A7NA+NAN  JAYYED MASHA  =  NAS SA3EEDA

A quick evening stroll. I set out from my hidden door. Sun beginning to shadow walls of the sooks corridors. The Sirocco wind's sighs have died down, lifing some of the pressing heat. Camera, check, shopping cash, check, ipod on, check. Even in Marrkech, the now popular "Call Me Maybe" plays on. American hits can't be escaped. No worries, it's catchy enough, and a walk through the neighboorhoods and people watching from the cafe sidelines, is always fun....Enjoy a few shots from my "masha"

The flag is, as all nations know is a symbol of pride. It is displayed everywhere, even more so during Ramadan. Supporting the people. Already a week into Ramadan, we have three more to go. The fasting does make the streets a little less inhabited throughout the day. Easier to manuveur. It explodes after sunset, breaking the fast and evening prayer. With peoples bellies and hearts  full, the city is continually rushing.

 

The Kotoubia Mousque is just off Ave. Mohammed the 5th. Just outside my derb, and off the main square. At night the surrounding lights and the chant like prayers give it a more omnipotent air. During Ramadan temporary gates stage the space for 100's of Muslims to spill out of the Mosque and lay their musallah in prayer. (سجادة‎ sajjāda pl. سجاجيد sajājīd, or musallah)

The large muted gold doors are usually closed to our neighboorhood mosque. Now slightly ajar, arms open, they wait for the daily prayers and crowds of Ramadan. It's one of my favorites.

Hidden amongst the ever winding streets. Old Riads (small homes) have been renovated into modernesque boutique hotels, marketing to tourism. Using the antiquated layouts. The new Riads highlight features like the open air gardens and salons, surrounded by rooms and coves set off to the side. Rising usually 3-4 stories up. Ending in the always celebrated roof top terrace.

The tiled entry way is detailed and the structured lanterns are like a throw back to the 1700's gas lighting. This one guides you home to Riad Zounia, near Bab Laksour, and our derb.

That's it for now. A quick saunter, and back to the comforts of home. I'll enjoy the slightly lower temperatures for now. Chergui Scirocco is sure to return. For us in Northern Africa,  days after the summer solstice also means the hottest winds and driest climate. Known as the Smam. A quick retreat to the Atlas Mountains seems in order.

More on Riads and Travel Guides tips to the Red City if your interested http://www.ilove-marrakesh.com/index_en.html 
http://www.timeout.com/travel/features/712/20-great-things-to-do-in-marrakech
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2011/jun/18/marrakech-morocco-arab-spring-tourism