INFORMATION OF MOROCCO Sergi Reboredo access to Morocco
At first the inhabitants of the region had subsisted on agricultural activities like growing almond, argan, palm trees, wheat and barley, but the limited benefit they brought many people to emigrate in search of a better future. Today the picture is somewhat more encouraging since tourism has increased considerably making the local economy begins to recover slowly. The Berbers, and buildings. The Berbers make up 40% of the population of Morocco. Their language is Berber, a branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family and comprises 300 dialects closely related. This is mainly a spoken language since it is rarely used to write. Typical Berber constructions built with mud bricks and flat roofs have changed little over the centuries. The homes, located in the Atlas Mountains, rising to a height of three or four plants depending on the number of people making up the family.
     
These buildings, despite its fragile appearance, have stood for many centuries, having gone through hardships of all kinds, epidemics, famine, enemy attacks ... During these periods some families abandoned villages to take refuge in the mountains and reoccupy their homes in more lenient times. In the center of the village are several shops run by berebers and filled many somarruecouvenirs, antiques, art, clothing and all a wide range of handmade objects. One of these stores is La Maison Touareg, which is near the souk, and it can find plenty of rugs for every budget. In the center of the village are several shops run by berebers and filled many souvenirs, antiques, art, clothing and all a wide range of handmade objects. One of these stores is La Maison Touareg, which is near the souk, and it can find plenty of rugs for every budget. The market of the city center is the best place to buy typical leather slippers. No typically cost 60 dirhams, and their colors are yellow and red pair men for women. In stores Souk women gather in the morning to sell their goods, among which olive oil and Argan, spices, clothing, fruits, vegetables and cheeses.
     
Tafraoute. Geography The quiet town of Tafraoute is located about 80 kilometers inland from the Atlantic coast to the west of Morocco. Located behind the fascinating valley of Ameln, bordered to the northeast with the Anti Atlas, north and west by the National Park Sous-Massa. Directions The main bus companies are based on Sharia al-Jeish al-Malaki. Among his most important destinations include: Casablanca (14 hours), Rabat (16 hours), Tiznit (3 hours), Agadir (5 hours) and Marrakech (10 hours). Two local buses leave to Tiznit at 4:00 and 7:00. Morocco has a fast and economical system buses connecting major cities as well as an airline, Air Maroc, which offers domestic flights between major cities. The railway only covers the northern part of the country. Painted Rocks, art and nature. A few miles from Tafraoute in Grasp-Oudad, is a famous rocky area for its painted in blue and red rocks. These stones are not as colorful work of nature, but the Belgian artist Jean Veran.
     
They painted in 1984, are still nowadays cause of devotion among tourists who come to contemplate, but over time has caused the deterioration of the paint as well as the loss of color saturation. It was not the first experience in this type of landscape art as Veran had done similar work in the Sinai Desert in Egypt. Firstly, selected the rocks by its smooth, rounded surface, and then spray paint them in contrasting indigo and scarlet tones. Paperwork To enter Morocco A valid passport with a validity of six months is required. Climate The City of Tafraoute has a warm and mild climate almost all year round and can be very hot in summer, where thermometers sometimes reach 40 ° C. This situation usually occurs when the wind blows from the Sahara, called sirocco or chergui. Typically the environment temperatures are maintained at 20-30 ° C, even in winter. The rains are characterized by being present in the months of November to January, but usually minor. These rains tend to be brief so the sun is guaranteed almost every day of the year.
     
Currency The official currency is the Dirham (Dr) which in turn is divided into centimes. There are coins of 1, 2, 5, and 10 dirhams and 10, 20, and 50 cents. The ticket higher value is 200 dirhams. One euro equals 10.84 Dr. is possible to change money at banks and exchange houses. You can also pay in hotels or withdraw money with credit cards Visa and Mastercard. Clothing is advisable to wear garments of linen and cotton, comfortable and breathable shoes for sightseeing and wear something more formal if you think about going out at night. Essential suntan lotion and a hat to protect from the sun. The diverse cuisine is served. A variety of Moroccan meals that reflect the rich cultural heritage. Many of these dishes are of Berber influence. The most popular Moroccan dishes are couscous, tagine (stew of meat and vegetables) and harira (spicy lentil soup), and can be enjoyed in the most luxurious restaurants and in homes of any Moroccan. The main meal is lunch and menus are often written in French and Arabic. Marrakech is a city unique and completely different from the rest, sightseeing in Marrakech is an exciting new sensory experience: the color, taste and odor that permeates from the moment you land you will not dissipate until weeks after returning. Marrakech is a city that offers visitors both cultural visits and fun. For travelers seeking something more from Marrakech can also make excursions to nearby places like Essaouira, Ouarzazate, Ouzoud Waterfalls and Ourika Valley.
     
