Morocco Part 2

The day after our trip to Essaouria was my older brother's 22nd birthday. I wish I could have taken photos of what we did today but unfortunately, being in a spa, they evidently weren't too pleased about that!

We had our typical Moroccan scrub-down, called Hamam. Mummy, Freddie and I were stripped down, slapped on our own individual slabs in a room very similar to that of a steam room, and scrubbed until our skin was as smooth as the day we were born. (p.s. I would not recommend this if you were burnt, like I happened to be on the day.)

After we were left to bask in a eucalyptus body mask and washed down with a cool shower, we were escorted through the winding corridors of Les Bains de Marrakech into a 'relaxation' room. Obviously, we got the giggles and it was far from being relaxing.

A body scrub and an hour long massage? I think I benefited from Oliver's birthday for sure. Thank you very much!

We were spoiled even later in the evening as well, going out to an amazing restaurant, Grand Cafe de la Poste in New Town Marrakech. Decorated in the French colloquial style with high ceilings and tall plants, it was quite nice to have a change from Moroccan food for one evening.

The food was very good, as was the service although if you're looking for a very traditional Moroccan menu this is definitely not the restaurant for you as it boasts a very European touch. The room at the top of the stairs is definitely worth a visit. Draped with Moroccan curtains, rugs and low lights hanging from the ceilings, this was definitely a trendy place to have a long drink before dinner. Highly recommended!

The following day, my dad and my younger brother arrived, and we thought this the best time to finally venture into the city itself.

Freddie tried the prickly pears which grow on cactus and dye your lips fuchsia like beetroot.

We later ventured into the winding souks, nearly every spice stall boasting bags brimming with produce and spilling out onto the small pathways.

I would have to say this is my favourite Arabic country of all those I have visited before. Although evidently there were those who would try to attract your attention by calling out to you, it was by no means as bad as Egypt, where you are quite literally harassed by those working on the stalls.
I found all the Moroccan people very friendly and easygoing. They would get on with their day to day chores as if we did not exist. Rather than considering us to be intruders, the men and women would smile at us, and chirp a bonjour if we showed interest in their goods. They have obviously embraced tourists into their lives with a genuine welcome.

I would beware of the many horses strutting and mopeds zooming past down the narrow cobble pathways of the markets. It very much surprises me how we didn't see at least one accident. As my brother said, if we were to try to drive in Marrakech we would completely mess up their already crazy way of driving. Although it seems ridiculous and dangerous to us, they obviously know what they're doing, it's only when people like us who don't understand these unspoken rules come in and ruin it all!

We were told there were alleys especially selling black magic ingredients such as these skinned rabbits and sundried chameleons.

We then visited a Riad

And got lost again in the souks... stumbling upon a traditional Moroccan apothecary

The beautifully radiant and rainbow dyes were stacked on the wall. "You have headache? I would recommend this", he would say taking down a cream powder from a shelf. "You suffer insomnia, stomach pains and acne?, I recommend this. reaching for a red powder to the left and bringing it round the group, allowing us all to take a good strong whiff. It seemed this was the place of all cures. Screw the doctor, I'm coming here next time!

I love this photo, of the orange wool drying against the blue sky.

We wandered around the metal workers' section followed by the leather makers. It felt as if we were time travelling back to the industrial revolution.

Be warned however: in the main square people with monkeys and snake charmers will charge you for photos if you get too close. I would recommend wrapping up, covering your shoulders and legs. It's not necessary, but I promise that you will feel a lot more comfortable!

Although it was an amazing city, it was lovely to finally get out of Marrakech. It's so busy and dusty that it's nearly impossible to take a gulp of fresh air without tasting car fumes.

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Morocco Part 1

I was extremely fortunate last week to escape the miserable weather of England to the beautiful city of Marrakech with my family and one of my closest friends, Freddie. I don't think I have ever felt so smug whilst I was soaking up the rays knowing what the weather was like back at home.

As soon as we arrived at the villa after bumbling down a dusty, bumpy track for 20 minutes, we were greeted with a pot of delicious fresh mint, sweet tea which definitely hit the spot. 

The glasses the tea are served in are so beautiful, but I figured if I brought some back home they probably wouldn't look as much the part in England!

One of my favourite things about going on holiday is the sunshine flickering through the trees at about 6 o'clock: it's still warm, your skin is beautifully sunkissed and you have a little bit longer to relax before a soothing shower and a G&T outside. Just divine!

After a day in the sunshine, making up for the lack of sun that we haven't seen for ages, we decided to visit the fishing town of Essaouria. We finally arrived after about a two and a half hour drive from just outside Marrakech and boy was it worth it. We knew that the fresh sea breeze, and the beautiful bright blue stained doors would be a vastly different environment from when we would venture into Marrakech later on in the week, so we very much took advantage of it.

