Feature | Branislav Bieleny | Making Waves in Morocco
it was made clear to us that certain things were
Or entertainers using the chain as a leash for their
also taboo. Alcohol was a “no, no” though... I
cheeky little monkey whose mission it was to
must say that it was available for us whenever
please the crowds with acrobatic stunts.
we wanted. Locals know how to make business
and westerners were easily able to get “anything”
We also had the opportunity to appreciate the
that came to mind – depending on their wallets, of
culinary chefs of this small Moroccan village,
course – and surely at exorbitant prices.
especially the ones cooking up on the market
street. We tried almost everything that was
This classic Moroccan surf village had everything
possible to eat and digest there. The most popular
that one requires. Arabic markets, cosy restaurants
and widely eaten dish is the “tajine”, named after
with local specialities, street traders wearing folk
the earthenware pot in which it is cooked. An
costumes and of course, spectacular surf shops.
assortment of vegetables and camel meat are
After the daily morning dose of wave-riding on the
slowly cooked in a ceramic container fitted with
Atlantic, we would then spend the rest of the day
a cone-shaped blanket made from the same
exploring more of this magnificent place. A cup
material with holes on the top. It soon became a
of strong Arabic coffee on the terrace as a starter
familiar and frequent scene to see this traditional
was then followed by a wander through narrow
food being prepared on an open fire directly out
lanes and covered bazaars fit to bursting with
on the streets. We came to the conclusion that
aromatic food stands, mosques, craft workshops
Moroccan people enjoy the outdoors and basically
and an endless parade of extraordinary people.
everything is happening ‘out there’ in the open,
Old and new constantly collide. A man on a wagon
chatting about life while having a smoke using a
pulled by two mules sits talking on a cell phone.
pipe and local tobacco.
The Travellist | Issue 3 | July 2015 p14