Date: April 2 to 12
Top Experiences in Amsterdam/Belgium
- Dinner at de Silveren Spielgel
I stumbled onto this Michelin starred restaurant 5 minutes from our hotel. It required a deposit with the reservation before our US departure and the multi course set menu cost almost as much as our “cheap” flight from Amsterdam to Morocco. Well, it is the space flight of dining experience: beautiful, delicious dishes served efficiently in a classy and unpretentious atmosphere. We both agreed this was one of the most memorable meals of our lives.
2. Bruge, Belgium
Medieval seat of power turned modern day tourist marvel. Despite the inclement weather, this starred Belgian attraction did not disappoint.
3. Room by the Canal, Amsterdam
Max Brown Hotel oozed with Amsterdam charm. Room was small and price high, but the location and atmosphere was unrivaled.
4. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Dutch masters simply resonates more with me than others.
5. Grand Place, Brussels
For me, the argument about the best square in Europe ends here. The Italians have the unfair advantage of beautiful weather on theirs.
6. Central Amsterdam
Grey sky, cold breeze and jet lag did Amsterdam in for us, but looking back through the lens, it was a charming, vibrant city.
Morocco Experiences
- Erg Chebbi
Depends on who one talks to, these sand dunes in Southeastern Morocco may or may not be part of the Sahara Desert, but the awestruck effect of desert magic would be the same.
2. Ait Ben Haddou
It’s a fortified village on a caravan route founded 1100 years ago and in modern time it’s fully exploited by film studios and tourists. You have likely seen it as a backdrop in movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones
3. Oasis
4. Riad and Hotels
Somewhat to our surprise, our accommodations in Morocco were wonderful – each was unique, charming and welcoming. Riads are basically bed and breakfast and inside medina, they are fully restored ancient homes. Above, Riad Laaroussa in Fez. Below, Hotel Xaluca Dades in Boulmane Dades
5.Fez Medina
Found in 800 AD, Fez was the dominant city in Morocco for centuries. Its medina (historic city) is an UNESCO site and largest in the world.
Above, a madrassa, built in 1300’s, below, University and Mosque of Al-Quarawiyyi found in 857AD by a woman is the oldest university in the world.
6. Food
Marrakech’s famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square offers chaotic, exciting food, entertainment, and shopping experience not unlike some Asian night markets, but with a distinct Moroccan flair.
7. Bahia Palace, Marrakech
8. Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
9. Ancient underground water canals
These canals are hundreds of Km long, channeling water from Atlas mountains to arid areas for agriculture. Now dried up and replaced by modern conduit.
10. Movie Studio at Ouarzazate
Wholly unexpected to see world’s largest movie studio by acreage in remote Morocco.
11. Ramadan
No food or water between sunrise and sundown for 30 days were strictly observed throughout our travel by locals while continue carrying on as usual. It’s both physically and mentally grueling.
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