Visiting Marrakesh, Morocco †The Red City

Visiting Marrakesh, Morocco – The Red City Marrakesh – The Red City As-salam alaykom! (Hello in Arabic) Marrakesh is the third largest city of Morocco and is situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. It is the most important of the four imperial cities of Morocco and has a rich history. A city of palaces, tombs, markets and myriad entertainments, Marrakesh is a treat for the senses. It is easy to get lost in its many alleys and markets, and the action packed Djemaa El-Fna square at the city center is enough to keep you occupied and intrigued for an entire day. The modern half of the city, Gueliz is a contrast and offers a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Old Town. Visiting Marrakesh is an exhilarating experience that is sure to leave a lasting imprint on all travelers, who will return impressed with its beautiful architecture and unique culture. Best Season to Visit Marrakesh Marrakesh, with its sunny weather presents itself as a year round destination. However spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are the best months to explore this city, with lower temperatures and lesser crowds. The Easter Weekend is an exception and crowds throng the city as a getaway from their hectic schedules. While early summer can still be pleasant enough, the later months (July to September) can be unbearable if you are not used to the heat. In spite of this, summer is the peak tourist season and prices for everything skyrocket during this time. Many festive events are held during summer. Winter (December to February) brings along sunny days and cold nights, and there is snowfall in the nearby Atlas Mountains. Tourists visiting around this time can take off to the ski resorts in the mountains and enjoy the snow. Highlights (Special Things to Do in Marrakesh) Visit the La Mamounia for a buffet lunch by the poolside and be floored by the splendor and glamour of this spectacular hotel. Go back in history and view artifacts from the past at the Dar Si Said Museum that includes exquisitely carved cedar wood pieces that have been rescued from the ruins and monuments in the city. Soak in the pungent and medieval experience of Marrakesh by visiting the Tannery District and watch the tanners at work as they cure the animal hides with foul-smelling liquids that transform them into finished leather products ready for sale. Head to a luxury bath at one of the many Hammams for an authentic Moroccan experience of luxury and indulgence For a belly dancing performance, head to the Comptoir Darna, the first lounge dining restaurant in Marrakesh. Beautiful ambience, great food and wonderful performances make it a perfect place to soak in the true feel of Morocco. Immerse yourself into street food at the Djemaa El-Fna and feast on the many exotic varieties of meat available at the various counters. Indulge in some souvenir shopping and visit the traditional markets known as Souks that sell everything from handicrafts to antiques, spices to ornaments, carpets, cashmere and even items made of â€Å"cactus silk†! Head out on a city break to the nearby sand dunes of Erg Chegaga or Erg Chebbi for an exotic camel ride and desert safari. Ski in the snow in the nearby ski resort of Oukaimeden, situated in the Atlas Mountains where snowfall occurs in the winter months. Attractions in Marrakesh Medina: Djeema El-Fna: Originally a place of public executions (back in AD 1050), this is the main public square of Marrakesh. Filled with snake charmers and medicine men during the day, the square really comes alive as the day ends. Musicians, story tellers and entertainers fill up the square and the open air acts begin as a visual treat. Hundreds of food stalls also line up to provide exotic, hot, mouth-watering delicacies. Koutoubia Mosque: The mosque is made of red sandstone and is the largest in the city. It is most famous for its minaret, built in Almohad style and rising to a height of 70m. The minaret was an inspiration for many later towers including the La Giralda in Seville, Spain. Non-Muslims are not allowed inside, but a walk around its periphery may be enough to marvel at this masterpiece. El Badi Palace: Largely in ruins, this impressive palace was built in the 15th century and its name translates into â€Å"The Incomparable Palace† in English. It is easy to imagine the grandeur and luxurious lifestyle of its royal inhabitants as you walk through the large pavilions, sunken gardens and abandoned pools. El Bahia Palace: Built in the late 19th century, this grand building is a great example of Eastern Architecture. Lavish decorations and beautifully landscaped gardens are reasons enough to visit this palace. Almoravid Koubba: Considered to be the oldest building in the city, it is also the only surviving monument from the Almoravid era. Bab Agnaou: It is one among the 19 gates that serve as entry and exit points to the Medina and was constructed in the 12th century. Ben Youssef Madrassa: One of the largest madrassas in North Africa, it is home to some very beautiful artwork. Saadian Tombs: The tombs were constructed to hold the graves of the Sultan Ahmed Al-Mansur who reigned in the 15th century, and his family. Lavishly built with Italian marble, cedar woodwork and intricate decorations and carvings, the tombs are sure to inspire awe among the visitors. Gueliz: Majorelle Garden: This delightful garden is worth a visit for the extensive use of the Majorelle Blue colored walls and