They say that the best things in life are free. But not in Rabat, they also come with a fee.

Dining in Rabat offers only the sweetest treats. At a reasonable price, you can have a refreshing glass of mint tea and even the enjoy the serene view by the sea. It’s about time that you get the best dining experience outside the luxurious facade of your Rabat hotel. Even without the exquisite interiors of a five-star restaurant, I’m proud to say that the cafe found in Kasbah doesn’t fall short of wonders. What I love about it is the laid-back atmosphere and the hospitable service that won’t empty your wallet.

Your idea of dining in Rabat can take a form of meat stew oozing with spices. A bowl of “Tajine,” a traditional Moroccan cuisine, is popularly served in most restaurants. The tempting combination of tomatoes, onion, and bell peppers to savor the rich flavor of Moroccan lamb also made “kaliya” an enticing dish served with a delicious homegrown bread known as “couscous.”

But if you have a sweet tooth like me, I’d suggest that you also grab a bite of Morocco’s sugary treats. Besides, what can be a perfect ending to the best-tasting Moroccan recipes than a sweet dessert?

Dining in Rabat won’t be complete without a generous serving of pastilla. With mint tea and the best scenery the cafe in Kasbah has to offer, I can’t describe the feeling when I finally sank my teeth in rich layers of spiced chicken covered with almond paste. The baked dough with dusts of sugar truly satisfied my craving for something sweet and undeniably Moroccan. Hmmm, this is what I call my cheapest thrills!

Share This

Long before, I’ve learned to stop looking at glossy magazine covers as travel guides. Though travel reviews hold a lot of promises for impassioned tourists like me, I still believe that wandering aimlessly is the best way to uncover the truth about a city. I had this inspiration from Marco Polo and other great explorers in the world who found what they never expected to see only by searching through their heart’s desire.

I later realized this to be true when I took a solitary walk down the streets of Rabat. It was one of those rare moments when solitude filled me up with such excitement and deep inspiration. As the capital city of Morocco, you may expect Rabat to be just as lively as the other cities I’ve seen through my travel adventures. But in contrary, it was a nice surprise to know that the streets of Rabat offer a welcoming respite from the hustle-bustle of other crowded cities.

People here are surprisingly shy. Not that they’re too distant or quite apathetic, but like the streets of Rabat, you have to delve deeper to know what lies beneath them. While standing at the middle of nowhere, I never felt this hooked on the medieval charm of Rabat. Though a trace of modernization are sprawled all over the city, there’s this unspoken spirit of serenity and inspiration amidst the majestic palaces that surround the old city walls.

For once, I virtually felt like the time had suddenly stopped. If you haven’t done a tourist walk on your own, I’d suggest that you take further steps from your Rabat hotel and just enjoy the soothing atmosphere.

Share This

While browsing the fashion magazine I bought yesterday, I realized that my wardrobe urgently needs a revamp. My, oh my! Am I actually settling for an outdated set of clothes? Or, am I enjoying the Rabat nightlife with such horrible antiquated dresses? With my plain-looking tops and old-fashioned jeans, I guess I absolutely forgot that I’m actually staying in modern Morocco. As I leafed through the glossy pages, I can’t help but notice how these ladies looked so attractive as they model the latest fashion in Morocco.

The way I see it, fashion in Morocco is a fusion of traditional Moroccan style and contemporary Western design. According to an article I’ve read, Moroccan fashion pieces had actually earned world recognition as they bagged some awards in prestigious fashion shows. Looking at my Moroccan friends’ daily outfits, I can say that fashion in Morocco is very sophisticated yet comfortable. They always carry these fashionable pieces with ease and grace.

Moroccan fashion originated from the Kaftan. It is a cloak, usually made of silk or cotton, that reaches down to the ankles. As sheer gowns that follow the curve of the body, the Kaftan has now evolved to be a famous fashion item with sleeves that also adopted the Western style of using bulky fabrics. The fabrics used in today’s fashion in Morocco are usually imported from Japan, China, India, France, and the Middle East. Trendy colors include rusts, chartreuse, gold, and silver. On top of these, ethnic accessories are also added to emphasize the traditional fashion sense.

With these amazing discoveries, never again will I leave my Rabat hotel with my old clothes on. I swear I’m going to buy those lovely Moroccan dresses!

Share This

The beauty of Morocco is simply revealed through various forms. Though the world looks up to it for its many astonishing beaches, luxurious Moroccan hotels, as well as significant historical sites, staying in this country made me realize that these wonders are just the tip of the ice berg. The splendor of this African kingdom definitely goes beyond the typical things that many travel magazines would describe, and you can only see its inner glory once you step right into the humble abode of a Moroccan family.

After taking a tour at Rabat, my friend Cita, invited me to have lunch in her home. To my surprise, the simple meal I expected turned out to be a great opportunity to fill my mind with fascinating discoveries.