The best guide to Marrakech Why? Because when people talk of Marrakech describe it as a wonderful feeling as a must visit. We will only describe as a different trip and a perfect alternative to the usual trips but also will tell you the possible negative points of the trip, as the possible fear or feeling of insecurity that you can have once there. The information and practical data have been updated in March 2012. If you find any errors or see something we should change, please contact us. Marrakech, land of God in Arabic, has had a rich and sublime history from its founding by Berber nomads in the dunes of the desert. The most immediate legacy is found in the French colonial area (whose fruit has survived the use of language) and much earlier in the medina, or Arab neighborhood, where the splendor of old Marrakech is sensed, not without its ups and downs. The first golden age came with the Almohad dynasty in the twelfth century, who built the city wall, always open to trade and intellectual welcome as Averroes. But the high point brought Ahmed al-Mansur, in the sixteenth century, when it returned the capital to the city, decorating it with marble from Carrara and painstaking gardens, such as the impressive mosque Kotubiya. Symbol of the city, like a lighthouse that challenges the nearby Atlas Mountains, is the minaret of 69 meters. Covered with stucco and tile, exemplifies the extraordinary thoroughness of Muslim art. As it happens in the Kasbah Mosque and the Saadian tombs, or must Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa. Nineteenth century, under colonial orbit, have survived palaces, like Bay and colonial residences, like the legendary La Mamounia. But really dazzles Marrakech traveler knows ras dust, appropriate way to refer to its sidewalks. Among the winding streets of the Medina, where one is immersed amid the bustle of the souk. There you can get all kinds of souvenirs and gadgets, high decibel announced by sympathetic almost polyglot, skilled in the art of bargaining sellers. Go to the Jemaa el-Fna, is not only a must visit, but practically impossible to avoid, as a point of confluence of miles around. The best you can do is sit there in one of its many cafes to watch. That is, to succumb to the delicious mess surrounding: din of noise, music and business transactions loudly, interspersed with acrobats, story-tellers and soothsayers of labia trained. What does a pile of wheels on that table? Just ask the man who is next with tongs, offering their services for an unbeatable price.
     
Impossible not to smile, breaking distances and go with the bustling heart of this imperial city. Intense in every way, and marks the characteristic red color of its soil, misty under the relentless sun. Or the intense stench of dyers souk where the skin is following the traditional process. And the taste? About a spiced cous cous with lamb, accompanied by the inevitable and share transigible sweat. What matters, just fanning. Impossible not to be lucky with the Atlas in the background, and Marrakech multiplying in every corner of seductive hooks: i am just peek and let go. The Majorelle Gardens resemble a collection of plants brought from the four corners of the world, blooming profusely with elegant ponds and Art Deco style villa. The ashes of Yves Saint Laurent lie here. From this corner full of charm, you can take one of the many gigs in town that will take you to the palm, a must. Similarly, you can visit the Menara, one of the most emblematic places Marrakech. This elegant building, distinctive by its cover with green tiles, is bathed in a huge pond. A family this place come the inhabitants of the city to find some freshness in the hottest days of the year. On his return to the red city, you can treat yourself to an ice cream, cake or a cool drink on the premises of Gueliz, the modern part of Marrakech. Luxury shops, banks, tearooms and café terraces: the red city reconciles prestigious past and contemporary dynamism. All facets of Marrakech, a city full of life and ardor reveal its dynamism. Visits, meetings, walks and picturesque memories will not fail to seduce the traveler. The only shadow on this beautiful panorama: the melancholy that lurks at the time of departure. But better to dream of returning again soon to enjoy the softness of his nights on the terraces, while a crescent moon peeks through the clouds ...
     
