As a self-confessed shopaholic, shopping in Rabat is definitely something that I can’t cross out of my itinerary. I’ve got to say that I have an insatiable appetite for window shopping and found fulfillment by walking through the biggest shopping center in Morocco. Mega Mall in Imam Malik Avenue is only a few hours away from my Rabat hotel, so how can I ever miss this opportunity to shop in the middle of an African paradise?

Based on personal experience, I’ve got to say that shopping in Rabat provides a fabulous treat with a wide selection of clothing and footwear brands as well as home decors. I can’t tell you how much fun I had while trying on some fashionable pieces from Versace, Diesel, and Tommy. However, I’m still proud to say that the local brands are equally enticing as the internationally-recognized labels. But unfortunately, as soon as my budget can no longer bear my extravagant shopping in Rabat, I decided to stop and instead let myself indulge in a sumptuous meal.

If you think this is easy, then why don’t you try standing in a multitude of restaurants and food stores in Mega Mall and see if you can make up your mind for a minute!? Though it took me hours to decide, never for a second did I regret giving the Moroccan pastilla a try. Smooth, sweet, and soft– this is a perfect ending to my shopping spree. Only after a few bites, I then reaffirmed my love for Moroccan cuisine.

But just when I thought my trip to Mega Mall has reached an end, I came across a bowling center and a skating rink. So instead of going back to my hotel room for some sleep, I decided to make a final stop and do a figure 8 on ice while enjoying the chill of the skating arena.

My travel adventures won’t be complete without this fun-filled experience and right now, I’m already planning for another visit. What else is there to say but the largest Moroccan mall is truly a must-see for shopaholics and mall rats like me.

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Staying here in the enchanting city of Rabat reminded me of seating in my high school history class. I even remember how fascinated I was to learn that people from diverse origins all moved to Morocco and made a big impact on the rich culture of this African country. Back then, I only allowed myself to indulge in reveries just to grasp the whole concept of Moroccan history. But now, I can’t believe that abstract things, which used to be another vague impression, are now laid before my very eyes. Through concrete walls and sturdy towers, I am able to appreciate more the meaningful past that all Morrocan people can be proud of.

All I can say is–if you love Moroccan history, then you will certainly cherish every minute of your stay here in Rabat. The bulwark of Chellah is one of the most fascinating places I have seen in this city. The moment I saw the age-old ruins, I was mesmerized by the reality that fragments of the past could possibly turn into a beautiful and inspiring piece. I also found out that this Roman port from 200 B.C. also used to be a royal cemetery and is now one of the captivating tourist attractions here in Rabat.

Needless to say, the citadel of Chellah is a perfect destination for every tourist. Aside from being a remarkable part of Moroccan history, it also serves as an enchanting spot where tourists would definitely love to pose for some good photographs. The ruins of Chellah is now more accessible to tourists. So if you are staying somewhere in Ville Nouvelle where large hotels in Morocco are located, going to this site for a taste of Moroccan history won’t be a problem at all.

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Staying for a long while in Fez made me realize that such beautiful city is the intellectual capital of Morocco. The mere thought of it inspired me to go feed my mind with things I never would have known without learning the Arabic language. The idea that I can learn to read, write, and speak Arabic in an African country truly delighted me. However, I also became so absorbed with my Arabic language lessons in Fez that I rarely had time to continue writing about my exciting Fez adventures.

Good thing, an old friend of mine stepped in for me to share her passion for exotic travel, as told by her thrilling experiences in the city of Fez. But now that I’m through with the Arabic language program, I shall continue with what I love doing the most– writing about my fun-filled adventure as a traveler.

After my short language course, I thought that a change of scenery would inspire me more through the equally splendid city of Rabat. Now that I am here and is starting to see the beauty of this place, I am thankful that I went on with my decision.

I just finished having my first dinner here at a Rabat hotel, and I can’t help but tell you about the fine Moroccan cuisine that gave me a welcome relief. With Moroccan roasted lamb as a sumptuous dinner, I can wholeheartedly attest to the fact that meals in the city of Rabat is a taste of ravishing delight. Enriched with spices, garnished with raisin, and layered with onion sauce, the roasted meat was tender, tempting, and unbelievably delicious.

This homegrown recipe really made my first night here in the city of Rabat just as exciting as I never thought it would be. So, what more can I expect in the days to come? Wait ’til my next entry!

