who had the most beautiful eyes, but I kept my distance because they have been known to spit. While that is considered good luck...something about Camel spit on my clothes in the hot sun for 7 hrs....NOT appealing. I did convince one of them that I was there for the concert and when I sang to my friend, and he sang back. WAY COOL!!!

The main route into the souks is…just as close as what catches your eye. For me, it was the Souk des Babouches. This is where I found the most amazing Camel skinned shoes, as well as a pair of pink and tan shoes that are amazing. Hmmmm how do I describe them…Slip-ons, and the pointy-toe that curls up. I feel just like a real Moroccan woman. Frankly, there are stalls after stalls of these shoes (babouches). Some are better quality, some are plastic, leather, or skin from an animal. You really just have to find a stall that catches your eye and bargain like crazy.

Let me say that the first stall I went into had the most amazing babouches in pony skin. They were fabulous. So you’re thinkin’…she purchased several pair right? WRONG! Why, because he wouldn’t bargain beyond 800 Dirham. Sied tried his best to get him to go lower, but he wouldn’t, so I said “Thank you”, and we left. About 100yards away was another stall that also had animal skin shoes. They weren’t pony, instead they were camel. “OK, these will do nicely.” I thought. He also had the pink and several in silk. I checked the quality of the shoes and after some bargaining (believe me it’s a ritual and Moroccan custom, so I wasn’t taking advantage – honest!!), I was happy with giving him 800 Dirham for both pair. It was my first time bargaining and I was pretty proud of myself.

With shoes in hand, we then went to Souk des Tapis. This was once an auction area for slaves but now there are colorful carpets, blankets and rugs. There is also a tons of furniture all well made, and some were dyed right in front of me. Personally, I loved the naked wood, but realize that the colors are what make it Moroccan. Here I found 2 silk blankets – big enough for a King sized bed. One in red/orange/sunset-yellow this one for me, and another that has varying shades of earth tones for my mom/dad.

As Sied and I often jumping to the side to avoid the random person on a scooter or bike that was riding through the narrow passageways. It was amazing because you were never really sure where you would end up. This is where Sied’s Arabic came in handy. He would ask directions and soon we would be off on a new adventure.

I will say that there is a “Souk” for everything: spices, pottery, brass lanterns, jewelry, leather, metalwork, and just about anything else you can imagine. 3.5hrs, 2 traditional kaftans, 2 blankets, 3 pair of shoes, several key chains later, Sied and I were ready for lunch. Actually I was just ready to sit. Poor Sied, as you see he was carrying my bag. Yes if you ever get a man to carry your purchases, let him.

We decided to forgo the ‘touristy’ places for lunch and go deep within the souks for ‘local’ food. Now that I think of it, I don’t remember the name of the restaurant; I can’t tell you how to get there. What I can tell you is that the Lemon Chicken with couscous and olives was the best I’ve ever had. It was cooked in a Tajines and that’s the way it was served. Since Sied was so kind in lugging my purchases, I bought him lunch. The two of us ate and drank coke until we were full for a grand total of, $8.00US.

Exhausted and battling the heat, we headed to the car because there was still a lot of Marrakesh to see. I do believe the highest compliment I received, I bargaining like a true Moroccan woman.

Rock the Kasbah….

I will confess something to you…don’t tell anyone!! I’ve been dealing with some pretty heavy-duty health issues the last 2 years. It’s been emotionally, physically, and mentally draining to say the least. (Believe me that’s another blog). In any case, this is my first time venturing so far away. Being with ‘the band’ is safe…we’re all together and it’s cool. Being safe - never something I cared to do. I like to be totally saturated in the culture and vibe of every country I visit. I want to eat where the 'local's' eat. That for me is a true visit to a country. So today while the band was in rehearsals, I decided to hire a driver and head to Marrakesh and Medina for the day. Little did I know what an adventure this would be.

Before the sun rose at 06:15, I was already awake and packing my day bag of goodies. Since this was going to be a 3 hr (yes it’s 3 hrs via car from Rabat – train with it’s constant delays longer and a flight, way too expensive), I wanted to make sure I had enough money and snacks. For me snacks came in the form of an energy bar and M&Ms. I went to breakfast fueled up on fruit and of course, mint tea. I watched the sun rise over the gardens and the flowers begin to open; welcoming the warmth and the beginning of yet another beautiful day. At 07:30 I went to the front desk where a breathless young man was asking the concierge to ring room 423. I said 'I’m room 423'. He apologized for being late (it was 07:31). I told him to rest a moment, I was going to get my things from the room and we could leave.