The Jemaa El Fna is the hub of your trip to Marrakech, Morocco. The great animation there, both during the day and at night, is in itself a great show. While continuously will walk by this place of great amplitude, an essential recommendation for your visit to Marrakech is to climb one of the terraces of the numbers cafes and restaurants that surround to enjoy the best views and the show from other perspective. There are several terraces from which, while having a coffee or dinner, you can see that environment, such as the terraces of cafes France or the Plaza. Of course, keep in mind that when the drinks, for example, if you take a mint tea, they will charge a "European" price. But totally worth it ... Also, if you are fond of photography, will always have a terrace that offers every moment of the day the best prospects Jemaa El Fna. It is a question of choosing the most appropriate for your needs. Undoubtedly one of the most "exciting" moments that you will enjoy your trip to Marrakech is the walk through the souks is in the Medina, where it is very difficult not resist to buy, and where you have to haggle. The souks are a huge area of the Medina of Marrakech, extending northward in a long half-covered streets fabrics, streets and squares, from the Djemaa El Fna andwith the farthest corners.
     
In these streets, where you're constantly jabbing with the great crowd of people that focuses on the souks, stalls with the widest range of products occur. There is virtually nothing you can dream can not find in the souks. The stalls of the souks open early and many of them close late in the evening. These positions generally are grouped by the type of products they sell. You will see areas where silversmiths, scrap dealers, clothing vendors, artisans of all kinds of specialty, etc. are grouped In fact, these areas have specific names as, for example, Smarine Souk, the main artery leading from the Jemaa El Fna, which groups bazaars and clothing stalls. But next to it you will find a fresh market. And later, an intricate square with different levels with silver products stores.
     
Other souks are called Chouari where you'll find carpenters and basket makers. Or the famous Dyers Souk with its large Colorful fabrics are hung to dry. The easiest way to get into the souks of Marrakech Medina is done from the same Jemaa El Fna. But keep in mind that you come to an area where it is difficult to go to a specific site, or locate specific stores. It is advisable to walk around the souks and venture through its various alleys and corners, it is a way to discover and appreciate its great commercial wealth. Just do it without previous limitations of time, because this ride surely take a few hours, the time to explore its different areas and, above all, to haggle the price on purchases sure you will do. The shops around the square and show a great atmosphere. A must is to climb some of the viewpoints that have restaurants and cafes surrounding the plaza, with panoramic views of the same, to contemplate the continuous noise that is in it.
     
By midafternoon you look surprised by the arrival of a maelstrom of wagons with metal structures. Soon you will realize that this chaos, like every day of the year, the evening is to mount a wide area of kiosks of food, where soon you will see the smoke out of the street kitchens prepared to feed the thousands of people throughout the night will go to dinner at the Jemaa El Fna. And always with the invitation to take a fresh orange juice or dates in one of the many stalls spread across the square. In addition, the call from the speakers to the successive religious services of several mosques that are distributed by the Jemaa El Fna in Marrakech cause constant movement of parishioners for her. When you walk through the square throughout the day, you move to the sound of the flute of the snake charmers. Or between trainers monkeys and other exotic characters as water carriers or vendors dentures.
     
Market Essaouira (Morocco) The vortex of the bars, and the smell that emerges from them, will be a hardly avoidable to sit in one of them to enjoy popular elaborations invitation. Your last walk by Jemma El Fna possibly after dinner will be accompanied by music from one of the many events held in the square throughout the year, as the nerve center of the city is. Market Essaouira (Morocco) market Essaouira (Morocco) When plantearte a trip to a city of a non-Western country, as in the case of Marrakech in Morocco, where you will find uses and customs very different from ours, is important to know how to handle yourself in the day of your visit and what to do in certain circumstances. Market Essaouira (Morocco). On your sightseeing trip to Marrakech, a must to be fortified neighborhood Kasba. Located south of the Medina of Marrakech, you have no loss to locate him as one of the largest mosques in the Moroccan city is located. Just when you go to make the recommended visiting the Kasbah, Saadian Tombs, you will find them on the back of the building of this mosque. To get to the Mosque of the Kasbah of Marrakech, you can go on the north side from near Bahia Palace, across the Square Hojalateros, or the west side, entering the beautiful gate Bab Agnaou inside the fortification the Kasba.
     