Cita’s family was truly adorable. They were so polite, bubbly, and kind. They had a lot of funny jokes to share, and they never got tired of listening to my stories. Though it was my first time to meet most of them, they actually treated me like a long-time friend.

When the host of the house, proclaimed “Bismillah!”(meaning Allah), we all gathered around the table and also replied, “Bismillah! before they served a generous plate of my favorite Moroccan cuisine. But aside from the scrumptious treat, what stole a big percent of my attention was a tradition in Morocco known as eating with your hands. A proper way to do this is to use the thumb and the first two fingers of the right hand. I also found out that using all of your fingers is considered a sign of gluttony. What’s more, the left hand is only used for getting a bread and for handing a dish to other people.

The entire hand rule might sound difficult, but I actually had a great time trying to learn about this tradition in Morocco. I bet they also had a wonderful time watching me. Through this simple yet meaningful tradition in Morocco, I realized that the beauty of this country is not just limited to its tourist attractions. Its beauty can also be found in the culture of a wonderful Moroccan family.

Share This

Only a few days had passed since Amira’s romantic wedding, and my mind can’t help but wonder about the sweet idea of marriage. The wedding bells that embellished the entire Moroccan hotel room reminded me of my childhood fantasies. I’ve always dreamed of designing my own wedding gown.

Being here in Morocco, however, gives a little change to my quixotic ideas of marriage. Though we’re already in the 21st century, people in Morocco still try to follow age-old tradition when it comes to their relationships. If you think arranged marriage only happen in movies, think again because here, it is very much a part of reality. Traditional families generally discourage any form of pre-marital relationships or dating in Morocco.

Good thing, my neighbor, Nadia, enlightened me about the idea of dating in Morocco. According to Nadia, her family believes that choosing a marriage partner is a very important decision. Therefore, it should be done with sincere prayer and faith in Allah, participation of family members, and heedful examination of the partner.

Nadia told me about her sister Zahrah’s love story. Zahrah made a du’a (an offering to Allah) to ask guidance in finding the right man. The family helped in selecting her possible partner until they found Raashid. The couple first went out on group dates. While Raashid and Zahrah were getting to know each other, Zahrah’s parents tried to learn more about the man by talking to Raashid’s family and Islamic elders. The two were also asked to offer salat-l-istikhara, a prayer asking Allah’s guidance in making decisions. After a long period of knowing each other, they were given freedom to choose whether they want to marry each other or not. In the end, the two realized that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.

This love story surely thrilled the hopeless romantic in me. It made me realize that love and dating in Morocco aren’t that complicated. It’s actually more serious and carefully thought of. I used to think that arranged marriages curtail freedom. But now, I know better than that.

Share This

One of the many gracious people I’ve known here in Morocco is a well-mannered, beautiful lady named Amira. This 24-year old Marrakech native has always been close to my heart. She has been a great companion in some of my travel adventures, and her generous family amiably welcomes me to their precious home.

Yesterday was my friend’s wedding in Morocco. As a dear friend of mine, I couldn’t find any excuse not to be there in her most awaited day. With a fondness to observe other culture’s festivity, I can say that a wedding in Morocco is celebrated with a bang! Before the final wedding ceremony, there were six prenuptial celebrations that first took place. I could only imagine how the newly weds, Amira and Hariz, must have spent a considerable amount for the entire merry-making.

Before putting on her wedding gown, Amira was pampered by her younger sister Farah with a beauty routine. Farah arranged her sister’s long brown hair and applied just a little make-up on her lovely face. As part of their tradition, Amira did the old Moroccan practice of milk bathing. Moroccans believed that taking a milk bath will purify brides before their wedding in Morocco. After the ceremonial bath, Amira also had the orthodox henna painting of feet and hands called Beberiska.

Dressed in an elegant bright yellow wedding gown, which Moroccans believed to be the color that can send away evil, Amira looked so radiant on her precious day. I saw in Hariz’s eyes that he’s completely in love with his stunning bride. After the two exchanged their wedding vows, Amira walked around their new home three times.

The reception then followed at an expensive Rabat hotel, where great Moroccan cuisine was served as part of the sumptuous buffet. This includes the Harira Soup, Mechoui, and Beesteya. The guests also enjoyed the night by doing the belly dance.

Share This

Like a free-spirited traveler, setting afoot on a foreign turf didn’t stop me from craving for some action. My mission is to experience what Rabat nightlife really means. So before I left my cozy room in a Rabat hotel, I made sure that I have a city map on hand to check out a list of hang-out spots around the city.

Drinking and smoking in crowded parties used to be my idea of fun. But knowing that there are certain rules that you should observe in Morocco, I chose to be more responsible and discreet with my actions. Instead of having a few shots of my favorite tequilla, I decided to just walk around and see whatever it is that would tickle my fancies.