With day bag (stylishly matching my tunic – yes Sex and The City taught me to always match…then again so did mom ☺) and a bottle of water to prevent dehydration, we got into "My Mercedes" and sped toward the highway.

I will tell you, if this is how the other life lives…please sign me up!!

Having a driver who spoke very little English, and my French wasn’t beyond the very basics, Sied (pronounced Sigh-ed) and I got along fantastically. How? Pointing, pictures from the guidebook, and hand gestures. His first stop about 1.5 hr into our drive and just on the outskirts of Casablanca was to stop at a supermarket/mall for water.

It will surprise you that their idea of a mall is equivalent to…hmmm, Sams Club, IKEA, Wal-Mart (without the walls). LARGE, but sparse. It made me realize just how much stuff we have here in the US, and how much of it we really need. It was really like walking into a supermarket and then once you went past the checkout there were other shops ie shoe stores, a place for calling cards, and McDonalds. It’s true there are McDonalds everywhere. I did check, but didn’t find a Starbucks anywhere. Remember this is TEA country.

We drove for hours, but the time flew by. I enjoyed every moment of the desert and seeing the occasional mountain formation and/or village. Sied said that there are certain tribes that continue to live very much the old fashion way – living off the land, and never venturing into the nearest town. They are pretty self-contained, and have lived this way for generations. I was truly moved to tears at the simplicity and beauty of these people. Don’t get me wrong, I love the USA, but to realize that in a country that has so much, and still complains so much, I was humbled.

We finally arrive in Marrakesh and my mouth dropped open. How do I explain this. It’s a city contained in another city. The main thoroughfare can compete with Park Avenue, Rodeo Drive, or any major shopping street in the world; above is a picture of where we drove before we got to the main marketplace 'The Souks of Marrakesh' or better known as 'Place Jemma el-Fna' (pronounced “j maf na”). This walled royal domain stretches from the Ben Youssef Mosque in the north to the Souk Smarine in the south. It is huge approx 5 square miles (my best guess). Here there are several touristy things: snake charmers, trained monkeys, Fortune Tellers Orange Juice and Dried Fruit stall, and my favorite the Water Sellers (known as gerrab - see photo left). Because of the intense heat of the square these water sellers are easy to spot. They are colorfully dressed with tassel-fringed hats, ringing a copper bell. I learned that there are 2 cups – one brass is exclusively for Muslims, while the white-metal cups are for everyone else. I passed on the drink, but did snap the photo.

I was told that at night this market comes alive with entertainers of all kinds. Because it is 3 hrs back to the hotel in Rabat, and sunset won’t be until after 7:30pm (19:30) I know that I won’t be able to take part. I am a woman on a mission, a woman that won't be stopped!

So what does one do in Jemma El Fna? SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP…and I almost did, and took Sied with me. ☺

Rock First…Morocco Second…

This is our first ‘official’ full day in Morocco, and I still feel as if I’m dreaming. I wake up before the sunrises, and can tell you that the sky is a fuchsia pink with golden highlights. From our 5th floor balcony I can see the workers watering the flowers and notice that the fountain is in the shape of the Moroccan Star. How fitting.

I get dressed and head downstairs. As one of the first for breakfast, I see a few of my group of merry-men already eating and I join them. My thoughts were to have a traditional Moroccan breakfast, so I begin with fruit and of course fresh orange juice. The doors are open so a bird or 2 are flying around. Singing happy little song, searching for breadcrumbs. I will tell you, if you are on the Atkins diet, and swear off carbohydrates…this is NOT the country for you. Bread, beautiful loaves, sweet fragrant and honey tasting loaves are everywhere. It is a ‘sin’ almost not to accept them. Seeing that bread and Mint tea are a source of ‘family’ and welcoming, I happily accept them over and over again. Hey no diet’s here, at least not this week.