The boats were gently rocking in the port whilst seagulls flew above, lingering for the perfect opportunity to snatch at some of what the fishermen were regularly bringing in. The larger boats were squeezing together with just enough space for someone to jump on land with a sack of fresh fish, still squirming.

We walked through the fish stalls where we planned to have lunch later. Each was bright blue and matched the spotless sky. The people working on the stalls were trying to win the attention of those who walked by, poking each of their fish and grinning when it still flapped on the table, proud of the fact that their fish was the freshest. Each stall would grill the fish, there and then in front of you and serve it up on blinding white benches with bread and salad. As a fish fanatic, this was a dream!

The blue truly represented what a colourful and happy little town this was.

Although difficult to differentiate between the stall, we finally chose the one we would later have lunch at: number 16, as they were the only ones who weren't too pushy- they let their fish do the talking!

So whilst pondering over what we would devour that afternoon, we walked through the town.

The stunning spectrum of colours and smells was amazing.

This must have literally been half a cow! Not very appetising when surrounded by swarming flies...

Potions, powders and lotions to heal all sorts of bodily problems..

We made our way back through the artsy stalls and along the blue-bordered walls to find our favourite number 16 stall.

In the end, we chose a dozen sardines, john dory and a big chunky seabass all grilled beautifully. The soft texture of the fish, with the crisp grilled skin and a small squeeze of lemon was perfect. The food perfectly matched the surroundings. 

Our sardines...

After a day of getting lost in the winding streets, we found a cafe which sold my favourite mint tea, before heading back to the villa. 

I would definitely recommend visiting Essaouria. Although it may be a bit of a trek, I promise you it's worth it. Especially if you've been staying in Marrakech it is so refreshing to smell some fresh (although quite fishy perhaps) air and feel the breeze on your face. 

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Moving to Paris

Where have I been for the past month you may be (well I hope) wondering? 

The reason I have been absolutely dreadful at updating my blog is because I have been fortunate enough to go on two holidays within the past 2 and a half weeks! I will update you on Morocco when I have a little bit more time, but for the moment let's talk about Paris. 

Some of you who know me well will know why I've had a little mid-week jaunt in this beautiful capital. Yes, the rumours are true: I am moving to Paris for a year in September!!

I have now officially got a job and I am ready and raring to go!.. Well maybe not quite yet. Finding an apartment would probably be a good idea first.

So, be prepared as of September to hear all about my Parisian antics. 

The question is: 

êtes-vous prêt?

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Warm Mackerel and Asparagus Salad

So after reading the title of this blog post you're probably conjuring up images of merely mackerel and asparagus tossed in a few iceburg lettuce leaves. Think again. When I was younger (and maybe still) I always wanted to open a soup and salad restaurant. In the summer I love making up my own salad recipes as it was a far lighter way to eat lunch rather than always bread-based food. However, in restaurants I always think that original salads are hard to find. Obviously you'd get your standard Caeser, Nicoise etc. etc. But I reckon I could give these big names a run for their money with this bad boy.

The joy of this salad, and in fact virtually any salad, is that you can chuck in whatever is left in your fridge. You all know about my unconditional love for Mackerel (check out my homemade pate recipe). It's so healthy and delicious and even scrummier when chucked in the oven for a few minutes to heat up (although I would recommend shutting all kitchen doors- the smell is rather pungent.)

Now I'm home from uni my fridge is brimming with food which is probably one of the best sights possible, especially seeing as regularly at uni I would open my fridge to find half a solitary rotting lime. So after opening all doors and cupboards of my kitchen and ransacking my fridge, I was quite content with my final ingredients for my super warm super good salad:

Handful of cherry tomatoes
Leftover Mushrooms
4 Asparagus
1 cooked Smoked Mackerel
Handful of rocket salad
1 shallot
1 deseeded chilli

It was destined to be a beautiful food love affair.

To start off, cut those little tomatoes into quarters, chuck them in an oven-suitable pan, soak them in oil, a bit of garlic salt and basil and let them grill in the oven with the Mackerel for literally about 7 minutes (until the juices start to run and the skins start shrivelling up).

Next, cut up all your ingredients: tomatoes, mushrooms, asparagus, shallot and chilli and bung that all into a non-stick frying pan and let it do it's magic for about 7 minutes.

Take the Mackerel out after about 5 minutes, leaving the tomatoes in for a couple extra, take the skin off and cut it (very roughly) into small chunks.

Toss the salad, adding the Mackerel and then the tomatoes, letting the juices seep in. When the rest of your ingredients are ready, mix it all in a big bowl before serving it up. Just divine!

What I love about this salad is it's so colourful and exciting. You know that you're eating pure goodness when a rainbow salad appears. Enjoy and don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients!

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