I don’t have any idea at all, but it feels like there’s something particularly special about the night. And before I knew it, I was already ushered inside a club that features musical shows about a folklore. The idea itself seemed very exotic, so I filled my Rabat nightlife with a taste of Moroccan music and dancing. The show I got to see featured a graceful belly dancer. With an amazing story line and hypnotic Andalusian music, I had a great time watching lovely women grind their bellies like a contortionist.

This experience made me realize that apart from raving party scenes, pleasure and enjoyment do come in various forms. You can actually enjoy the beauty of Rabat by exploring things that you’ve never seen before. Come to think of it, I didn’t even need a shot of Tequilla Sunrise or Margarita to feel the vibes of the Rabat nightlife and have a great time . All I can say is, what a surprise!

Share This

As a frequent traveler, I always make sure that I plan my activities ahead of time. I make it a point to make a list of the things that I want or have to do before I even get to my destination. This helps me save more money when I travel and make me use my time more efficiently. So for absolute fun and enjoyment, I recommend a list of things to do in Rabat:

1. Golf at Rabat
Show off your golfing skills at Rabat. As one of my favorite sports activities, I can say that Rabat is the best place to enjoy golf. With numerous golf clubs adorned with beautiful landscapes and amazing golf facilities, playing golf is on top of my list of things to do in Rabat.

2. Visit historical and religious attractions
This activity is pretty basic for any traveler. Should you decide to stay in Rabat, you shouldn’t miss seeing different historical and religious attractions. As the storytellers of the city’s past, you can also go visit the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammad V, the Andalucian Gardens, and the Royal Palace of Rabat. However, don’t forget to take a look at the interesting cemetery of Chellah and the busy Medina of Rabat.

3. Enjoy the nightlife
The nightlife in Rabat may promise sheer fun and adventure. However, be careful in displaying your alcoholic drinks. Although consumption and sale of alcoholic drinks are legal, I learned from the concierge of my Rabat hotel that it is a taboo for locals to flaunt these kinds of beverages in public. When I’m not in the mood for partying and drinking the night away, I usually go to alcohol-free establishments to enjoy a relaxing stay in Rabat.

4. Shopping at the city
A trip is never complete without a shopping spree. Even with a tight budget, I wouldn’t cross shopping out of my favorite things to do in Rabat. Therefore, I’d suggest that you go to the Medina if you want to buy souvenirs for your friends. I also had a great time shopping at the stalls of Rue Souika in Rabat, where I bought affordable local items.

Share This

Botany has never been my thing but when I saw the Majorelle Garden in Marrakech, I learned to appreciate the scent flowers and the colorful view of other plants. When I went to Rabat, the manager of the Moroccan hotel, where I stayed, suggested that I visit the Andalucian Gardens. I thought that I must check that one out because after a stressful night, I realized that I needed to go to a place where I can relax.

The Andalucian Gardens in Rabat is located inside the Kasbah, an ideal for place for a peaceful strolling. I was pretty impressed by the Andalucian Gardens because from there, I saw the fascinating views of the sea and the river near the old Kasbah Mosque. The atmosphere of the Garden is very pleasant and comforting. Anyone who wants to have a quiet walk around Rabat should go to the Andalucian Gardens.

Although the Andalucian Gardens in Rabat was not as extravagantly designed as the Majorelle Garden, it was still a beautiful place to visit. What makes the Andalucian Gardens special are the vast flowerbeds and sunken shrubberies where different plants grow. I was excited to see an amazing array of bougainvilleas and other fragrant herbs in the garden, too!

It was very relaxing to have a short walk around the Andalucian Gardens in Rabat. So if you are tired of the hustles and bustles of the city, then I’d suggest that you stay in this haven to smell the scent of the fresh flowers, breathe the fresh air, and enjoy the scenic sights of the plants.

Share This

Each time I read one of my entries, a sublime feeling gushes forth inside me. Knowing that other people gets something worthy out of my mind’s creative juices actually thrills my whole being. However, I also must admit that ideas don’t come from me alone. Other people’s thoughts have caused me to express whatever great thing is running through my head. In which case, I’d say that the other blogs about Morocco that I’ve read also deserve a round of applause for igniting my burning desire to write and share my stories.

Braveheart-does-the-Maghreb

One of my prized sources of ideas and inspiration is a blog called Braveheart-does-the-Maghreb. It is a treasure chest, which I regularly open just to look for some golden insights. This chest of precious words belongs to a well-traveled woman named Lady Macleod. The great ideas in her blog are enough proof that this person has gained much experience and knowledge through her travel adventures. She had been to different places like Paris, Scotland, Alabama, London, Kashmir, and India but now stays in Morocco, where her daughter is spending one whole year of research studies.