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If you’ll ask me what I love most about the Fez city in Morocco, I can probably think of more than a hundred things to say. But one thing is for sure, the Moroccan culture never failed to fascinate my senses. From exotic dishes to awe-inspiring sights, there’s never really a dull moment in the busy streets of Fez. Just when I thought I already had the best adventures in my life, a tourist guide then told me, “Wait ’til you see the Horse Festival in Morocco!”

So here I am, counting my days ’til October, hoping that I could be part of the momentous Fez event known as the Horse Festival. But even when surrounded with comfort and luxuries inside my Fez hotel, I just can’t find a way to erase the event off my mind. I then found myself hooked on reading a book that served as a memoir for the annual Horse Festival in Morocco.

If you think shining armors, swords, and horses are all buried in antiquity, then you should fly all the way to Tissa in October to relive the glorious scene of the past. More than a hundred horse riders gather in the gigantic stadium for the culmination of the Horse Festival. This festivity also hosts one of the biggest competitions of the year, where riders are adorned with fine clothing and accessories to show off their mounts. The drama trails back when Moroccan horsemen battle for their honor and freedom. Apart from the prize-giving activities, the Horse Festival in Morocco is a magical experience that will surely unfold before your very eyes.

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Do you have that habit of crossing out dates on your calendar? I know it is a good way of reminding myself what day of what month it is already, but I just can’t make it part of my daily routine. Just awhile ago, the digital clock on my bedside table, which I rarely pay attention to, informed me that July is just a few days away from now. So, with eyes half-closed and still sleepy, I asked myself “What is waiting for me in July?”

Maybe right now, the same question is now lingering in the minds of travelers who are aching for a an unforgettable Moroccan event. Morocco’s unique and exciting festivals can satisfy one’s longing for an exotic travel experience. If you are all set for a vacation in Morocco this July, my advice is to go straight to Marrakech. The reason: An annual Moroccan event, the Marrakech Popular Arts Festival, which will run from July 10 to 15.

Although I am really enjoying my stay here in Fez, this festival in Marrakech happens only once a year so it really shouldn’t be missed. So, before this week-long Moroccan event starts, I should have already booked at a Marrakech hotel near the venues where the performances will be held, which are the El Badi Palace and the Djemaa el Fna. Aside from the concerts and art exhibits, make sure you don’t miss the Fantasia show if you’re interested in watching a bunch of horse doing fantastic tricks. See you there!

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It is said that the most astonishing pieces of Moroccan handicrafts were shaped by the hands of the Fez artisans. You may choose not to believe me. However, watch how your skepticism slowly fade away once you come across the arts and crafts collection that the Dar Batha museum houses. I never heard of this museum before. It’s a good thing some of the recent Fez Sacred Music festival daytime concerts were held here. And even better is the fact that the place is just a few minutes walk from my Fez hotel.

The Dar Batha Museum, which is a 19th century Hispano-Moorish royal palace turned museum built under the rule of Sultan Moulay al-Hassan I, serves as the resting place of some of the finest Moroccan carpets, woodcrafts, ceramics, and other artsy decorations. The part of the museum that draws more visitors is the pottery room. Here, you can easily distinguish which Moroccan ceramics were molded by the Fez craftsmen. If a ceramic has that distinct “Fez Blue” color which can only be achieved by the creative use of cobalt, then it is a product proudly made by a Fez craftsman.

After a tiring but absolutely enjoyable stroll inside the Dar Batha Museum, relax and soothe your senses with the fresh air and cozy ambiance offered at the museum’s garden. Do this. Believe me, this part is the cherry on top of the cake.

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Year 2007 is a significant year in Fez city. Why? This fascinating city in Morocco is celebrating its 25th year of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, ISESCO named Fez as 2007’s Capital of Islamic Culture. This year also marks the 13th anniversary of the much-awaited Fez World Sacred Music Festival. Sacred music artists and devotees once again gathered at Morocco’s holy city to strengthen spiritual traditions and abolish cultural boundaries through the power of music.

The World Bank-sponsored Fez event, which ran from June 1 to 10, did not only accommodate music lovers and festival goers. It also became a place of rendezvous for social activists, policymakers, and religious leaders who came to combine faith and reason to generate holistic ideas for the challenges brought by time. Thus, the theme “Essence of Time, Spirit of Place” aims for the preservation of Islam’s rich heritage amidst the apparent threats of globalization and modernity.