The entire group gathers and laughter quickly fills the dining area. Stories of their latest gigs’ (shows), and plans for shopping after rehearsal are the focal points of conversation. I’m thrilled that the guys are just as interested in shopping as the girls. What warms my heart more, is the guys are thinking of their wives/girlfriends/significant others and their children. “What would they like?” “How many (bags, shoes, outfits) should I bring back?” This is a good group, I love being with them.

I wish my BFF could share this with me.

After breakfast we get on two buses and motor to the venue for the first day of rehearsal. I volunteer to pick up one of the members of the group that was staying at another hotel. Frankly, I was being nosy. I wanted to see more of Morocco and since his hotel was in Casablanca, it was a perfect opportunity to see more of the country.

Again, I borrowed the bands driver Omar who was more than happy to point out areas of interest, and allow me to jump out of the car to take photos when ever something beautiful appeared. The problem is that there was beauty everywhere. I wonder if the people of Morocco see it – appreciate it – drink it in as I am? It’s like people come to NY and say, “There’s so much to see and do. How do you do it all?” I often shrug and simply say “I live here, so I see it all the time.” This trip has made me appreciate the city that I live in, and makes me want to do something cheesy and take a tour around Manhattan like a tourist. To see my city, the city I love through fresh eyes.


Not to drag out so much, Casablanca is beautiful yet different from Rabat. The agriculture is white, and reminds me of Greece. The highlight was seeing the (or at least 1 of) Royal residence of His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, and Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem. IT IS MASSIVE, and no pictures were allowed. I think even if they were, I was so busy being floored by the majesty of it all; I would have missed the shot. It was equivalent to 2.5 miles in length and surrounded by fences, guards, flowers and trees. I can only imagine how deep the residence is. As we drove by my mouth was open almost the entire length of the property, and all I could say was “OH MY GOD, This is AMAZING!” Omar laughed.

After several run-through of songs the day was over, and fun began. Because the festival was on going for 9 days, some of the guys went to see some of the performances. The rest of the group went shopping, eating, and then in for the night.

Tomorrow after all, is another day.

The Rhythm is gonna get you!!!

There is so much to say about this trip, I'm going to try to keep it in some sort of order. I'll also ask you to forgive me if I don't.

We (the group of us) boarded the plane on Tuesday headed to Rabat Morocco which is the northern most tip of Morocco. Why there? They were (and I just tagged along) invited to participate at the International Music Festival of Rabat “MAWAZINE, World Rhythms”. This was a free (do you hear that America - FREE) concert that had some amazing performers. Over the 9 nights, Modern Arab musicians took part in the show, including Lebanese nationals Nancy Ajram and Diana Haddad, Egyptian Amr Diabe, and Tunisian Saber Rubai among others. [Please click the link above for "Mawazine, World Rhythms" to see the official program and all who attended]

This seventh edition of the festival that has the ambition of being a harmonious mixture of tradition and modernity has laid down a substantial and “heterogeneous” program where jazz and gypsy colors will be combined with a strong presence of salsa, Brazilian pop music, afro-beat, reggae, hip-hop and gnawa. There were also some amazing world artists over the 9 days: George Benson, Ziggy Marley, Gocco, Christina Bronco, Al deMeola, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and the show stopping Ms. Whitney Houston. More about that later.

So given 'life', it took me a bit to decide if I was going to make this trip. So much so, that the flight was Tues and I got my ticket 2 days before. Once I purchased it, I realized that there were some fears that I would quickly have to get over. You know the normal...'Can I afford this?' Will I be ok traveling to a country where my French is horrible and my Arabic non-existent beyond hello?" "What will I do while my friends are working and I'm left to fend for myself?" Well, in all honesty the last one didn't matter, because I'm a world traveler, and like Indiana Jones, I can both get myself in and out of trouble with ease. Besides, this is one of my dream trips. This is the county I have hanging on my wall as "Places I dream to visit one day". Well now that day is here!! I've done my on-line research. I've mapped my route. I know and respect the Islamic customs, and plan to be respectful in my dress. This is one of the places where all my tunics will come in handy. I have enough money because this seems to be the only place in the entire world where the dollar is 1:7. I'll be fine.

You know how I know I'll be fine...My parents (who I love dearly) didn't say "be careful". Instead they said "Have Fun". That's exactly what I did.

