Comments on: Eat, pray, love in Morocco http://matadornetwork.com/trips/eat-pray-love-in-morocco/ travel culture worldwide Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:45:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Mourad http://matadornetwork.com/trips/eat-pray-love-in-morocco/#comment-7361 Mourad Sat, 04 Sep 2010 18:42:46 +0000 http://matadortrips.com/?p=1408#comment-7361 Hello, Suddenly on this post I've a comment about Argan oil: Argan oil (or Argane) is derived directly from the argan tree, endemic of Morocco, as a highly prized non edible nuts enclosed in a hard brown hull, now mainly in the south-west of the country between Agadir, Essaouira and Taroudant. It is widely used in the traditional cooking of this region. Rich in vitamin E, antioxidants... There are two types of Argan oil, depending on whether or not the almonds are roasted before use. Cooking oil, darker and stronger taste because of the roasting oil is used as usual to prepare the food, but should not be raised to a high temperature. It is very nutritious and is, with almonds and honey (Amlou), a highly nutritious paste often consumed at breakfast. The cosmetic oil, lighter, used under the skin and hair and would virtues against hair loss, eczema, skin dehydration ... The vast majority of the production of argan oil passes through the women's cooperative. A program for improving working conditions of rural women economic activities generating additional income and sustainable management of argan areas in south-western Morocco. Co-sponsored by the Social Development Agency (ADS) with the support of the European Union. Hello,

Suddenly on this post I’ve a comment about Argan oil:

Argan oil (or Argane) is derived directly from the argan tree, endemic of Morocco, as a highly prized non edible nuts enclosed in a hard brown hull, now mainly in the south-west of the country between Agadir, Essaouira and Taroudant. It is widely used in the traditional cooking of this region. Rich in vitamin E, antioxidants…

There are two types of Argan oil, depending on whether or not the almonds are roasted before use. Cooking oil, darker and stronger taste because of the roasting oil is used as usual to prepare the food, but should not be raised to a high temperature. It is very nutritious and is, with almonds and honey (Amlou), a highly nutritious paste often consumed at breakfast.

The cosmetic oil, lighter, used under the skin and hair and would virtues against hair loss, eczema, skin dehydration …

The vast majority of the production of argan oil passes through the women’s cooperative. A program for improving working conditions of rural women economic activities generating additional income and sustainable management of argan areas in south-western Morocco. Co-sponsored by the Social Development Agency (ADS) with the support of the European Union.

]]> By: Beebe http://matadornetwork.com/trips/eat-pray-love-in-morocco/#comment-7207 Beebe Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:34:34 +0000 http://matadortrips.com/?p=1408#comment-7207 Thanks, Kitty, for your comments. I love your cookbooks and own one and use it deliciously! Beebe Thanks, Kitty, for your comments. I love your cookbooks and own one and use it deliciously! Beebe

]]> By: Kitty M http://matadornetwork.com/trips/eat-pray-love-in-morocco/#comment-7007 Kitty M Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:08:45 +0000 http://matadortrips.com/?p=1408#comment-7007 Bonjour and Hello: Just stumbled upon this post. It is full of good information, however: Beware when you purchase terfess, the white truffles that are sold on the side of the road to Meknes. Vendors sometimes substitute potatoes, and you will be out of a good number of DHs. Morocco is a safe place to visit, and Moroccans pride themselves on their sense of hospitality. As a former Casablancaise, and the author of five books on Moroccan cuisine, I can vouch that the food is delicious. Jewish visitors, are allowed to visit most synagogues (as are other foreign visitors) and many are being restored with foreign funds. There is a small Jewish community (2000 nationwide), and if you meet members in any large city they will no doubt invite you to a service. There are restaurants specializing in Sephardic cuisine in Casa, Rabat, and Marrakech. To experience this wonderful cuisine, read my book, The Scent of Orange Blossoms: Sephardic Cuisine from Morocco! Bismillah, Bonjour and Hello:
Just stumbled upon this post. It is full of good information, however: Beware when you purchase terfess, the white truffles that are sold on the side of the road to Meknes. Vendors sometimes substitute potatoes, and you will be out of a good number of DHs.