ponds, as well as the many colorful fountains and large variety of cacti that are found within it. Spread over 12 acres, it offers a respite from the heat of the city. Menara: Menara Gardens: Situated near the outskirts of Marrakesh at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, The gardens are spread across orchards and olive groves with a pavilion and a lake in the center. The snowcapped Atlas Mountains form a great backdrop to the beautiful gardens. Shopping in Marrakesh Shopping in Marrakesh can be an assault on your senses, as you take in the colors, the atmosphere and the vibrancy of the markets. Almost all shopping in Marrakesh needs to done in the traditional markets that are called Souks and it is possible to find anything- yes, anything, in the narrow lanes of the souks that you navigate, as you move from one shop to the next. The Souk Semmarine is the main lane that runs from the Djemaa El-Fna to the Ben Youssef Mosque and is flanked by a never ending array of souks that sell a wide variety of products. If it is spices that you are interested in, visit the Rahba Kedima (Spice Square) that has stalls selling a plethora of spices from saffron to cumin, cinnamon to mace and even Argan oil that is almost exclusively produced in Morocco. A number of stalls selling herbal remedies, cosmetics, essential oils are also to be found. For shoes and footwear, look no further than the Souk Smata, where brightly colored Moroccan slippers are a must-buy. Other leather items can be found at the Souk el Kebir and Souk Cherratin that specialize in camel leather goods like belts, wallets and purses. Visit Souk el Attarin if it is fragrances and perfumes that you are looking for. Souk Zrabia is the place to be if Berber carpets interests you, and for clothing and fabrics, stroll through the Souk Larzal and Souk des Teinturiers markets. How to reach Marrakesh Marrakesh is well connected to many European cities due to its popularity with the European tourists. The Marrakesh-Menara International Airport has direct flights that connect the city with destinations like Paris, London, Stockholm and Madrid, to name a few. Those flying in from North America, Asia and elsewhere will need to change flights at Casablanca. The airport is located at a distance 5km from the city and there are air conditioned buses plying every 30 minutes between the airport and the city. Marrakesh is also connected by train service to other major cities of Morocco. There are regular trains connecting Marrakesh with Casablanca and Rabat. Night trains are also available with sleeper cars for farther off destinations like Tangiers. A number of long distance bus services are also available for those wishing to take the roadways to travel between the Moroccan cities. How to get around in Marrakesh Marrakesh has a good bus service that can get you anywhere within the city. The Medina is small enough that everything can be covered on foot, although an umbrella is necessary to protect you from the sun. Taxis and horse drawn carriages are also available to explore the city. The Bus service is quite good and covers all parts of the city that tourists will want to visit. Most buses stop at Djemaa El-Fna in the Old Town and Place Youssef Ben Tachfine in the New Town. Fares are dependent on the distance, but most of the time you will be paying between 2-5dh. Airport buses run at frequencies of 30 minutes from early morning until 9:30 in the night. An Open Topped Sightseeing Bus is available that will take you around the city with headphones to provide commentary on the various tourist locations. You can get down anywhere to explore the location at your leisure and then board another bus to continue. Tickets are valid for 24 hours and cost 145 Dh. An alternate way to get around the city is the small horse-drawn carriages called Caleche. It is better to negotiate on a price before getting onto them. The Caleche offers a romantic way to explore the city. Taxis are generally not to be preferred, since they will try to rip you off with high charges for getting you to the destination. Some may even try to charge you for the bags that you are carrying. If getting into one, always ask them to use the meter. Petit taxis are smaller taxis that accommodate 3 passengers and can be boarded on a sharing basis. If you are inside the Medina, Walking is the best way to cover all the destinations. All places are quite nearby and easily findable by directions from the locals or by using GPS. Top Areas of Marrakesh Medina: The Medina is the older, historic part of the city and is centered on the main square, Djeema El-Fna. A lot of the stay options in this district consist of the Riads, which are basically furnished Moroccan houses with a courtyard. Gueliz: This is the modern, European half of Marrakesh that is characterized by upmarket restaurants, cafes and luxury boutiques. Hivernage: Situated quite close by to the Medina, the Hivernage Quarter is a quiet, residential part of the town characterized by broad, tree-lined avenues, rooftop restaurants and luxury hotels. Palmeraie: The Palm grove Quarter is an oasis situated outside of the city. A few luxury resorts are available here. Agdal: An area of recent development, it is situated outside of the city and is being built as a major hub for further expansion of the city. A number of shopping arcades and expensive hotels are coming up in this locality. Shukran! (Thank you in Arabic)

Pushed Out and Forgotten †The Batwa Essay

