Maybe it is the ongoing problems with internet access, or maybe it is simply that people are out and about enjoying the glorious spring weather, but whatever the cause, the blogosphere is pretty quiet at the moment.
In Fez the internet access is really bad. Sometimes there is no connection at all and at others the speed approximates an elderly snail on Valium. To post one story with two photographs yesterday took almost two hours. Hopefully things will improve, inshallah.
Outside of the Fez Medina Morocco's top bloggers are also cruising in the slow lane. Over in Meknes the Morocco Report has certainly been out and about, travelling as far afield as Moulay Yacoub in order to "take the waters". Although my experience of the hot spring water was that it felt like being immersed in boiling water and the massage that followed came close to three rounds of Greco-Roman wrestling, with me on the losing team - the Morocco Report found it therapeutic. All I can say is she has a tougher hide than me! Having just journeyed right around the planet with a book for our favourite Meknes blogger, I hope to find out more about how she survived being boiled alive.
Meanwhile in Rabat, the Cat is having some very strange early morning visitations. Although I would love to claim ownership of the troupe of wandering choristers who are performing Gregorian chant outside the window of her boudoir, alas, it was not me. Firstly, even after six years in a choir and a lifetimes exposure to Maddy Prior, June Tabor and Jan Gabarek, I confess that middle C remains an unattained erogenous zone rather than a musical note. Cat in Rabat continues to amaze us all with her wit, wisdom and ability to focus on the bizarre! Cat - if I could have sung, I would have, in the meantime I suggest a large Gregorian Chant-catchers net positioned outside your window - or, on the other hand, lie back, enjoy it and think of Pope Gregory.
Now to the story of Morocco Time. Back on my birthday Liosliath ventured out to see Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait. Alas, since then not a word. Of course, as a male I am not as susceptible to the rugged charms of Monsieur Zidane, but could it be that having posted his photograph Liosliath is unable to post - mesmerized by the football star? Only time will tell.
Down in the Red City of Marrakech, another of our regular Moroccan bloggers is also taking it easy. But, in true Marrakech style is very open about it. Spring? Of course. One of the recent posts on My Marrakesh was even titled Morocco: and the art of rest "Oh, it's a beautiful day. Shall we, perhaps, have some grapes and tea, take a little walk, and take a little nap? That's a lovely idea, you say?" You get the picture. And if that was not quite restful enough, her next post contained... Actually, if you don't mind, I think I will slip into my bath right now. But we'll talk later, okay? They are very accommodating at this Thai spa. Hmmm...I wonder if I should be indulgent and ask room service to send up some champagne?
Ah, how they live it up in Marrakech.
But back to Fez, where Michael on Dar Mystere is not in favour of establishing British style pubs in Morocco for the tourists. Hear hear! After the recent sighting of three Poms wearing Djellabas and red Fez hats at a cheeky angle, while counting piles of cash in public, the thought of them with warm pints and pork scratchings.... argh!
Over in renovation land, Jenny and Jon are up to their ears in electrical cables and enjoying the company of Driss - on off the best and speediest electricians in Fez. We will report more when the dust settles.
Louis Da Fez is also in cruise control at the moment, back from Chefchaouen dreaming to the realities of the final stage of his renovations. "A bit of a hold up this week waiting for the marble man for 3 days as he has to finish his work before zellige man can finish his work before tadelakt man can finish his work before clean up crew can finish their work and so it goes! Soon it will come to an end and I will miss the constant wallet opening......NOT. It will be time to start earning and not burning up the spondulicks." We wish him luck - but don't go opening a pub!
Although we would have liked to report on some more of the bloggers, the lack of internet speed is slowing us down - so we will wait until things improve.
Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news
2 comments:
Shhh...you are making me sound like a lay-about! Oh that's right - I am:-)
PS On another note, do you guys know of any NGOs needing documentary photographic work by a professional American photographer (gratis, of course)? Or is there a photographer's association?
I'm going to whip up some of my special "homemade" slippers and add a few tinkly bells ... the next time I hear those monks, I'm going to toss a few out the window. There's more than 1 way to bell a cat - or a monk.
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