Retaining your identity and being proud of it – that is what I learned from attending this special Fez event. Actually, I was heading back to my Fez hotel room when this thought struck me. I guess this shows that even if we do not belong in the same religion and, therefore, do not hold the same principles and beliefs in life, there is a way to act as one and be united – and that’s through our common passion towards music.

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Admit it, you were just as fascinated as I was when you first heard about Fez. And most probably, the thing playing in your imagination then is a picture of a red turban-like hat with a tassel hanging over the side. Before I even knew about Fez as one of the four imperial cities in Morocco, I already knew Fez as the headdress which is part of the Islam tradition.

Before I go over the details of my Fez adventures, I want to share first some fun Fez facts I found on the Internet while surfing using the Wi-Fi service in my Fez hotel. The fun info I am going to dish out are not about the Fez city in Morocco. Instead, the Fez facts you are about to read are related to the Fez that you can actually wear.

Origins
The fez hat originated from Fez, Morocco. However, the design and form were inspired by the cap worn by the Greeks and the spiritual heads of the Ottoman Empire during the 19th century.

Variations
The name Fez is not a universally accepted term for that “red turban-like hat with a tassel hanging over the side”. Different cultures have their own name and design versions of Fez. In Turkey, particularly Istanbul, they referred to it as “Phecy”, “Fez” or “Fezzy”. While in Egypt, the two Persian words “Sar”, which means head, and “Poosh”, meaning cover, were combined to arrive at the term “Tarboosh” or “head cover”.

Myth and Truth About the Color
Comic book artist Jack Chick once did an anti-freemasonry comic strip that featured a tall-tale about the Fez cap. He said that the original Fez cap was dyed with the blood of murdered Christians. This is just a myth. The truth is, the unique shade of red Fez came from the pigment emitted by the crimson-colored berries of Boxwood plant called Akenia in Greece and Kizziljiek in Turkey.

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If you find my travel stories not enough to believe that Fez’s breathtaking surrounding is so good that it inspires creativity, then ask Bono and the rest of his band. U2, the Irish rock band that gave us chart-topping hits such as “One” and “Elevation”, confirmed the news that they are in Fez city in Morocco and writing songs for an upcoming album. Keeping them company are Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno, the production team behind U2’s successful previous records.

Being a hardcore music enthusiast and U2 fanatic, that news is definitely music to my ears. Their album U218 Singles, which is a collection of the band’s Billboard number 1 songs, is one of the few CDs I bring along in my Moroccan travels because the songs never fail to make my feet tap and my head bob. However, what I love most about U2’s music, aside from its hip and cool sounds, is the fact that the words inside each song aren’t just blahs. Anyway, back to U2 in Fez news, the Moroccan blog The View From Fez reported that a Fez Riad in Batha serves as temporary abode to the band’s lead vocalist, Bono.

Expect this U2 album filled with songs made in Fez city in Morocco to be on the list of top-selling albums real soon. And when that happens, expect me to be doing another first in this blog – an album review

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I have to bottle up this nagging urge to post my Fez chronicles today. At this moment, I am here in my room, curled up on top of this cushy bed while my laptop seats comfortably on my lap. This Wi-Fi service provided by the hotel only managed to heighten my addiction towards blog-hopping. However, the habit of reading other people’s travelogues is a kind of fixation that does not call for rehabilitation. Why? Simply because from reading the entries of my fellow travelers, I have come up with an idea for today’s post. A site review.

While I let the sweet aroma of hot coffee fill up my Fez hotel room, my mind wandered to think who will be the first subject of my first venture on site critique. It was really hard to come up with a decision since there are many Morocco blogs that I find interesting. However, I picked the site that intrigued me the most and it was none other than, drum rolls please – Cat in Rabat!

The Roaring Cat: An Introduction
I already mentioned on my previous post that the Cat in Rabat blog is managed by an English teacher (or so I thought she is for some of her entries contain her teaching experiences in Morocco) who chose to practice her noble profession in Rabat. Her site is one of the few reasons I kept saying to myself that I should have plunged into this blog-hopping thing earlier than just now. Although the discovery of CinR’s (short for Cat in Rabat) blog was just very recent, I spent a great deal of my time browsing through the contents of the archive (even those dating way back January, 2006 so nobody will accuse me of doing shallow site evaluation by sampling out only the newest posts). The hours went by unnoticed and to my dismay, I haven’t found any material that would make me stop. I was hooked.

