It is funny to think that this gorgeous red flower is associated with a tree that bears fruit the size of a cannonball that explodes when it drops and smells disgusting !! The tree, often called the Cannonball Tree for obvious reasons, has been common in India for the last 3000 years. The fruit, weirdly so, looks to be growing straight out of the trunk and the flowers, again weirdly, grow in massive bunches up to 12 feet long.The tree is considered sacred by Hindus and it is often found growing around Shiva temples in India . Also, its medicinal uses are well known...the bark cures the common cold, the juice treats malaria and if you have a toothache then chewing the leaves can be the answer !! Who knew ??????
May 2017
05/31/2017
05/30/2017
Fabulous Ftour
Ftour is the meal taken when the sun goes down every evening in the month of Ramadan. It is a true breakfast as the fast is broken with this meal. Most times the table will be laden with soup, dates, bread, hardboiled eggs, fruit, cookies and juices followed by mint tea. It is quite a celebratory meal and eaten hungrily and really enjoyed after a long hot day with no food.
05/29/2017
Calorie Trap
Two days ago and only a mere set of traffic lights away I discovered a new bakery had opened . This is not good as it is a pure sugar trap for me. Of course I ventured in immediately and it is selling both French and Moroccan pastries, breads, cakes, sweets and desserts, everything that is close to my heart (and stomach) !! I am not going in again....till next week !!
05/27/2017
Glories of the Vatican
The endless glories of the Vatican are beyond my comprehension....so many....so beautiful. We all know about Michael Angelo lying on his back painting the incredible roof of the Sistine Chapel ... well I got the merest sample of what it must have been like for him, craning my head and neck constantly upwards on a Vatican tour. I did not want to miss a thing, did not know which way to look, could not absorb fast enough !!!!
05/26/2017
It's All About the Lighting
A riad in the medina Noir D'Ivoire has turned a simple courtyard swimming pool into a gorgeous outdoor room with the use of lighting. It was quite stunning and I was there before the lanterns and candles were lit. I can only imagine the wow factor when it is all lit up....I have a good reason now for a return visit !!
05/24/2017
Childs Play
In a world that is in a sick and sorry state, how refreshing and such fun to come across this scene in Italy. We all need such little carefree, wanton moments in our days, moments of self love, self recovery and simple joy. We need to treat ourselves to rest and day dreams and of course to chocolate !!
Childs Play
In a world that is in a sick and sorry state, how refreshing and such fun to come across this scene in Italy. We all need such little carefree, wanton moments in our days, moments of self love, self recovery and simple joy. We need to treat ourselves to rest and day dreams and of course to chocolate !!
05/23/2017
Tagined Out ???
Halal Bombay is an Indian restaurant in Marrakech serving up just fabulous food. Tandoori, vindaloo, naan, biryani, salty lassis.....on and on and all delicious. The restaurant is big and a bit off the beaten track in a residential area but worth tracking down when you have had your fill of tagines.
05/22/2017
Cooking Class Amal Style
After washing your hands at this big and beautiful mosaic tiled sink, your cooking class begins. You enter a very professional classroom with stainless steel work stations set up with ingredients and cooking tools. Your culinary adventure awaits and you will enjoy your results for lunch. The teacher takes you step by step through your chosen recipe and gives hints and tips a long the way plus talks about the reason the Amal Centre for Women exists. You will learn from her a lot about Moroccan culture as well as how to cook a tajine or traditional soup. Fresh ingredients are provided as well as locally produced spices. And what a proud moment is shared when lunch is served and everyone sits together to eat what they have each lovingly prepared, homemade and delicious !!
05/20/2017
Tales of Tapis
When you buy a rug or carpet in Morocco especially when you buy from a co-op you buy a story, a handwoven souvenir that speaks of tradition. The symbols woven into the fabric tell a tale, have a meaning and you will take home a local fable to enjoy underfoot. It will be made from pure wool or pure cotton or a mix and many hours and many fast fingers will have contributed to a beautiful artisan piece.
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