After an early AM job interview (yes I had an interview at 10am and had to be at the airport by 3pm) I rushed home, put on my traveling clothes and headed to the airport. There was a mix of excitement and nervousness as well. OH...let me take a step back. This is the first 'real' trip I've taken w/o my best sister-friend April. We usually go places together and have more fun than the law allows, and create more memories than most people have in 2 lifetimes. This time, she couldn't go. She had just spend 5 months sailing around the Caribbean, and had some personal work that the needed to attend to. Will I miss her - of course. She is my road-dog (my partner to have fun and as girls, we giggle a LOT when we're together, and also have those sacred moments where we share some of our deepest thoughts/feelings), but I'll bring her something nice. Maybe we can't go together now, but we will. :-) I'm sure April and I will have several different types of adventures in the very near future.

Because this trip is being sponsored by Royal Air Moroc, we have 'the good seats'. Business Class all the way!! Their Business class room at JFK was nice, the people were friendly and they were expecting us so that made things even easier. As the members of the group filtered we 'set up camp' on the upper level, and the round of Hello's and jokes began. I've traveled with this group before, and let me tell you. They are some of the nicest, sweetest, smartest, warm, caring and talented group of people on the planet. I love being with them, and love them more for allowing me to be a part of 'the group'. Some had just flown in from LA or Chicago, others were more local, but everyone was doing the last min email check, and some of the girls were doing the last minute mani/pedicures. Hey, we are girls after all.

Once we did the last guitar and computer check (making sure not equipment is left behind) we all headed to the gate. As we began to board the flight, it was becoming really-real for me. I'm going to Morocco, I'm going to see Casablanca and Marrakesh. I'm going to the Kasbah. They are all within my reach. This is CRAZY!!! Everything thing that had weighted me down, work, medical issues, and even my upcoming surgery 2 days after we return...vanished. Nothing mattered more than living this dream and being with these people.

We begin food service (which I should have taken a picture of - sorry), which was beautifully presented. I had the lamb and coucussus, wine (yes there is wine and beer in Morocco-mostly for the tourists I think. It's really not bad!!) dessert, and then began to settle myself for the 6 hrs flight. It's shorter in time than going to London, but still it's been a crazy exciting day, and tomorrow, I'll be on the mother continent. I want to remember every color, every texture, every shape and smell. I've always wanted to go to Morocco, and now it's almost here. The moon is so close I can touch it. It is welcoming us. It is singing to me. It is purely magical, and I'm ready to be on this carpet ride.

Good Night!!

Here comes the sun...and orange juice

My first hours in Morocco and as the airplane begins to make it's initial descent, it occurs to me that I'm in Africa. I can tell by the shape of the hump of the island and the water - exactly where we are in the map. I take my camera out and start taking pictures. As you see, if you didn't know you were in Africa, the terrain looks like middle-farmland USA. The excitement for me is at a fervor pitch, and I look around at the people I'm with who think...another day, another gig. No, not really, they are equally as excited being in such a magnificent place. After the last of the breakfast trays are picked up, and the final bathroom run, we begin to descend. We are flying over barren land, farms, and there she is...coming into view...Casablanca.

'Here's lookin' at you sweetheart' - the famous line from Humphrey Bogart's Casablanca comes to mind. It's the same airport where Boggie and Hepburn said their final goodbye. Funny thing....it still looks the same - basically. They haven't done much to expand the airport in size. I will say that they are supper efficient. We land at 7:15am, and while we have to take a shuttle bus to the gate, the bags are just coming off the belt as we arrive. Would love to see that JUST ONCE at JFK airport.

At 7:30 our guide Nejoua a beautiful young woman, fair-skinned, whose eyes are rimed with Kohl, and dark curly hair is pulled back into a ponytail. She is striking!! Yes, the guys begin to droll... She tells us that she is assigned particularly to our group, and will be with us 24/7 to assure comfort and any need. My first impression is "this is her first gig and she's scared like crazy". This happens to be true. This is her first large music tour, and yes she is nervous, but I assure you by day 2, she has it under control and has gained the respect of everyone.