* Is this feline’s blog reader-friendly?
The stylish tile background of CinR’s webpage will remind you of the intricate Zellige ceramics which are predominantly present in Moroccan architecture. The look and feel alone will give you an idea what the blog is all about. The sidebar links are well organized. The monthly archive list of Morocco-related and other interesting links are also provided. The best thing about this blog is that adverts are nowhere to be found. That means you don’t have to worry about being redirected to some porn or acne treatment sites.

The only downside to this blog, which is not entirely a bad thing, is the length of some posts that made them unbearable to the lazy eyes. I have been recommending the site to my friends since the day I found enlightenment in Cat’s words. However, instantly after doing an estimation of the number of words of the entries, the look that say “No Way” appear on their faces. But aside from that, I can say that Cat in Rabat’s site is الممتاز (Arabic for Excellent) design and navigation-wise.

* What’s in it for me?
Unlike most travel blogs, Cat in Rabat’s journal does not offer itself as a source of travel tips or lists of the must-see attractions in Morocco. Prepare to be disappointed if the purpose of your visit is to find Ooh’s and Ahh’s or other usual travelers’ reactions upon seeing Morocco’s top hotspots. From this site, you can only expect the unexpected.

From diverse political Views:
“Dead children. Dead tourists. Dead teachers. Dead doctors and nurses. Death, destruction and mayhem around the world at the hands of Muslims … no Muslim outrage … but publish a cartoon depicting Mohammed with a bomb in his turban and all hell breaks loose.”

to tackling ethical issues:
“There are those who believe that cheating is viewed as a basic tool to succeed, that individuals conduct their lives with the fundamental expectation that they can cheat. Although some cheaters will act on their own, others will rely on others for assistance. This form of symbiotic cheating is generally accepted because it is seen (by many) as a means of helping out “a brother or a sister”; at least this is how it’s been explained to me. I continue to be gobsmacked when a strong student, without hesitation, turns their test paper in the direction of a weaker student in order to facilitate their copying. Simply put: it’s their duty to help each other out. Who am I to upset the pedagogical apple cart?”

to snarky literary reviews:
“A week or so ago, I was handed a copy of Israeli writer A.B. Yehoshua’s “The Liberated Bride” and last night, quite by chance, a certain passage lept from the page and slapped me hard in the face. Not literally of course because that would be stretching the boundaries of literary license as well as be awfully painful (and reading should be pleasurable) whereas a papercut would be both plausible to my readership and still be pretty nasty. Nonetheless, it was a nonliteral bitch slap.”

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The aforementioned quotes were the usual topics in CinR’s blog. If my memory serves me right, I have never written any entry that thoroughly discussed any of those issues. However, just to remind my fellow bloggers that I am, in fact, concerned about Moroccan politics, ethics, and literature, I looked back at some of my old posts. Here are the evidences that I am not guilty to the crime of apathy, and that I am not just blabbing about my glorious travel escapades in this blog:

Moroccan Politics:
“Do you know that Morocco is a moderate Islamic nation? Religious tolerance is prevalent, and that spiritual open-mindedness is most evident in Casablanca. In this modern city of Morocco, women do wear their traditional veils but they are not forced to do so.”

Moroccan Ethics:
“When the seller offered you a cup of Moroccan mint tea, take it because that means they appreciate your good attitude. Keep smiling even if the bargaining process takes too long. And if you are satisfied with the price and the product, give them a simple token of appreciation. A pen, candy, or anything of little value can do. They will remember you for it.”

Moroccan Literature:
“Most people don’t know that part of me has a bit of a soft spot for classic literature. So, really, the idea of going to Fez tickled my fancies. You see, Fez is rumored to have the place where a number of the original stories in the classic “1001 Arabian Nights” were set.”

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To mark the end of this entry, let me offer a few suggestions in relation to the review of Cat in Rabat’s blog site. To the Cat: Keep on writing those entertaining anecdotes, I really appreciate them. However, I hope you can write not-too-snarky entries, like travel tips or something positive about Morocco. Of course, I’m not talking about shameless plugging, only citing of Morocco’s little positive side without compromising the honesty and fierceness that made us love your site.

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