Morocco is a safe place to visit, and Moroccans pride themselves on their sense of hospitality. As a former Casablancaise, and the author of five books on Moroccan cuisine, I can vouch that the food is delicious.

Jewish visitors, are allowed to visit most synagogues (as are other foreign visitors) and many are being restored with foreign funds. There is a small Jewish community (2000 nationwide), and if you meet members in any large city they will no doubt invite you to a service. There are restaurants specializing in Sephardic cuisine in Casa, Rabat, and Marrakech. To experience this wonderful cuisine, read my book, The Scent of Orange Blossoms: Sephardic Cuisine from Morocco!
Bismillah,

]]> By: Leah http://matadornetwork.com/trips/eat-pray-love-in-morocco/#comment-4607 Leah Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:55:16 +0000 http://matadortrips.com/?p=1408#comment-4607 Re: Religious Hang-ups I studied abroad in Morocco a few years back, and whole-heartedly agree with the comments about the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. As far as cooking, I had the luxury to live with a family as part of my program, and through that I got a window into the many aspects of culture that get wrapped up into the creation of a meal for family. So, for that reason I would add cous-cous to the list of must-experience foods. This is a weekly meal all around the country, shops are closed so families can be together. It is unlike anything you have had that people call cous-cous anywhere else!! Lastly in regards to religious concerns; as a Jew it was occasionally an issue. Similar to the Mosques non-Jews are not allowed in the remaining Synegogues, as a protection to the remaining community from persecution. There are so few left that prejudice and allegiance with the Palestinians sometimes over rules the paramount friendly nature of most Moroccans. Above all I recommend it!! I can't wait to go back. Re: Religious Hang-ups

I studied abroad in Morocco a few years back, and whole-heartedly agree with the comments about the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. As far as cooking, I had the luxury to live with a family as part of my program, and through that I got a window into the many aspects of culture that get wrapped up into the creation of a meal for family. So, for that reason I would add cous-cous to the list of must-experience foods. This is a weekly meal all around the country, shops are closed so families can be together. It is unlike anything you have had that people call cous-cous anywhere else!!

Lastly in regards to religious concerns; as a Jew it was occasionally an issue. Similar to the Mosques non-Jews are not allowed in the remaining Synegogues, as a protection to the remaining community from persecution. There are so few left that prejudice and allegiance with the Palestinians sometimes over rules the paramount friendly nature of most Moroccans.

Above all I recommend it!! I can’t wait to go back.

]]> By: Dee Andrews http://matadornetwork.com/trips/eat-pray-love-in-morocco/#comment-3690 Dee Andrews Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:50:17 +0000 http://matadortrips.com/?p=1408#comment-3690 I recently returned from a wonderful trip to Morocco with my husband and two daughters, ages 7 and 10. My biggest discovery was that the concerns and fears I had were overly apprehensive. I suppose we all fear the unknown to some degree, and I was happy that I conquered my anxiety and experienced this country firsthand. It was an amazing experience for our family, and I truly felt little anxiety while there. Overwhelmed, yes, but in a sensory way... the food, smells, sounds, colors are brilliant! Go! You can see my pictures here: http://travelandtravails.com/traveling-with-kids/morocco-pictures/ I recently returned from a wonderful trip to Morocco with my husband and two daughters, ages 7 and 10. My biggest discovery was that the concerns and fears I had were overly apprehensive. I suppose we all fear the unknown to some degree, and I was happy that I conquered my anxiety and experienced this country firsthand. It was an amazing experience for our family, and I truly felt little anxiety while there. Overwhelmed, yes, but in a sensory way… the food, smells, sounds, colors are brilliant! Go!

