O ur plane crossed the blue waters separating the continents of Europe from Africa . I looked down from my airplane window , remembering the moment I stood at The Last Point in Europe or the Europa Point in Gibraltar , where the waters of the Mediterranean Sea meet the waters of the Atlantic Ocean . I remembered standing at the Europa Point , marked by a red and white light house and looked across the haze towards Africa , and the mighty Atlas Mountains .
I saw earthen colored peaks below , I knew we had reachedAfrica , flying over the beautiful and unique red hued Atlas Mountains . I had seen nothing like it in my life . Although I have flown over the Himalayas , the Andes , the Rocky Mountains , the Alps , but nothing had prepared me for the amazing sight below . The High Atlas Range rise in the west of the Atlantic Ocean stretching all the way to Algeria and Tunisia .
We landed in Marrakech , the red city , amidst colors and sounds that were new to me . I savored the colors and sounds of Africa as I set foot on my sixth continent . As we drove down from the airport to our
Riad in the old city , I couldn ’ t take my eyes off the streets and the array of colors rushing by . We saw men and women wearing striking djellabas , colorful robes with hoods and displays of lamps , silver tea pots and trays , textiles and carpets . I felt like a child in a candy shop . I could hardly wait to arrive at the Riad and go out to explore this amazing city of colors .
Morocco is endowed with a rich culture and tradition . There is so much to see and explore . Even though our trip was brief , these are a few places that caught my eye .
10 THINGS TO DO
IN MOROCCO
BY NILOFAR BAWA
1
BEN YOUSAF MEDERSA
Founded by the Merenid Sultan
Abou el Hassan in the 14th century , this ancient school of theology housed scholars to memorize the Holy Quran and learn theology . Its tiny dormitories above the central courtyard used to house hundreds of students . The beautiful architecture , the large central courtyard , the exquisite stucco work , the colorful tiles , the fine wood railings and the inner courtyards rimmed with fine wood railings reminded me of the beautiful Alhambra Palace in Andalusia . Like in Alhambra , Arabic inscriptions run throughout the Medersa , most common is the Bismillah Invocation , “ In the name of God , the compassionate , the merciful .” As I leave I glance up and note another inscription over the doorway , “ You who enter my door , may your highest hopes be exceeded ”. I silently respond , Amen , as I step out into the narrow street of the Medina .
2
LAZAMA SYNAGOGUE
Unknown to many , Marrakech has a strong Jewish heritage and community . During the Inquisition following the Reconquista , many Jews fled Europe and saught refuge in Morocco . Walking through the narrow streets of the Mellah quarter of the Marrakech Medina we arrive at the Lazama Synagogue . The blue and white architecture and colors of the synagogue stands out . A small garden in the courtyard offers a sense of peace as we hear the whispering of prayers taking place in the blue carpeted prayer hall . The original synagogue is said to have been built around 1492 . There is a Jewish cemetery we could not visit due to shortage of time . The synagogue offers a glimpse into Jewish culture and life in Morocco .
3
KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE
Named after a nearby book market , the Koutoubia Mosque stands tall , the beautiful minaret rising to 70m , dominating its surrounding Djemaa el Fna Square . Famed for its magnificent minaret that influenced the La Giralda in Seville and Moroccan architecture in general is the oldest minaret of the three great Al Mohad minarets remaining in the world . It served as a model for the Giralda in Spain . The mosque is surrounded by a hub of activities during the day and at night when the lights of the minaret shine bright .
4
EL BAHIA PALACE MARRAKECH
El Bahia Palace lives by its name meaning Brilliance . Comprising of walled gardens , orange , cypress , jasmine and banana trees , the palace is a glimpse into Morocco ’ s opulent past . Situated at the Northern edge of Mellah , the Jewish quarter , the building stands out in beauty and elegance , incorporating intricate stucco work and mosaic . Ceramic tiles decorate the rooms . We walked the length of the garden path , admiring the fine architecture and the beautiful fountain , where we stopped to take pictures .
5
THE GREEN PHARMACY
A traditional Berber pharmacy seemed to have a remedy for everything including common cold and baldness . It ’ s a good spot to buy gifts , especially the world famous Argan oil . We were given a private demonstration about the various oils and herbs traditionally used in Morocco and the Maghreb . Everyone
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