http://www.gomorocco.com/blogs/ Morocco travel discussion forum for advice, travel packages, sharing photos, chatting, and tips for those traveling to or within Morocco. en Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:53:55 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.gomorocco.com/gomo/misc/rss.jpg http://www.gomorocco.com/blogs/ http://www.gomorocco.com/blogs/esteve/12-moroccan-artisan-carpets.html Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:52:25 GMT Morocco’s appeal to travelers is Artisan normally available for a decent price. And, for those gifted with the art of bartering a even better price... Morocco’s appeal to travelers is Artisan normally available for a decent price. And, for those gifted with the art of bartering a even better price can be achieved. One of the most sought after items in Morocco are carpets. For those armed with the knowledge of what makes a quality carpet and a basic price range to begin the wheeling and dealing, buying a carpet in Morocco can be a rewarding experience (and make your living room look astounding).


Local Moroccan women who make the carpets often are not the ones who end up selling them. In some small villages, where women’s cooperatives exist, the women are involved in pricing and selling process. They might even have set prices, which are what many travelers prefer, especially if they aren’t into bargaining while sipping tea for two or more hours in a crowded medina alleyway.


Therefore, if possible, attempt to visit a local artisanal shop or women’s cooperative to have an idea of what prices are fair for different types of carpets. One type of carpet is the heavy woolen type that is available throughout the country. In Rabat, which is one epicenter for these types of carpets, travelers can search the medina – which happens to be one of the most laid-back souk areas in the entire country. These types of carpets are different than others you’ll find elsewhere in Morocco because of their design that holds true to basic Islamic Art patterns. Usually, these carpets have one central motif that works its way to a highly detailed border. Before looking at a carpets central theme, look over its border. If it is detailed, solid, and thick, then the carpet will cost more money than another without the same outer-edge workmanship.


Knowing the different prices for carpets is quite difficult. The rule goes: If a buyer is happy with the price, then it is a fair price to pay. While this thought process is a little different for western travelers who would rather have something fixed, you’ll begin to understand the mentality better after a few days’ experience in various marketplaces. An old antique carpet that is more than 50 years old, for example, will be worth quite a bit of money, especially if it has been taken care of and withstood the tests of time. Other, more modern carpets may appear bright and illustrious, but their colors will fade over time – something that actually adds to the original look and feel of the piece. Knowing the difference between what chemical and natural (or vegetable) dyes will help.


Overall, a carpet can be judged by how many knots it has per square meter (or yard). Excellent carpets that fetch the highest prices might have nearly 350,000 knots in it per square meter (or about 300,000 per square yard). This type of workmanship is hard to find, but can be had if one looks hard enough. If a carpet vendor claims that their carpets have more knots than this, then you know that it is a far-fetched tale. Additionally, outside of the Rabat region, carpets vary in length, design, and craftsmanship. With hundreds (if not thousands) of types available, it will be dependent upon your taste and ability to spot a well-made piece that determines what sort of carpet you’ll bring home. These patterns will include geometrical patterning and not have outlandish repetitions of the same design. These carpets are often called hanbels or kilims. Other carpets, which are thicker and well made, are called zaneefi designs, while a shoedwi is a type of carpet that is usually made up of mostly black and white designs.


At Shop Morocco you can view a wide range of Moroccan Carpets ]]> Esteve http://www.gomorocco.com/blogs/esteve/12-moroccan-artisan-carpets.html http://www.gomorocco.com/blogs/esteve/11-day-morocco.html Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:02:52 GMT Shopping for me in Morocco is always a little different,partly because it always becomes or is business.As I do all my buying for Shop Morocco... Shopping for me in Morocco is always a little different,partly because it always becomes or is business.As I do all my buying for Shop Morocco personally.And partly it gives me chance to spend some time with a great friend Mohammed.
The day always starts with a ferry trip depending whether I go by car or not dictates from where I sail.
I live in Tarifa Spain on the other side of the straits of Gibraltar.If I go by foot a take a ferry from Tarifa, unfortunately this is getting more and more expensive.So when I go by car I sail from the Spanish port of Algeciras which is aprox 25km along the coast.This ferry is a lot more economical by car.The ferry sails to Ceuta which is a Spanish colony. I the cross the frontier to Morocco and drive along the coast for 75km to Tangiers.I always enjoy this drive which normally takes an hour,arriving early morning at Mohammeds house on the outskirts of Tangiers.
Breakfast is next relax a little then we go into Town, I usually have a list of requested item (things I don't normally have in the shop, but acquire on request.).This normally takes up the morning.

Time to relax and take lunch probably followed by a short siesta. We normally lunch in one of the local cafes and restaurants,or on occasions return to Mohammeds for what can only be described as a feast.Moroccan cooking is the best and Mohammed is one of the best at it.
First opinions of Tangiers to many, is chaos people coming and going from all directions.But the real Tangiers is really quite a relaxed and chilled out place.Although most of my trips are buying generated I always seem to find time to chill out a little.