Market Essaouira (Morocco). The Mosque of the Kasbah of Marrakech was completely destroyed in 1569, which led to rebuild, and thereafter is known as the Mosque of the Golden Apples. This name is because it is said that the golden ball that ends the minaret was performed with gold jewelry wife Jacub El Mansur. If not profess the Muslim religion, you can not visit the interior of the mosque, but when you enter the Kasbah of Marrakech will see the imposing building and, above all, its spectacular minaret with a beautiful decoration in which raw green. The Djemaa el Fna (Arabic: ???? ?????? Ami al-fanâ ?, in French? Jemaa el-Fna) is the main square and the most famous place in the Moroccan city of Marrakech. It rises a few meters from the Koutoubia Mosque, which is dominated by its minaret. Surrounding the square are also several mosques, more modest, accompanying the Koutoubia. There are several hypotheses about the name of the square; according to some [citation needed] means "assembly of annihilation", as it was the place where it rarely killed those who transgress; it is also suggested [citation needed] that "assembly" or "gathering" is a macabre reference to the fact that the cut of the executed around the square, as if holding a meeting heads were displayed. Other theories suggest that, since the word? Ami? also has the meaning of mosque (mosque or mosque), it could mean "place of the destroyed mosque," referring to the Almoravid mosque that he must rise there.The Djemaa el Fna (Arabic: ????? ? ????? Ami al-fanâ ?, in French: Jemaa el-Fna) is the main square and the most famous place in the Moroccan city of Marrakech. It rises a few meters from the Koutoubia Mosque, which is dominated by its minaret. Surrounding the square are also several mosques, more modest, accompanying the Koutoubia. There are several hypotheses about the name of the square; according to some [citation needed] means "assembly of annihilation", as it was the place where it rarely killed those who transgress; it is also suggested [citation needed] that "assembly" or "gathering" is a macabre reference to the fact that the cut of the executed around the square, as if holding a meeting heads were displayed. Other theories suggest that, since the word? Ami? also has the meaning of mosque (mosque or mosque), it could mean "place of the destroyed mosque," referring to the Almoravid mosque that he must rise there. The square is large and is surrounded on all sides except for one, the medina full of souks classified by their main activity. At the edges of the square have established a number of cafés, such as coffee France, and restaurants of all categories who open their terraces to the spectacle that is formed in this monumental scene. Everything revolves around Marrakech Djemaa el Fna. Thousands of people gathered in this public space filling it with color, culture and business are given. Storytellers, teachers, exposing his teachings, snake charmers, dancers, dentists, sellers of fruit juices, acrobats, letter writers, water carriers ... an infinite number of activities and people coming together and are crowding the square and its adjacent callejeas as it is evening. Specialized food stalls, each in its making, night flooded part of the square, which is illuminated by hundreds of lights and flooded with lots of smoke odors.
     
On your visit to Marrakech will you have to not losing night visit to the Place Jamaa el-Fna. I recommend you, Take tea in one of the terraces (upstairs) is in the bars that surround the square at 11 or so of the night while you observe the bustle that is formed progressively ... Charmers snakes, bars that come from nowhere, selling juices, monkeys, women painting with henna ... and especially glib to hook the unsuspecting tourist who does not know where to dine and cost more than what they charge in restaurants surrondings ... (basically I think it's a "little scam" by which every tourist should happen in his initiation to the Arab world: D) The Djemaa el Fna is the real heart of the city, starting point of several tourist routes you can take through the city and entrance to large souk. Their activity varies during the day and at night, being the most typical clear day see the square of posts focusing more on the activity of its bars and restaurants, from which you can get a great view of the square while enjoying good food or coffee, such as restaurant since we took aerial photos of the square, Chez Chegrouni. At night brimming with life among food stalls, each one I better deal than the last, of orange juice, where for a few dirhams will enjoy virtually an entire pitcher of orange juice freshly squeezed, and able even find both musical activities (bands playing traditional music) or even storytelling, telling great stories. We started our journey in the Jemaa el Fna, right now I am in this place writing these notes from the Cafe Glacier, is early and I followed the advice of several travelers, sitting quietly on the terrace of this coffee, taking the local drink a mint tea, while I watch the movement of this square defined as a starting point to explore the city. A mixture of sounds, smells and characters exert constant curiosity about the traveler during the walk through its interior can enjoy an orange juice for 4 dirhams (0.40 cents), in this area there is silence, continuously local hear that call us, that speak several languages until you find ours to sell anything or lead by the medina in exchange for a few coins. Snake charmers, henna tattoo artists, macaques domesticated to pose for tourist or shoulder Saharan shows, among other things, many of the tourist attractions that we find in the place.
     
