As Morocco is predominantly a Muslim country we only saw one dog in Marrakech - a much-loved pet by the look of him. But cats were everywhere and, no doubt, providing much needed service in pest control. Mostly they were strays, some in a very sad state indeed, but quite a few were obviously at least looked after if not actually 'owned'. This one outside a carpet/antique shop must have been the envy of the neighbourhood. More Marrakech shots tomorrow - I'll have to find one that shows the crazier side of the city!
@fueast We did buy a Berber Kilim (sp?) from a Government co-operative. Knocked the man down to nearly half price but felt pretty bad as it took two women four months to make it - which of course is the intention - he was giving us all the spiel. The carpets are all made by women apparently - men only have patience for a scarf or something... It will feature soon I suspect as both cat and dog have been randomly lying in the middle of it and looking disapprovingly at the bare wooden floors all around. Mind you it could have been knocked up in an hour in China for all I know - but if it was it's still beautiful.
@judithg I've got a couple of Turkish Kilims. I don't think they would look the same if manufactured. Real works of art. Plus they seem to be able to take quite a bit of stick and still look good (which is a good thing in my house).
@jennywren We bought alsorts of tat - Adam is very pleased with his 'genuine fake' Louis Vuitton wallet. And some other nice stuff - bag, belts, scarf, slippers etc and a very nice (small mind you!) carpet (see above). Sometimes we did well on the bartering and sometimes we were rubbish but it was entertaining!
great colours in this, fabulous snapshot of the bartering to come! can't believe Adam got a wallet...did you not mamage to get his school shoes out there???
@sparkle Well they only had baboush and I don't reckon he'd get away with them - TopMan to the rescue tonight though! And no arguing... The wallet was hilarious - the man started at 380Dh (about £33) and the words 'it's real'. When Adam eventually stopped laughing negotiations started in earnest and he ended up paying 80Dh - £6 and possibly still too much!!
@fueast Oh good because the first thing Monty did was collapse on it and then scratch furiously at it with a dirty foot - he was removed until he promised to behave. It is lovely - I might have to go back one day for a bigger one when I've saved up.
@melaniesavage Oh so do I - there war some dodgy smells but the Ryad smelled gorgeous - the wood apparently and then there were lots of essential oils as well.
Again wonderful background colours and what is that crazy little chap in the foreground. The cat - well just love his expression of utter contentment - and indeed he must be the envy of the feline community. Fav.
Reminds me of the princess and the pea! Lots of mattresses just for one moggy. Lovely colours and so typical of Morocco. And I like the door resting against the rug; it looks like a door into the rug.
