Teach Middle East Magazine May-June 2017 Issue 5 Volume 4 | Page 50

Travel Snapshots

A postcard from

Recently an educator and a close friend of the magazine spent a week in Marrakech . He sent us these wonderful highlights of his journey around this enchanting city of Morocco Marrakech has it all ; it exudes vibrancy . The architecture is amazing ; the food is delectable and the shopping is out of this world . There is enough history to keep traditionalists happy too , but not so much as to be exhausting . If you are in search of an indulgent time in an exotic place this summer , Marrakech may just be the perfect place for you .
�The Souq
How good are you at haggling ? The souqs of Marrakech are not for the faint hearted . Filled with colour and life , you can find just about anything you need there . From fake Louis Vuitton handbags to the most rare of gems , they have it all . But , don ’ t ever accept the first , second or even third price given . Always start your bargaining at fifty per cent or more below the asking price . Stick to your guns and you might just bag a bargain .
�Tajines
Once you have had your first Moroccan stew cooked in a Tajine , you will head straight to the souq to purchase your very own Tajine to take home . A Tajine refers to both the dish and the pot in which the dish is prepared . When you order a Tajine in a restaurant , you are ordering a slow-cooked stew , which is braised at low temperatures resulting in the meat being tender and infused with wonderful aromatic spices and vegetables . The Tajine pot consists of two parts , a base unit and a large cone shaped cover that sits on top .
�Moroccan Shoes
�Moroccan Spices
The secret to the delicious food you will enjoy in Marrakech , is linked to the wonderful spices that are used to add depth and flavour , to Moroccan cooking . A trip to the spice souq is a must . Take a wander through the spice souq and set your senses on fire . The highly sensory experience provides a breadth of aromas from sweet , spicy to smoky . You will be able to take home some of what makes Moroccan cooking so unique . Make sure to grab some cardamom , saffron , cinnamon , turmeric and paprika . These should be enough to keep you going while you experiment with Moroccan cooking when you get home .
Moroccan shoes are colourful . Handmade leather shoes and slippers , which can be found in most souqs in Marrakech . Skilled craftsmen have traditionally handmade these footwear , for generations . Feel like updating your wardrobe ? Why not add a pair of these ?
�Leather Goods
In the deep side streets of Marrakech are hidden workshops , in which skilled artisans create stunning leather goods . From belts and bags to wallets , Moroccan handcrafted leather goods are desired the world over . Take advantage of this opportunity during your trip to visit the leather souq and pick up some unique pieces . Make sure you know what you are buying . Good leather is supposed to get softer and improve with use . Don ’ t forget the bargaining tip given above ; this also applies here . If you get a chance to visit a tannery , then that would be a bonus .
48 | May - Jun 2017 | | Class Time