Inspiration – Set Free
Wares of the souk
An Atlas Mountain scene that inspired Jaspar Wills’ rectangle
Succeeding against odds
One of my last days in Marrakech, feeling-finally-like I belonged and made this adventure work for me. Instead of hiding in my beautiful villa, I kept at it, pushing my way into that city and culture and figuring it out.
Spectacular rugs everywhere in the market
Souks of Marrakech
At times daunting, occasionally maddening, always exhilarating. Best thing is to just expect to get lost.
Small portion of the grounds of the Es Saadi Palace
Scorching heat of day in Jemaa el Fna
Rugs of many colour
Rugs for sale in the souks
Roads into Atlas Mountains
I was not a fan!
Questionable lunch item in the souks
Nearing the top of the Atlas Mountains
This was an exciting moment for me. The drive up was not my favourite – narrow, steep, with no other vehicles in sight – but it was worth it.
My lamb and date tagine
Most of the meals were a minimum of six or seven dishes, usually served at once. One meal had twelve. I wonder if they weren’t used to serving a single diner?
My caleche driver
My caleche
Marrakech Souk
Just give in to getting lost.
Marrakech, Morocco
In the dizzying, agressive, puzzling, exotic, scary, exciting souks where they promise you WILL get lost. And I did.
Le Grand Balcon Cafe Glacier with its with its famous rooftop view of Jemaa el Fna
Where Katie Edwards meets her informant.
Jemaa el Fna Orange Peddlar
Jemaa el Fna – action central
Jemaa el Fna at night – scary and exciting and fun
Hotel CTM in the medina
Near where Katie Edwards meets her informant.
High Atlas Mountains, Morocco
I visited a number of Berber villages. We travelled on narrow winding roads, never seeing another car for hours.
Heading into the Atlas Mountains
Haggling In Marrakech
Extraordinary colours of the souks
Es Saadi Palace Hotel
Where Katie Edwards stays during her research trip to Marrakech.
Egytian Bar where Katie Edwards meets the mystery man
Egyptian Bar at Es Saadi Palace
Driving in the Atlas Mountains
Conquering the Unknown
Taking on Marrakech on its own was a challenge. Language. Culture. Traditons. Agressive souk vendors. Extreme heat. Here I am in the El Fna Square late one evening, feeling for the first time I’ve figured out how to survive and eventually love the place.
Caleches lined up in Jemaa el Fna
Atlas Mountain town
Anthony Bidulka Atlas Mountain scene – sometimes green, sometimes nothing but brown
A town almost hidden in the side of the Atlas Mountains
Aït Benhaddou, Atlas Mountains, Morocco