I can’t really say that I have ever longed to visit Marrakech. But when I learned it was to be part of our painting expedition, I looked forward to a chance to capture some of the colors of life in Morocco.
Unfortunately, shortly after our arrival, I ended up sick and spent the first day and a half confined to quarters. Fortunately, quarters – in this case, Riad Catalina – offered lots of opportunities to dip into my colors. It was as much fun as someone who is under the weather has a right to expect. Thought you might enjoy a sketch or two that came out of my confinement.
Although I missed out on a first hand experience of the Fnaa (complete with snakes, watersellers, and henna artists), I did recouperate enough to take a ride in a calleche to visit the Majorelle Gardens and also to spend an afternoon shopping the souks for souvenirs.
Now that I’m back in Canada again, here are a few notes from my Moroccan experience:
* Marrakech is a city of contrasts – crazy, chaotic street action offset by cool and refreshing oases (riad courtyards, Majorelle Gardens, rooftop terraces high above the din)
* Colorful pigments, yarns, spices – all on offer. Spices with odors so strong, a few grams in your suitcase is enough to scent your entire traveling wardrobe.
* Fabulous tastes. Picture twelve different cold plates of salad, each one featuring a veggie individually spiced and flavored, each plate more interesting, colorful, and delicious than the last.
* Call to prayer five times a day – broadcast from the mosque to the neighborhood at large. I’m sure I heard every word of the 4:30 am call on our last morning in Marrakech.
* The shopkeepers’ determination and glee in bartering for their goods. After a satisfying exchange and subsequent agreement, a shake of hands and more relaxed and congenial conversations.
*In the last deal of my visit, I purchased 6 glass and silver bottles to hold the pigments I’d bought the day before. When the shopkeeper discovered he only had 5 on hand, he told me to stay right there, he’d be right back. Then he rushed out of the shop, hopped on his motorbike and disappeared into the souks. leaving me solo in his shop. Five minutes later he’s back with the final item. Whether it was retrieved from a storehouse, borrowed or bought from a buddy, I do not know. I do know he showed a phenomenal level of trust you don’t find here in North America!
This post was written by Pat Katz on May 24, 2010
Terra cotta roofs and white washed buildings.
Many boats in the bay. Lovely houses up the hills.
Gotta love a house on the hill!
Sketched from Lakeview Lounge at Fairmont Chateau overlooking Lake Louise, while savoring a bowl of hot corn and crab chowder and a Grasshopper ale. Definitely warmer inside than out. 
A week spent in Sedona and Tucson was good for the soul. Warm air, beautiful colors, distinctive landscapes – not to mention the good friends and food.
Bell Rock #1 – painted on our first morning in Sedona.
Lunching along the banks of Oak Creek at L’Auberge Sedona.
If you’re generally in the mood for some very creative writing, you’ll find plenty on Jill’s blog, The Noisy Plume.
Highly recommend the dining room at Sooke Harbor House, just an hour drive west of Victoria, BC. Arrived early enough before our reservation to stroll and explore the grounds, enjoy the excitement of a wedding in progress on the lawn overlooking the sea, and do a quick sketch of Sooke East Point across the bay. Seated for dinner at a table with a spectacular view – and savored every mouthful of the Dungeness Crab.