We load up, move out, and fall asleep in the 45 min drive from Casablanca to Rabat. Once we pull into the hotel - a Hilton (bet Paris never slept here!!), we are pretty easily checked in, and told that breakfast was waiting for us. What made it better is that because of the concert the 3 meals of the day are paid for - so EAT UP!!

Settling into our room, I just wash my face, get my camera and start to move. The hotel is very beautiful, with every touch Moroccan. My only complaint…the bed is H-A-R-D. I mean really hard!! There is no getting around it, and at the end of the day I just may be too tired to notice.

The lobby the over sized waiting area, and the shops all tailored to the tourist who might not get into town (read: they mark up their prices 400% but still make it look like it's a bargain), but also there are security all over. Not that this isn't a secure place, it's just their security stick out like a sore thumb. You can definitely tell - so much for undercover.

After checking out the grounds and eating breakfast, we all pile into the vans and proceed to the venue for an initial look/sound check. This is a day off so it's done quickly and then we head to the markets. I will say that the property is beautiful with amazing flowers, trees, and oranges everywhere. You need a fresh orange - just pick one. Its fragrant, and yet smells of incense everywhere.

Cue Music. If you've ever thought of snake charmers, and belly-dancers, and people calling you to check out their stalls....not here!! That’s Marrakech…this is Rabat.

Instead, there are stalls, after stalls, after hidden stares to different stalls everywhere. There are the most beautiful handmade rugs, and leather bags. There are traditional tiles and the doors…OH THE DOORS. Now I know some of you don’t find this kind of thing interesting, but for me photographically, these doors and tile work were so incredible beautiful, it could make you cry. When you think of the time, effort and ability it takes to create these, it’s breathtaking.

With Nejoua we get our first lesson in bargaining. I don’t think I bought anything the first day – I just wanted to get the feel of things. I was also way to tired to do the conversion of Dirhamas to dollar in my head. I did learn that you never say yes to the first price, you can use shoulder shrugs, and noooo's, and you can set your own price...pretty much. More about this later.

After a long day of flying, seeing the venue, going to the market, we headed back to the hotel and settled down for the night. There were cigars and amaretto, plenty of Mint Tea, and the kind of laughter that tells you the person telling the joke is tired, but trying to adjust to the time changes so just a bit longer….

We finally settled in for the night, cuz tomorrow will be the first rehearsal, and it’s back to work.

Morocco is Magical

Yup...I've been away for a week, and while I have tons to share let these pictures speak for me for a bit longer.

Come Fly with me, Come fly...let's fly away....

Well I would normally look through the paper and find something to write about, but this week...nope!! I'm tired of the normal "Who shot who"; "What??!? Are we really in a recession?"; and my favorite this week "Politics" ARGH!!!

I was going to write about the California Supreme Court overturning the lower court ruling on Gay Marriage, but I'm going to hold off for a bit. Not because I don't think it's great - I really do - but I just want to see if the US Supreme court will throw their 2 cents into the mix. I realize that the courts don't like interfering with the state courts decisions, but this has been such a hot bed issue for such a long time. Frankly, I have a dear friend who is totally beyond in love with his partner, and I can't wait until they can be married. Will they hop to Cali - I don't know. I think that they would hope that the NYS Supreme Court would follow suit. That they could be married with their friends/family around them in the state where they live. I do know that if they do decide to do it...I'll be there with them, to support and celebrate their love. I love a good party :-)

Next week, I'm heading on an adventure. It's been a long time since I've really had any fun, and am desperate to have some. Normally I travel with my BFF, but she's just recovering from 4 months of sailing (I know...tough life :-)) and taking it easy. Where am I going...a surprise...BUT... I will have great pictures, and amazing stories to share when I return.

So that's it for this week. Sorry nothing exciting to blog about.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Some people are very lucky to be born into families that everyone likes. I'm one of those people. I'm really lucky to have two great parents. However, today it's all about MOM.

You're the best mother a child could ever have.
You console me when something is wrong, and
You always know when something happened or something is going on.
You cheer me up when I lose.
You make me laugh when I win.
You turn the moon into the sun, and always tell me that life has just begun.
You support me always and hold me up tall.
With you at my side, I know I'll never fall.
You have made my life easier in every way,
I dedicate this to you on this Mother's Day.

Love You Mommy!!!!