The art of drinking tea in Morocco is a rich and deeply ingrained tradition. Moroccan tea is often referred to as "Moroccan mint tea." It's an important aspect of Moroccan culture and hospitality. Here's some information about when to drink mint tea and verbena tea in Morocco and the differences between the two: 1. Moroccan Mint Tea (Atay b'nana): When to Drink: Mint tea is commonly consumed throughout the day in Morocco. However, it is particularly associated with hospitality, and it's customary to serve mint tea to guests as a sign of welcome. It's also a popular choice for refreshing…

by Eleanor Tan

PRISON DE KARA, MEKNES (MOROCCO) In the heart of Meknes, Morocco, a city teeming with history and hidden gems, there lies a cryptic relic of the past that has long intrigued historians and travelers alike. The Kara Prison, or Habs Qara in Arabic, is a haunting testament to the enigmatic reign of Sultan Ismail bin Sharif during the early 18th century. What makes this underground prison so remarkable is not its imposing doors or fortified bars, but the profound mystery that shrouds its subterranean depths. A place of confinement like no other, the Kara Prison's very structure is a riddle,…

by Eleanor Tan

MARRAKESH: My first visit to Marrakesh was in October 2019 and I was so impressed but somewhat overwhelmed with this city. It's such an unusual city where the ancient and the modern world exists side by side. Going through the old medinas and the souks, I was imagining Aladdin jumping across from one rooftop to the next in his constant escape from the authorities chasing him from 'roof to roof!' It seems my childhood 'fairy tales' of the 1001 Arabian Nights come to life for me! Morocco is home to more  UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES than any other country on…

by Eleanor Tan

KALAAT M'GOUNA, MOROCCO: A TOWN OF ROSES “A rose is an argument. It proclaims the triumph of beauty over brutality, of gentleness over violence, of the ephemeral over the lasting, and of the universal over the particular. The same rose bursts into bloom on the North Cape and in the Sahara desert.“ Alan Meilland El-Kalaa, M'Gouna Rose Festival The Rose Festival or Moussem of Roses takes place on the second weekend in May and lasts for two days. Kalaat M’gouna means Valley of the Roses and the city itself is named after the nearby Mount Mgoun, The Kelaat M'Gouna Rose…

by Eleanor Tan

Volubilis near Meknes in Morocco was an ancient Roman city. An impressive well preserved UNESCO-listed site housing extensive ruins dating back to the 1st century BC. I have missed this site during my first visit in October 2019 and I am happy that I have made it on this visit in November 2021. What is Volubilis? The Roman ruins of Volubilis, Morocco, the finest of all the Roman ruins to be found in the country, are at once important for their Roman connections to the region. This crumbling skeleton of a once-flourishing Roman city. This place, called VOLUBILIS by the Romans and Oualili…

by Eleanor Tan

Moroccan town of Taliouine is the place to get the world’s most expensive spice! Taliouine, the heart of Morocco’s saffron-producing region, lies south of  Marrakesh, and east of Taroudant. The city itself is small – just under 6,000 people – but produces more saffron than any other place in Africa. Every November, a festival is held at harvest time and people from around the world come to watch and celebrate.  Taliouine is a small village in the heart of the Sirwa, a mountain range known for its dramatic changes in weather conditions. Encompassing vast, rocky valleys that stretch as far…

by Eleanor Tan

So close to Europe – south across the Mediterranean from Spain – Morocco is another fabulous world altogether. It has the lot: remote landscapes and unforgettable culture, from the magnificent old palaces of imperial Fez to the faded-fabulous art deco architecture of Casablanca. The pulse of life in the city souks is irresistible and the artisanal output is phenomenal, from vivid tiles to high-quality leather goods. Here are the best things to see and do in Morocco. DAY 1  CASABLANCA I can remember that sense of excited anticipation of FINALLY landing in CASABLANCA, MOROCCO!! I have always romanticized CASABLANCA, because…

by Eleanor Tan

Moroccan breakfast is simple by nature.  Pancakes, fatty sausages, and loads of potatoes are not normal fare.  Instead, you'll find something lighter though usually carbohydrate-laden. Moroccan doughnut. Smen is Morocco's funky fermented butter that lasts for years!! If you are a fan of the funkiest of blue cheese, give smen a try on its own on bread or crackers - but remember that a little goes a long way. Otherwise, try incorporating it into your cooking. Most definitely give it a try in a traditional tagine (which is my favorite Moroccan dish!!!) but also don't be afraid to get a little creative.…

by eleanorwong.me