Despite the lack of impressive web design, I still find Lady Macleod’s blog fantastic. Its interesting and realistic manner of imparting views makes it something worth reading. I might sound like a paid PR writer or the president of Lady Macleod’s fans club right now, but believe me, I am NOT. It just happened that I discovered someone else’s ideas to be close to my own interests. A strong fondness for news in Morocco is something that hooked me into this diary.

If Looks Could Kill

So, you’re still not convinced that I am not a PR writer for Lady Macleod? Well, here’s something that a PR writer won’t do for a client.

I admit that I stand in awe of every interesting article I’ve read on my favorite Braveheart-does-the-Maghreb (B-D-T-M). But that doesn’t mean that I sacrifice a lot of hours in front of the PC just to stare at B-D-T-M’s page. Agree with me or not, staring at a black and red web page for a long time can be really excruciating. Needless to say, what hinders me from continuously reading Lady Macleod’s articles is the background color.

I know that my statement is merely an opinion. Others might even think that the mix of two dark colors is cute. However, I would only like to stress my point on the “friendliness” of this site. With much respect to a gifted writer, I still think that it’s better to choose lighter colors in designing a blog page. Besides, a blog is a journal, not an art sheet. The key is to choose a color that will make reading easy for everyone.

Though the blog colors are not that appealing to me, B-D-T-M still has a fairly decent overall design. What made it presentable is the proper arrangement of blog elements. The clear photos don’t just come anywhere. Pictures of great importance are centrally positioned, while supporting photos are placed on the side. The blog sites she visits are also well organized at the right side of the page. Aside from these, her previous posts can be accessed easily through her systematic blog archive.

It’s The Thought That Counts

I only have one principle in treating a human being and in evaluating a blog– what’s inside is more important than what meets the eye. My love for B-D-T-M is not solely based on its extraordinary web element but also on interesting pieces of information that I get from it. As a whole, B-D-T-M tackles the everyday life in Morocco with topics that are plain and simple. Most of them talk about the Moroccan news and some of her daily routines. However, what makes each entry truly enjoyable is the creative yet realistic way it is told. From it, one can get loads of information about Morocco without getting oh so bored! So, here are a few clips from Lady Macleod’s blog entries:

About Shopping in Morocco

“I have discovered more of the anomalies of shopping in Morocco. The trousers are all three or more inches longer than you will find in Europe, Britain, or the U.S. I am 5’10” tall, and I find really expensive trousers are just long enough, and more moderately priced trousers have to be let out, or worn with flats. Every pair of trousers I tried on today (with the new very orange sandals) pooled on the floor. It is because to a woman they all wear those stiletto heels with everything – djellaba to jeans.”

About Riding Public Vehicles…

“When we arrived at Marjane the driver cut the fare by almost ten dirhams because of the double fare, they don’t always do that (this after he had made the girls throw out their cigarettes when he noticed my nose wrinkling and my fan working overtime). I love that, so I over tipped him like mad.”

On A More Serious Note

Aside from these simple thoughts about the Moroccan lifestyle, Lady Macleod’s mind is also filled with deep ideas. From her writings, you can get a clear and profound view of a certain issue. Her words are so powerful that they can either support or break your current opinion.

On caring for the world…

“We must realize the truth of the world, or we will be lost. It is our world, all of it, and we are responsible for every individual on it and the state of the earth itself. Every grain of sand is the same as me, every Muslim is my child, every bird is my brother, the sea is my life’s blood, and I am responsible for the well being of us all.”

On the danger of terrorism…

“The terrorist believes he is serving a higher good, that he is called to this purpose; and that makes him so much more dangerous and bloody. The agenda is to change political control, and to have a certain interpretation of religion rule that political state. It is not enough to prove “I am right.” It must be proved “You are wrong.” And if that takes your death, that of all your family, and those in agreement with you – so it must be.”

Two Heads Are Better Than One

Indeed, my esteemed writer shares abounding insights to her readers, and I’m lucky enough to have come across her site. I have learned much from reading B-D-T-M. Like Lady Macleod’s entries, I also try to make mine as entertaining as possible. I read blogs, too, so I know that a dull write-up is a NO-NO! Aside from this, B-D-T-M also motivates me to write about different issues. Though my focus is on Morocco, my points for discussion are on different aspects of Moroccan living. From Morocco attractions to events in Fez, I have a lot of thing to share. I also introduced my readers to homegrown Moroccan recipes and even wrote about my personal experiences in staying at Moroccan hotels.

As an avid reader, I hope to contribute something that can enhance B-D-T-M. Aside from changing the colors of the site, I think it would be best to create an article index according to categories. I think readers would appreciate it more if there is an easier access to a specific issue.

If you still have any doubt on your mind, thinking that I’m only doing this for promotion, I would suggest that you check out Lady Macleod’s treasure chest. Reading just a few of her articles can probably make you want to outdo this review.

Share This