Much of the outline of the square is surrounded by terraced restaurant with panoramic views to enjoy one of the best urban views that can give you this country, the Koutoubia stands on every corner, becoming a landmark with its 70 meters height; at its highest point, contained four golden balls, which according to legend, the fourth ball was made of gold donated by Sultana, wife of Yacub-al Mansur, for not respecting Ramadan, the entrance to the mosque is prohibited by non-Muslims. Also abound rickshaws parked on the side of the square, ready to explore the city relax in the shade. At dusk we seek an ideal to prepare our camera and capture the atmosphere of the square under the gaze of a colorful sky, for nothing can beat up one of the many panoramic terraces, ask a drink (mandatory drinking place to access) and enjoy this feast for the senses. A time has hidden the sun on the horizon, the square is prepared to feed the tourist with about a hundred food stalls where all sorts of dishes is served, the waiters are responsible for heading to his post, insistent like few others. It was dark when we first got to the square par excellence Marrakech Djemaa el Fna.That fuss, that noise which people .... And that is November and is supposed to be few tourists !!!!!! This square is characterized by monumental if not for being a huge space inside the Medina noted for people simply for that and I guess there where its charm. It is a continuous movement, a coming and going of people, not only on foot, because here cars, motorbikes, donkeys, rickshaws are mixed ... you should go with four eyes !!!!! Snake charmers, storytellers, fortune tellers luck, henna tattoo artists, traditional musicians, watermen ..... And noise, lots of noise. Then there are the number of stalls selling orange juice continuously, there are also pomegranates, grapefruit .... And the sweet dates, raisins, figs, prunes, nuts ..... And then, at evening, by a large empiezana a mobile food carts that invade the center of the square, lots of them, smoke invading everything with their grills, grilling skewers of chicken, lamb, kefta .... the couscous, salads appear door. ... and still smoke and drums and noise and people ..... The whole square is surrounded by cafés and restaurants and terraces she leave the streets leading into the souk, the largest Maghreb .... With shops and stores, so captivating day for those who like the game shopping and haggling and so unwise at night. The spectacular storytellers, who are not allowed to record or photograph (and if you do not know Arabic're not going to find out anything) is something that helped make this place from becoming Oral Heritage. It is a delight to climb a terrace while you take a mint green observing you, only that, as a voyeur without losing detail ... surprise you!
     
The Jamaa el Fna square is the heart of the old city of Marrakech. It is a large square, located a few meters from the Koutoubia Mosque and represents the entrance to the medina, with its maze of narrow streets and many shops. There are several hypotheses about the origin of the name and can mean the place where the condemned were ajusticiaban simply a meeting place or reference a mosque must have been erected in the same location. For me this place is like a giant outdoor stage where everything happens and it changes throughout the day. In the morning it is quiet, there is only one fruit stands and isolated snake charmer. But if you go to tourist with the camera is lost, then you hang a snake around his neck without you noticing and you have painted the whole arm henna. Best to go in the evening, as the show is guaranteed and of course there are chances that you can share with other tourists. Looking around are surrounded by snake charmers, monkey tamers, dancers, storytellers, acrobats and sellers of water with its characteristic red suit and hat with bells. The sound of drums indicates the approaching dusk and suddenly, almost from scratch, numerous bars that are mounted in the blink of an eye and offer everything and between cooking smoke begin to appear, the smell of spices and the sound of drums, the visitor feels intoxicated with the magic of the place. Around the square there are numerous cafes and restaurants where you can get an aerial view of the assembly, including the Argana café suffered a tragic terrorist attack in the spring of 2011. Another tourist attraction is crossing from the enclosure to the Koutoubia Mosque the street leading to the square, cross a unique venue where traffic never stops and continuously passing cars, carriages, motorcycles, bikes and any kind of vehicle; you have to throw, daring and go. In fact I've ever seen kids who earn a few dirhams to help tourists to cross. For all this cultural and human spectacle, in 2001 the Jamaa el Fna square was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.  
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