Saturday, November 10, 2007
MAGIC CARPET MOROCCO : KNIT COLOR IN ITS NATURAL HABITAT
BOOK NOW: A VOYAGE TO AUTHENTIC COLOR
MOROCCO
MARCH 22nd-28th, 2009
Sorry, trip full
A stack of pure color in the souk
KNIT/CROCHET COLOR IN ITS NATURAL HABITAT WITH JANE & AMAL
MARRAKESH, MOROCCO -- March 2009
In Morocco, color still survives in its purest form, richly hued in shades born of natural dyes perfected over thousands of years by the Berbers, the indigenous peoples of Marrakesh, and other desert tribes. Brewed under the African sun, this symphony of saffron against crimson, ochre blending into rosy terracotta, deep citrus flanked by a magical deep cobalt blue can cause color lovers to go weak in the knees. Think mood indigo dancing with sunshine, of jewel tones sparked with light and contrast.Step into this country, my fiber-loving friends, and you will arrive in a land where magic still exists.It's everywhere: in the friendly smiles of its people, in the rich wonder of the culture, the beauty of the land and its ancient mythology.It's no wonder so many designers have second homes near Marrakesh. The light alone is enough to inspire creativity. Amal and I itched to get knitting these shades into fruition!
This trip is not just for knitters but for anyone with an artistic nature yearning for inspiration. Painters, writers, beaders, and photographers would be welcome and comfortable along this excursion (they've been coming to Marrakesh for decades so why not you?)While the knitting workshops are in session, my husband, John, will will lead photography excursions or you may choose to join us in companionable painting or beading forays while we knit. The riad is designed with multiple nooks and crannies to accommodate both solitude or group interaction and creation is never an exclusionary activity. Maybe you just want to read in the sun for an hour or two?
If you're ready for a little exotic travel melded with creative enterprise feuled by an incredible environment in the company of like-minded travellers, this is your trip. The accommodations are luxurious and very safe, the food delicious and carefully prepared and all tours, drivers and guides scrutinized.
Amal and I await you...
Cobalt blue against rosy terracotta on the terrace
An excursion to Marrakesh with Amal and I will be a voyage into the exotic, an introduction to a culture described by the Rough Guides guidebooks as one of the 'most genuinely hospitable peoples in the world'. Everywhere we went, people would ask where we were from and, when we answered, they would smile saying 'Welcome. Good people here.' And that's what we experienced everywhere we went. Good people surrounded by great color and extraordinary texture in a country so beautiful it will take your breath away. This is an excursion into the authentic.
Beyond the embrace of our riad guesthouse, the vibrant streets throb with color and life. Time and centuries intermingle as the donkey carts clop along beside the mopeds and a cell phone rings a jaunty tune inside the pocket of a Berber's robe. Moments of pure time travel deliver you deep inside the ancient medina where life goes on as it has for centuries. Here, the carpet dyers can be seen melting liquid color into their yarns and hanging them to dry overhead in the traditional manner amid stalls selling every kind of imaginable artisan craft -- leather, cashmere shawls, beads, jewellry, lamps and candles. Try out a Berber pharmacy for an adventure in wonder. These pharmacies sell everything from henna to yarn dyes, the famous Moroccan rose oil, Frankencense, and jar after jar of wonders.
The Spice market: powdered color
And this is the land of true color. Here manly men think nothing of wearing bright yellow slippers under saffron robes or a pair of crimson babouches (shoes) with their jeans. The women swathe their themselves equally, often doning western dress under a flowing shawl. Only the 'fashionable' young do black, it seems. To everyone else, color is a right. Viva le coleur!
Amal and I will take you on guided forays into the heart of the souks to explore color in all its glory while also providing opportunity for free time should small groups want to return to certain areas for a more concentrated shopping but be warned: temptation is everywhere! We purchased cashmere shawls for the equivelent of $25 each and authentic silver and stone Tuareg necklaces intricately crafted for $30. Leather slippers go for from $3-7 each and I purchased THREE handwoven rugs for $100 all together. A souk shop exists for every imaginable kind of ware from antigues to beads. For instance, several exist selling nothing but tassels. It's difficult to extract yourself from each stall when so much exists to intrigue the eye. Be prepared for temptation while still keeping to your budget.
A Tassel Souk
Amal helps me select a beaded shawl
Me, modeling my find...
ITINERARY
Day 1 -- Arrive in Marrakesh.
- This will be a travel day with all of us arriving at different times and on different flights into Marrakesh. The riad's driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to the Riad (Moroccan guest home) where you will be welcomes by Amal and I (with our respective spouses, Anise and John) plus servings of traditional mint tea sipped beside the pool. Every bedroom is a little different but each features rich tiling and the intricate architecture for which the country is known. Washrooms are modern though the rose petals scattered everywhere will still make you feel as though you've transformed into a sultan's princess. Expect magic after dark when the candles are lit and every niche and cranny casts a luminous filigree through the lanterns. We have booked the entire riad as our own.
- That evening we'll have a welcome feast on site.
The Riad
Night Magic: believe
Day 2 -- A morning Tour of Marrakesh and workshop
Breakfast on the Terrace
- We'll begin our day with a breakfast on the roof terrace after which a licensed guide will ease us into this North African city so we can gain a sense of place and time. We'll take our first foray into the souks, visit the beautiful tombs of the princes and tour a palace.