The afternoon is usually taken up buying new stock and drinking several glasses of Moroccan tea.Early evening we return to the house of Mohammed only to be confronted with another fantastic feast.Normally on the patio overlooking Tangiers.

Dinner is followed by many deep conversations sometimes taking us into the early hours of the morning.
Early rise the following day,catch the ferry back into the real world. ]]> Esteve http://www.gomorocco.com/blogs/esteve/11-day-morocco.html http://www.gomorocco.com/blogs/esteve/10-tribute-great-friend.html Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:48:41 GMT Image: http://www.gomorocco.com/members/esteve-albums-tangiers-picture85t-tangiers-may-08.jpg Culture: Mohammed as been a close freind for many...
Culture:
Mohammed as been a close freind for many years.His knowledge of Moroccan culture and artisan is second to none.Living in Tangiers Mohammed as worked with tourists for nearly 50 years. If you ever visit Tangiers you could not be in safer hands.Mohammed is very proud of his country and the city he lives in.A visit to Tangiers with Mohammed is educational,mystical and enjoyable. Unlike most guides in the city your not hussled from shop to shop for the sole intention of gaining commision.With mohammed you see Tangiers for the beautiful cultural city it is.

Food:
Ive talked about Moroccan food many times.
Some of the best meals I've ever had have been in the house of Mohammed.
Having worked as a chef for many years his knowledge of Moroccan cuisine is incredible and he is always ready to share is knowledge.A typicle day with Mohammed would be to visit his house on the outskirts of Tangiers were you would take a typicle Moroccan lunch.
When visiting Morocco buying for Shop-Morocco I never miss a stay with Mohammed were we spend many a evening discussing the ways of the world.

Artisan:
When it comes to Moroccan artisan Mohammed is the master,Icould not of formed Shop Morocco without him, His knowledge a help as been invaluable.
Whether it's carpets,ceramics or leather wear Mohammed is a sorce of endless information.

Tangiers (Morocco) would not be the same without this great man.
Mohammed Alaoui ,Ambassador to Morocco.

Any one interested in visiting Tangiers for the day with a real guide, can contact me esteve@shop-morocco.com

]]> Esteve http://www.gomorocco.com/blogs/esteve/10-tribute-great-friend.html http://www.gomorocco.com/blogs/abdel/9-gomorocco-adveture-continue.html Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:42:51 GMT While I was lurking, browsing the web as usual I discovered this forum about urbanism called: skyscrapercity I was amazed about the number of forums... While I was lurking, browsing the web as usual I discovered this forum about urbanism called: skyscrapercity I was amazed about the number of forums and members. among the forums there's a whole forum dedicated to Moroccan Urbanity. while I was there I have the chance to meet this two guys, which showed so much help and support with GoMorocco :)
I will appreciate all your help guys making GM a useful website, building a community for Moroccans and friends of Morocco. providing them help to make their visit and stay a wonderful experience.
I also decided to start blogging more often. it won't be only Morocco related articles but about everything: life, work.. I think it's about time to get this going :)

Thank you for reading, more will come. ]]> Abdel http://www.gomorocco.com/blogs/abdel/9-gomorocco-adveture-continue.html http://www.gomorocco.com/blogs/sweetheart/8-why-do-i-have-cry.html Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:00:30 GMT Nice One:) Author: Zanzi When in Spring the flowers bloom, And everything is born anew, Why do I have to cry? I could be sharing this... Nice One:)


Author: Zanzi

When in Spring the flowers bloom,
And everything is born anew,
Why do I have to cry?
I could be sharing this beauty with you...
Why, oh why do I have to sigh?

When the sun in the Summer noon,
Shines so brightly upon the land,
Why do I have to cry?
I could be holding you by the hand...
Why, oh why do I have to sigh?

Winds blow tenderly in Autumn,
And the leaves so gently fall,
Why do I have to cry?
I know we could have had it all...
Why, oh why do I have to sigh?

Cold outside in Winter evenings,
Colder here within my heart,
Why do I have to cry?
I never wanted us to be appart...
Why, oh why do I have to sigh? ]]> Sweetheart http://www.gomorocco.com/blogs/sweetheart/8-why-do-i-have-cry.html http://www.gomorocco.com/blogs/sweetheart/7-just.html Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:57:49 GMT Just Be Be strong enough to face the world each day Be weak enough to know you cannot do everything Just Be