You can see my pictures here: http://travelandtravails.com/traveling-with-kids/morocco-pictures/

]]> By: Beebe Bahrami http://matadornetwork.com/trips/eat-pray-love-in-morocco/#comment-2148 Beebe Bahrami Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:46:26 +0000 http://matadortrips.com/?p=1408#comment-2148 Hi Colin, There really aren't any religious "hang-ups" in Morocco. The desire to have no non-Muslims in the mosques is to keep these spaces for serious worship and sanctuary. It also goes back to the French Protectorate period to allow one place where Moroccans could meet without the eyes and ears of the foreign occupation. For the respectful spiritual traveler, though, it is a shame that they cannot enjoy the peace and calm of these places. As for dress, you are correct, indeed both women and men should dress modestly. Moroccan men also do not go around showing a lot of skin. Hi Colin, There really aren’t any religious “hang-ups” in Morocco. The desire to have no non-Muslims in the mosques is to keep these spaces for serious worship and sanctuary. It also goes back to the French Protectorate period to allow one place where Moroccans could meet without the eyes and ears of the foreign occupation. For the respectful spiritual traveler, though, it is a shame that they cannot enjoy the peace and calm of these places. As for dress, you are correct, indeed both women and men should dress modestly. Moroccan men also do not go around showing a lot of skin.

]]> By: brian from nodebtworldtravel.com http://matadornetwork.com/trips/eat-pray-love-in-morocco/#comment-2145 brian from nodebtworldtravel.com Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:42:09 +0000 http://matadortrips.com/?p=1408#comment-2145 Elvira not sure what your friends were carrying or what sizes but my friend and I did not experience that at all in Morocco. We passed thru Casablanca onto Marrakesh and never saw that. Possible somebody could have been holding your friends up for a bribe. Elvira not sure what your friends were carrying or what sizes but my friend and I did not experience that at all in Morocco. We passed thru Casablanca onto Marrakesh and never saw that.

Possible somebody could have been holding your friends up for a bribe.

]]> By: Hal Amen http://matadornetwork.com/trips/eat-pray-love-in-morocco/#comment-2139 Hal Amen Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:56:05 +0000 http://matadortrips.com/?p=1408#comment-2139 Tentative plans for Morocco next spring. This is a great primer! Tentative plans for Morocco next spring. This is a great primer!

]]> By: Elvira http://matadornetwork.com/trips/eat-pray-love-in-morocco/#comment-1741 Elvira Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:06:03 +0000 http://matadortrips.com/?p=1408#comment-1741 I would love to travel to Morocco one day. However, I have been told on a several occasions that the airports procedures can spoil the whole experience. While at UK airports you have to pack all liquids (including solid creams and parfumes) in a luggage, at Marrakech you are not allowed to even come into the airport with any liquids whatsoever anywhere in your luggage. They apparently open all your bags before the check in. Which means that not only you will say goodbye to all of your own cosmetic posession, but it also means you can't buy morrocan oils, parfumes, etc. which I'd love to buy if I'd go there. So, did few of my friends had a bad luck or is it true for everyone? Some of them managed to bring oils through by paying a bribe, but that is not good for me. I would love to travel to Morocco one day. However, I have been told on a several occasions that the airports procedures can spoil the whole experience. While at UK airports you have to pack all liquids (including solid creams and parfumes) in a luggage, at Marrakech you are not allowed to even come into the airport with
any liquids whatsoever anywhere in your luggage. They apparently open all your bags before the check in. Which means that not only you will say goodbye to all of your own cosmetic posession, but it also means you can’t buy morrocan oils, parfumes, etc. which I’d love to buy if I’d go there.

So, did few of my friends had a bad luck or is it true for everyone? Some of them managed to bring oils through by paying a bribe, but that is not good for me.

]]> By: joshywashington http://matadornetwork.com/trips/eat-pray-love-in-morocco/#comment-1742 joshywashington Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:40:49 +0000 http://matadortrips.com/?p=1408#comment-1742 This post has me hungry, ready to book a flight and a little lonely all at the same time...Morocco anyone? This post has me hungry, ready to book a flight and a little lonely all at the same time…Morocco anyone?

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