Moroccan Magic - October 25 - Hostess Roundup - Dawn Caputo

I often wonder why we chose a travel destination—Is it the adventure of somewhere different, the exotic & unknown, an interest in the culture, or inspired by a book or movie? Morocco ticked all these for me!. We arrived in Casablanca, which, surprisingly, is a modern city while at the same time respectful of its past and culture. The Mosque of Hassan II, built on an outcrop jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, dominates the city with its beauty and intricate Islamic architectural style. Onto the city of Rabat, the country's capital, for an overnight stay and opportunity to visit the nearby Chellah Kasbah. Set in lush green gardens with a history of Roman domination and ruins that were later used as a royal necropolis. Before I go on, what is a Kasbah? "a traditional fortified structure or a fortified palace complex",  Onto the nearby Udayas Kasbah, a historic fortress and residential quarter of old Rabat with its wide blue and white streets, artisan shops, bustling cafes and Andalusian Gardens created a magical atmosphere of a time long gone - we were all falling under the spell of Morocco's magic. Chefchaouen was our next stop. Staying in our centrally located Riad, we were able to explore and, yes, get lost in this wondrous city of blue with its winding alleys and souks, every corner a photo opportunity that couldn't quite capture the beauty of the town. We dined in the bustling main square, people-watching, enjoying the colours and music of the night.  En route to Fes, we stopped at the UNESCO-listed site of Volubilis  - wow!! What a surprise to find a Roman archaeological site spanning 42 acres and dating back to the 1st century AD. Our 3-night stay in Fes was at the Riad Le Jardin Des Biehn, an oasis of comfort and charm, plus a great restaurant and excellent staff. Fes was the city where the sisters had waited to go shopping, and shopping we did! The Fes Medina is approximately 740 acres, with over 9,000 narrow alleys, streets, and lanes offering everything and anything! Leather coats, bags, slippers, and souvenirs were bought, not forgetting the few carpets to be shipped home! Travelling south east from Fes through the Atlas mountains towards Merzouga - the gateway to the  Sahara Desert and our much anticipated overnight stay in the desert. The vastness and solitude of the Sahara were magic, and even though we were a group of chattering women. We all felt the serenity and connection lost in our own thoughts as our camels plodded through the dunes, each of us treasuring and holding onto this special time. Our itinerary continued to Ouarzazate, a city known as the Hollywood of Morocco.  Home to the Atlas Film studios and the setting for many Hollywood films, along with the nearby fortified village of Ait Benhaddou and the Kasbah Taourirt (not to mention our stunning Raid with its large pool and day spa), made it a perfect spot for our 2-night stay. Marrakech is known as the Red City, due to its many buildings and walls being constructed from the red, ochre, and pink clay from the nearby plains. It is the country's economic centre and home to grand palaces and mosques. Our days were filled with exploring the nearby Medina and, yes, more shopping!. A hands-on Moroccan cooking class followed by an afternoon of pampering at a hammam (traditional steam bath). A private perfume workshop, where we created our own special scent and a visit to the "most beautiful garden in the world," the Majorelle Gardens. Set over 12 acres, with a collection of plants from 5 continents, it is an artist's garden of plants and colour, and the legacy of French designer Yves Saint Laurent. It was great to catch up with Hayley and visit her project of passion, "Sass Riad", which promises to be stunning when completed, and we now understand Hayley's love of Morocco. Our tour was coming to an end as we headed towards the seaside town of Essaouira. A  comfortable and relaxed town, we explored the old fishing port and the UNESCO historic Medina with last-minute shopping for souvenirs and silver jewellery. Back to Casablanca for our last night and farewell dinner at the legendary "Rick's Café". Three weeks of wondrous sights —mountains, deserts, palaces, Mosques, and delicious food —along with the hospitality of the Moroccan people, had come to an end. Morocco, the destination, was magic, and the journey shared with nine amazing and supportive sisters made it a trip of a lifetime.