Born in the United States, I grew up believing that the children who lived next door or the boy who sat across from me in class had it all. Even as an adult, there are bits of me that occasionally envy the family with the perceived â€Å"perfect life;† church every Sunday, home office with a big window, stain-less carpets, and children with perfect hair. But, I know better. Life in the United States is something I take for granted. I knew this and needed to remind myself just how truly grateful I should be for the life I live in the great states. How do I do this? What do I need to see in order to really understand life outside America? I needed to leave my country and visit a place that has many struggles; where people live humbly. What I didn’t realize was that I would leave the country I chose to visit, wanting to go back and make a difference. Rwanda is rich with many things; culture, diversity, and land. Rwanda has also perfected the art of discrimination. When my plane landed, I could not have grabbed my luggage and left the airport more quickly. I was excited for what the change in culture would bring me. What I would take home to teach my own family and friends. Some were excited to see me and others were less than thrilled to see me traipsing my way through their lands. I did what I could to respect the people and their cultures, as I did my research before coming to Rwanda. The population there is made up of mostly Hutu; traditional farmers. The rest of the population, mostly consist of Tutsi (or warrior people) and the Batwa. Though I would have enjoyed getting to know all the different people and ethnicities of Rwanda, I spent most of my time with the Batwa (Whitelaw, 2007). The history of the Batwa is something that I came to hold close while traveling with some who are conflicted with the fear of the past and the uncertainty of their future. The Batwa were former Central Africa residents  who lived their lives hunting and gathering in the rain forests. Though the lives they lived were not ideal for all, they were happy. But as time went, so was the expectation that they left their homes in order for the rainforest to be used for forestry and conservation. You may say, â€Å"So, were they compensated for the land they had to give up?† Well, no. The Batwa were physically removed from their homes and their land and were never given a red cent to live elsewhere. Kicked out of home, with no money, no good explanation, and expected to build a life in an area unfamiliar to most. The Batwa had no idea what this was going to do to their lives. They knew they did not want to leave but because of their naà ¯ve understanding of the modern world, they would face some struggle ahead. This was a disaster in the making. It didn’t help that many of people, already living in the areas the Batwa were forced to move, did not accept them as people. They were and continue to be discriminated against. The Batwa live in poverty in what is supposed to be a more modern society than what they were founded on. Yet, the population continues to deteriorate. How is this possible? It is possible because they have no land to live on, they eat the farming scraps left after a harvest, they are shunned from the education system because of illiteracy and a lack of money, they are allowed to vote but not allowed to be part of government, and they find it almost impossible to find a job that can support their needs because of discrimination and lack of education (New African, 2010). The Batwa’s situation sounded eerily familiar to me. I equated their situation to the Native American’s situation when the Europeans came to America. Pushed out of their land and forced to live a different way of life in a place that was â€Å"approved† by the rest of the people. I can imagine that the way the Batwa live is similar to the way the Native American’s are forced to live. The difference is that the Native Americans feel forced by lack of education of the rest of Americans, where the Batwa’s are forced because they are still not accepted in today’s Rwandan society. Another big difference I see is that the Batwa are a part of Africa and are being discriminated by their people. Yes, they are a different ethnicity and would live their lives differently, if not forced into another. But, they are still from the same country. After spending time with this  amazing group of people, I have realized that I could not accurately explain the difference between ethnicity and race. Six months ago, I lumped those two terms together. Though they have similarities, they are different. I am a Caucasian, but that doesn’t mean it is easy to assume my ethnicity. My great friend is Caucasian, but that doesn’t mean her and I have the same ethnicity. I was born and raised in a small town out of Minnesota and she was raised in Ireland. The two terms are different. Her family traditions around the holidays are different than mine. Really understanding the differences between race in Rwanda and their ethnicities was important when trying to understand why there is and was so much discrimination. Though the race may be nearly the same, each group of people lived completely different lives. The Batwa’s lived in a rainforest and Hutu’s ran farms in a more modern lifestyle. Even the way each culture enjoys dancing is either accepted or it is not. The Batwa were forced to study Christianity, eat the foods of the modern people, and even had to learn how to wear clothing differently. The way the Batwa chose to live their lives in the rainforest would not be acceptable in the eyes of the rest of Rwanda. Ethnicity and race are different and this is why discrimination exists in Rwanda (New African, 2012). * Learning the history of how the Batwa live, by choice or not, begged the question, â€Å"what has this done to them as a people?