Whilst the Cascades are a stunning sight, I'm going to focus on the market I visited in Ouzoud instead.
The market setting by the river was serene and beautiful.
Vendors had erected awnings to protect their produce - and themselves - from the searing sun. The comforting smell from the slowly warming fruits and vegetables was strangely reminiscent of the kitchen of my childhood.
The pumpkins in particular smelled gorgeous.
The relaxed atmosphere was palpable and the locals were more than happy to allow me to take their photograph.
The meat section was strategically shaded and whilst I didn't fancy one of those unrefrigerated turkeys, fortunately there was no whiff of tainted meat.
I was slightly surprised that it seemed to be only men who were doing the shopping.
Although there were plenty of women doing the selling!
Some of the children were taking market day seriously.
Others less so.
So there you have my experiences of Moroccan markets, in three parts. I haven't decided where to take you next week - watch this space.
I love the idea of donkey parking, Susan. Interesting, as you say, that it was the men doing the shopping. I wonder if they did any of the cooking as well or this represented shared labour.
ReplyDeleteThe donkey parking really delighted me and my husband, Ann. I don't know if Moroccan men do any of the cooking in their homes. It was definitely the lady of the house doing the cooking in the only private home we visited.
DeleteWaterfalls aren't something I associate with Morocco, but I'd forgotten about the Atlas Mountains. Looks like you had a fun time, Susan. :)
ReplyDeleteMorocco exceeded all my expectations, Jo. I'd return in a heartbeat!
ReplyDeleteDonkey parking lots and unrefrigerated turkeys. There are a few things in life we take forgranted I think.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Sue. There is nothing quite like travelling in less developed countries to open ones eyes to the way other people live.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan, for taking us on another mini holiday. The photos definitely do their job - I can feel the heat, and enjoy the sights and smells. And as for donkey parking, that's made my day! (I wonder where the traffic warden puts the overdue tickets)
ReplyDeleteHelen
Thanks, Helen. I'm glad you enjoyed the donkey parking - it made our day too when we saw it!
ReplyDeleteOf course donkeys should be given priority over motor vehicles! And I'm pleased that these looked like healthy, well cared for donkeys.
ReplyDeleteI also liked the use of orange awnings over the pumpkins to enhance their colour. And our supermarkets think they invented mood lighting to get us to buy!
In many ways Morocco is quite modern, Linda, so I was initially surprised to see how important donkeys still are in their lives - and fortunately they're important enough to be well cared for, in the main. It was the same with the camels I saw.
ReplyDeleteThose donkeys didn't seem to have much grazing or water? The colour in your photos is amazing - almost sun-bleached.
ReplyDeleteI think their owners would have seen to their needs, Lizy - those animals are very important to them. As for those colours, this was one of the things I loved about Morocco. I've got lots more atmospheric photos - you're seeing the tip of the iceberg!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the trip to market. (wish I could buy some of the sunshine)
ReplyDeleteHe he - so do I, Patsy - so do I!
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