April 2024
Valley of the Roses
The M’Goun Valley is known as the Valley of the Roses in Morocco and is famous for its roses.
No one knows how roses first came to the Atlas Mountains; however, according to legend, they were carried here centuries ago by a Berber merchant from Damascus; the species that grows here is Rosa damascena, the Damask rose, which originates from ancient Syria and is known for its intense perfume.
During the main growing season between April and mid-May, the valley produces between 3000 and 4000 tons of wild roses. Local distilleries such as the one shown above, buy some to make rose water, soaps, and potpourri, but the majority are bought by big French perfume houses.
Next door to the distillery and rose product store was this convenience store. I was fascinated with the store’s product display.
Fossils
Morocco contains some of the world’s richest fossil sites. It all began when French geologist Louis Gentil discovered trilobite fossils near Casablanca in 1916. More than 50,000 Moroccans earn a living in the mineral and/or fossil mining and export trade, and the fossil industry is worth more than $40 million annually. In the region we visited, Tafilalt, the fossil industry is essentially the only employer, and it has been called the “trilobite economy.”
The Desert
Traditional Berber necklaces at a small stall in the desert. Sadly, much of what is for sale today is made from synthetic materials.
The top left symbol is the Hand of Fatima. The top right figure is the Berber Flag. The bottom left is the Amazigh fibula, a classic Berber jewelry design. The bottom right is the star found on the Moroccan flag.
This is Ramadan. He was born at the end of Ramadan this year, hence his name. He was a very, very friendly fellow.
Professor Marchand and Ramadan
Camels of the Erg Chebbi Dunes
The Erg Chebbi Dunes in the Sahara
Camping in the Erg Chebbi Dunes of the Sahara
The Market
Sheep head was my dinner one night in the market of Marrakech. It was at Chez Lamine, a famous restaurant for Tanjia.
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I also ate snails
All the spices in the snail broth
Chebakiya – Made with Honey, sesame, cinnamon, saffron, anise, and orange flower water.
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Random Fun Shots and Thoughts
Unique and creative lighting
I had camel meat on my previous visit to Morocco
Caution: Donkey in the Medina
Hitching a ride to school
I loved this lamp on our table in a restaurant in Marrakech
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