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In July and August of 1997 I travelled three weeks through Morocco with a group brought together by an agency called Ashraf. Summer is not really the time of the year I would recommend for a visit, but otherwise I can only speak in positive words about this country. There's a lot to see, both nature and culture, and the population is surprisingly friendly and relaxed. I don't think these nine images give a complete portrait of Morocco or even of our journey. They're just the ones I like the best and the order in which they're placed is purely chronological.
Jema-el-Fna is the central square of the medina in Marrakech. During the daytime it's mainly an asphalt plain where around hundred orange-juice salesmen try to sell their delicious procuct, but in the evening it's full of foodstalls, storytellers, snakecharmers, hennapainters and quacks, entertaining both locals and tourists. The lighting is done with a big number of petroleum lamps, which definitely contributes to the special atmosphere, not to mention the smell.
A few kilometres west of Marrakech is a little settlement where potters produce thousands of pots a day. For environmental reasons they no longer heat their ovens by burning car tires, but unfortunately their only alternative is to poke up the scarce trees in the neighbourhood.
"Colourfull Morocco" would be the cliche to put under this one. "Maroc Typique" is the local alternative.
Maybe you wouldn't guess, but this photo was made at the same location as the one above. Just underneath the spices was a basket on which this chameleon rather reluctantly posed for my camera.
Another night view of a Moroccan town. This is the central square of Taroudant, the starting point of our four day trek through the Anti-Atlas.
Not many tourists visit the area of our trek. In four days time we didn't meet any other foreigner. The funny thing is that every three weeks a group of Dutch is walking through the region. Shown above is a "Maroc Typique" door made out of tin cans.
Although Morocco is only at the edge of the Sahara, the sand dunes at Merzouga are already impressive enough. These ten camels were willing to take us out there one morning to see the sunset. Thanks again, guys!
Another night view, this one made in the medina at Fes, at a moment when most of the half million inhabitants have gone to bed, leaving the lights on for a few thousand cats and a bunch of crazy tourists.
Finally, a self-portrait made in a street in Casablanca. Some minor photoshopping was involved but the distorions are mainly caused by a curving mirror.