THE PEOPLE IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD

So you've followed me through the maze. Let's meet some of the locals. We'll, there is me for starters. Maybe seeing a dancing cobra doesn't make all locals smile, but it did to this temporary one.

The Jamaa El Fna square is great to find whatever you need. Apothecaries run amuk on the perimeter to ensure you can find, dried snake, animal skins, powders, spices, liquids, viagra for men and women, berber lipstick (red color by rubbing a wet finger on a clay lid) and every scent you want.

More interesting are the everyday people. Not postcard quality sharpness, but again it's Lumix's fault. Maybe a little mine, since I don't mind much with the modes and speeds.

Though I haven't deduced his name yet, this little one makes my day with a HI FIVE on my walk home. Doesn't hurt when he sees me with "groceries" he gets cookies and treats. I'm sure there is a confused or concerned mother out there somewhere....

Until we meet again young sir, enjoy the chips ahoy!










 The square gets livelier at night, and you can find everything from carnie type games, prizes and all, to live music, and dinner for $2.

Below you see one of the usual suspects with a local instrument, the guembris. An interesting face and interesting sound, I couldn't resist a photo.

Not many people here in Marrakech like having their photo taken. The consistent, no, no, or finger wagging, is what I've gotten almost everytime I've reached for my camara. The influx of tourist has no doubt provoked the, 200Dh  ($20) request for photos, and a capatalistic view to gain on it.

I wonder if they are as fasinated by us, as we are by them. Speaking for myself, walking the squares and souks, I've felt the social, economic and emotional diversity. The sense of both judgement of foreigners and an interest to engage. The gap lies in the approach.

I like these photos. Not because I've succeeded in capturing my "travels", nor a perceived narcassism of judgement from the photographer on their subject. Because the faces are not mine. Unique, beautiful, and yes to this Americana, different and exotic. I can't imagine a local Muslim woman snapping a pic of Bob Smith in his khaki shorts and brand riddled T shirt, in his natural environment. America. Seems absurd. Do they think the same?

But no matter what part of the world I'm in, no matter who the people, when I see an example of authenticity in us. It's peaceful. When I see two women arm in arm, for example, in Islamic dress on their daily routine,  chatting, roaming, going home. It's peaceful.

When a Berber woman smiles at me..... A face worn with life, knowledge and experience. Tattoos from her tribe. That is beautiful.

More on Moroccan people if you're interested. Sharp photos by Ahron Leeuw @ Flick. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ahron/3184906060/in/photostream/
Opinions on the square in Marrakech. I've experienced everything they are talking about. Make your own opinion @ Virtual Tourist
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Africa/Morocco/Wilaya_de_Marrakech/Marrakesh-2111278/Tourist_Traps-Marrakesh-Water_Sellers_Beggars_Intrusive_People-BR-1.html
A little on nightlife, and getting out of the square @ Marrakech People. http://www.marrakechpeople.com/news/p1.html