The Streets of Marrakesh
Color a Birthright
- Upon returning to our riad, we'll have a light lunch before beginning the first of our workshops as we indulge ourselves rich colors and textures. Inspiration will already be strumming your strings and we're certain your urge to knit will be as strong as ours—Marrakesh exudes creativity! Our project? A variation of a cape/shawl that could be a vest. Intrigued? Just wait until we show you the versatility of this amazing design. Each person's creation will be unique but all will be fabulous. Yarn is included in the fee.
- Dinner by candlelight at our riad where you will sample the famous Moroccan cuisine such as lemon chicken tangine, almond pastries and fresh fruit (*vegetarian requirements easily accommodated).
Inspired stitchery
Lemon chicken tangine slow cooked to perfection
Day 3 -- Morning workshop
After breakfast on the terrace we'll continue with our ouevre d'art (works of art) as we bask in the sunshine on the terrace or under the tents provided. At noon, you'll have free time to investigate the souks further or return to any location that piqued your interest during yesterday's tour. Maybe you'll want a nap (no shame: the locals advise it for health). Lunch will be on your own but we'll provide options that are both safe and reasonably-priced. That evening we'll dine out at another riad to experience more of the rich and varied interior world of Morocco at night. Be prepared to be stuffed.
Riad dining...
Day 4 -- Half day tour of the gardens of Marrakesh.
The gardens of Marrakesh are justly famous. Not only is this the land of some of the most exotic natural perfumes on earth (rose oil, orange oil) arising from the abundance of fruit and flowers that grow here all year long but the landscape has inspired artists since the turn of the century. More recently designers such as Yves Saint Laurent have fashioned exquisite gardens that would thaw a statue's marbled heart. Stroll through these perfumed paths this morning on the garden tour.
A garden awash
The afternoon will feature more free time for exploration with suggestions and opportunities to follow specific interests such as museums, art galleries or even a camel ride! It is even possible to take a day excursion into the countryside for a Morrocan cooking course that is very well recommended by those who have participated.
That evening, we'll take dinner at our riad followed by an evening excursion into the famed Jemaa El Fna square for a spectacle straight out of the middle ages—fire dancers, snake charmers, storytellers, strolling bards!
Day 5 - Full Workshop Day
Amal's colors pick up the tones of an antique Moroccan door
Today, we'll continue our project with an emphasis on combining color and texture to stunning effect. Using both crochet and knitting techniques, we'll provide a range of options to create your own textural masterpiece from the basic shawl/vest concept. Since our riad contains a multitude of gorgeous textiles and authentic decorative effects, we'll use those examples as focal points for our discussions. You'll likely never experience a more exotic foray into color and texture than with Amal and I in this Moroccan fantasia.
Textile Inspired
This evening, we'll exjoy supper in yet another exotic location. Be prepared for more fantasy to unfold...
The High Atlas Foothills
Journey to the High Atlas Mountains
Day 6: Full day excursion to the foothills of the high Atlas Mountains
Time to explore the land beyond the city. This trip will lead us across beautiful countrydside deep into rural Morocco as we climb the foothills towards the high Atlas mountains. Here, you will see kasbahs clinging to cliffs, Berber folk about their daily lives and have an opportunity to peruse the local artisan shops.
Local color for sale
To the Kasbah for Tea...
Local transportation (we'll take a bus)
Today lunch will be a full Moroccan feast at a Kasbah along the way. After exploring the riverside town at the end of the road in the foothill town of Ourika, we'll wind our way back down towards Marrakesh and to our riad where we'll have a light supper and knit by the fireside.
Day 7: A feast of Options
Our last day in Marrakesh will be a feast of options. Perhaps you'd like more time to plunge into the souks or continue with your creation at the riad. Maybe this will be the time you set aside for your massage, options which include essential oils or a traditional hamman experience with the in-house muscle-soothing maestro (actually, she's a qualified masseuse well-schooled in melting anything that aches). Either way, we'll be here to grant your wish. This evening we'll gather together one last time for our farewell feast before going our various ways.
Note on Accommodations:
Riads are homes/palaces built in the traditional style with high walls behind which nestle secret gardens, courtyards, fountains, open air terraces and pools. A good riad is a sanctuary tucked away from the bustling medina and most operate like a luxe guest house with many similiar amentities such as meals on site and spa services. Relaxing in the sanctuary of a fine riad is at least half the experience of Marrakesh.
An additional treat to add to your relaxation, a traditional Moroccan hamman massage using essensial oils is included in the price of your trip.
- 7 nights accommodation starting March 22th
- All breakfasts and dinners plus 3 lunches
- Airport transfers to and from the riad
- A hamman massage
- Local guides for group souk excursions
- All tours and related transportation
- Workshops or alternative activities
- Yarn kit mailed to you in advance
PRICE PER PERSON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: $3,230
Single supplement add $1,000 (we'll help you find a roomie, if you'd like)
Not included: alcoholic beverages, plane fares to Marrakesh, lunches where not indicated, travel or health insurance. *The purchase of travel and health insurance is strongly advised.
Posted by Jane on 11/10 at 07:22 PM
(1) Add a Comment • View all Comments•
Permalink
 |
From the entry 'MAGIC CARPET MOROCCO : KNIT COLOR IN ITS NATURAL HABITAT'.
|
 |
| By Ellene on 2008 01 05 |