Be strong enough to face the world each day



Be weak enough to know you cannot do everything



Be generous to those who need your help



Be frugal with what you need yourself



Be wise enough to know that you do not know everything



Be faithful enough to believe in miracles


Be willing to share your joys


Be willing to share the sorrows of others



Be a leader when you see a path others have missed



Be a follower when you are shrouded in the midst of uncertainty



Be the first to congratulate an opponent who succeeds



Be the last to criticize a colleague who fails



Be sure where your next step will fall, so that you will not stumble



Be sure of your final destination, in case you are going the wrong way



Be loving to those who love you



Be loving to those who do not love you, and they may change ]]> Sweetheart http://www.gomorocco.com/blogs/sweetheart/7-just.html http://www.gomorocco.com/blogs/lynxmozar/6-inside-morocco.html Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:19:12 GMT inside morocco, best way to travel is buses, connection is good to south, you can go to laayoun, and try to find a ride to mauritania, or you can... inside morocco, best way to travel is buses, connection is good to south, you can go to laayoun, and try to find a ride to mauritania, or you can continue intel dakhla, and take a van for 200dh to nouadibou in mauritania, from there you can take taxis to nouakchott, and then an other one to rosso senegal, from there you will take the BAC, its free, they will try to take money from you, dont give them.
in senegal you can use taxi bross if you like.
you can also try to find a ride when you will be applying for the visa in rabat, there is many cars who will accept to take you.
if you need more informations, feel free to ask ]]> lynxmozar http://www.gomorocco.com/blogs/lynxmozar/6-inside-morocco.html http://www.gomorocco.com/blogs/abdel/5-places-go-morocco-little-villages-vs-little-touristy-villages-erg-chebbi-merz.html Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:24:38 GMT MAPS about map, don’t go by maps on the internet. get yourself a Michelin road map of morocco. that is the best you can do. the problem about... MAPS

about map, don’t go by maps on the internet. get yourself a Michelin road map of morocco. that is the best you can do. the problem about little maps on the internet is that they don’t show you hidden places and lost villages around the country. usually i choose where to go, depending of the size of the road heading that region hehe. i mean, i have seen almost everything there, so i always try to escape and see real stuff.

people in morocco will be very curious about you, and, if you choose to head to little villages it very possible te will invite you to their house.

now pay attention also to:

little villages vs little touristy villages.

little touristy villages in morocco are already full with little auberges and hotels, but little villages are not.

Go to Sahara Dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga

many people say, oh, i don’t like it cos many tourists go to merzouga… yeah… but how many people to to Marrakesh? The dunes of erg chebbi have some tourists in some specific times of the year, and, apart from that they don’t.

working season in erg chebbi dunes merzouga are:

new years eve week
2 weeks in April during vacations
last 2 week of July and 2 weeks of august

this is the working peak for that region. ]]> Abdel http://www.gomorocco.com/blogs/abdel/5-places-go-morocco-little-villages-vs-little-touristy-villages-erg-chebbi-merz.html http://www.gomorocco.com/blogs/abdel/3-morocco.html Thu, 30 Oct 2008 04:35:46 GMT Morocco is an amazing country. Its one of the most wonderful places I’ve ever been to, and a travel destination I will always go until no more roads... Morocco is an amazing country. Its one of the most wonderful places I’ve ever been to, and a travel destination I will always go until no more roads and villages are left to be discovered. I love Morocco and all it has to offer, either you’re looking for high touristy places or lonely villages in the middle of the mountains, this is the place to be.

Ever little time I have spare from my work in USA I try to visit my country as much as possible. heading South and enjoy a whole different culture, food, landscapes and of course the thrill of it all: The Sahara Desert which is quite special and unique, not by its greatness (although the biggest sand dune of North Africa is here located) but indeed for its special energy and relaxing ambiance.

I have the idea that usually many people search for cultural shock or cultural differences to enjoy the most of a trip, and put on their mind to buy a faraway ticket somewhere thousands of kilometres away. No need. At least for me, Morocco stays precisely 520 kilometres (323 miles) from my city to the border of Bab Sebta or Tangier. As the country’s already keeps records of being one of the most visited countries in all Africa, still many places need to be visited and apart from big cities and fancy touristy spots, there is a lot to be found and experienced.

I discovered that driving to Morocco is quite more easy than taking public transportation as the countries conditions are very much ok to enjoy a trip with your car without worries. This is the way you can take more advantage of the country and explore unexplored villages or mountains that usually Agencies or buses don’t go. This way you can also experience Moroccan extreme sense of good hosts and receive you with great hospitality, which you can but not as often find in big cities.

It’s not normal for me going to Morocco without taking my own car. As I prefer less known destinations, I try to reach them by personal transportation, makes the whole trip much easier. Each time I drive on a trip to Morocco I make at least a good 4000km ( +-2480 miles ). Round trip journey. the maximum I drove in a trip to morocco was 8000km ( +- 5000 miles ).

Morocco is one of the safest places to travel I know. People usually think that since the country is Muslim, things will get ugly and that you have chances of getting kidnapped, you wife being taken by camel traders etc. No, nothing of this exists and they are nothing but ancient stories, long ago forgotten by Moroccans but that still remain in the European brain. If we westerners compare the crime rate existing in our own countries and in Morocco, you’ll find a pretty much safer country there.

On this blog I help you travel in the country either by you either by getting specialized Travel Agencies, Tour Operators or transportation companies. Also I’ll tell you about a few Hotels, Desert Inns, Luxury Riads or a simple camel ride in Sahara Desert that you might want to try.

Apart from all the nice tips, comment and personal thoughts, I will add several possible itineraries you can do, either for experience travellers ]]> Abdel http://www.gomorocco.com/blogs/abdel/3-morocco.html