† The discrimination of the Batwa and other small groups of people, have made it difficult for them to thrive much less survive. They impact they have on the government is nil, so seeing a dramatic change through government representation is unlikely. There are groups such as the Organization of Rwandan Potters (COPORWA) who consider the Batwa and their situations. The Batwa are value their culture and ways of life, but have lost touch because of highly encouraged religions and lack of acceptance of their culture. The Batwa do and will continue to struggle to be recognized as a minority group who needs help (Ingelaere, B., 2010). * The Batwa have lost their land, they are losing their culture, the people are not surviving, and the idea of maintaining hope is slowly slipping away. Spending time with my new found friends made me want to bring them all home with me. But, as I have learned, moving people from their homes and lives can create more problems than intended. Though, I would see to it that they were treated with the respect they deserve, it does not fix the bigger problem. The  human race has much to learn about what the true meaning of love, life, and respect is. Unfortunately, discrimination and a lack of understanding is a natural course of nature. There are some things out of our control and others in which we can only influence. If I could change anything about my visit to Rwanda, it would have been to spend more time there to understand more about why the other cultures see the Batwa the way they do. Though the discrimination against the Batwa is moving at a snail’s pace in the right direction, at least it is moving that way. Until then, I send my prayers and well wishes to the Batwa people. I would also challenge those of you reading my article to take some time to travel to a place similar to Rwanda to learn about another culture; what it has to offer is far more than money can buy. * References: Batwa A people under threat. (2010). New African, (497), 38. Ingelaere, B. (2010). Peasants, power and ethnicity: A bottom-up perspective on Rwanda’s political transition. African Affairs, 109(435), 273-292. Whitelaw, Kevin. (2007). Rwanda Reborn. U.S. News & World Report, 00415537, Vol. 142, Issue 14

451 Essay

Fahrenheit 451 Essay A dystopia is defined as a community or a society that is undesirable or frightening in some important way. There have been many novels written about such societies, such as 1984 by George Orwell, The Giver by Lois Lowry, and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Fahrenheit 451 describes a dystopian society in which books are outlawed and technology is prevalent. In Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury conveys a significant message through the contrasting tones he uses to describe Clarisse and Mildred.Bradbury uses a reverent, respectful tone to describe Clarisse, when Guy Montag sees her for the first time in the street as he walks home from work (3). The diction â€Å"slender† and â€Å"milk-white† portrays that Clarisse is young and innocent. These words create this feeling because one would normally associate slimness and a clear complexion with youth. The personification used in â€Å"gentle hunger† and â€Å"tireless curiosity† reveal the fact that Clarisse is inquisitive to the reader.The use of â€Å"gentle† and â€Å"tireless† allow the reader to see that Clarisse has a hunger for knowledge. The imagery â€Å"sliding walk† and â€Å"dress was white† creates an image of Clarisse’s demeanor and general appearance in the reader’s mind. Using these words also gives the reader the sense that Clarisse is pure, like an angel, because a sliding walk and white garments are associated with angels. Bradbury’s praising and positive tone shows that he strongly identifies with her personality.In contrast to the tone he uses when describing Clarisse, Bradbury uses a dull, monotonous tone to talk about Mildred when Guy Montag sees her as he walks into their bedroom shortly after his encounter with Clarisse (11). The metaphor â€Å"felt no rain† and â€Å"felt no shadow† compares rain and shadow to the feelings that Mildred does not feel. With this metaphor, Bradbury revea ls to the reader that Mildred is apathetic, unfeeling. The diction â€Å"tamped-shut ears† and â€Å"ears all glass† suggests to the reader that Mildred is oblivious to her surroundings.These words create the effect that Mildred does not see and hear what is going around in front of her. The simile â€Å"like a snow-covered island† compares Mildred’s face to a snow-covered island. This simile leaves the reader with the impression that Mildred’s face is pale, almost lifeless. Bradbury’s apathetic, negative tone shows that he does not approve of Mildred’s obliviousness and lifelessness. Bradbury uses an admiring, awed tone to describe Clarisse when Guy Montag is remembering his encounter with Clarisse (8).The simile â€Å"face like the dial of a small clock† compares Clarisse’s face with the dial of a small clock. Bradbury goes on to describe the clock as the type giving off light in the darkness in the middle of the night . This comparison conveys the idea that Clarisse represents good early on in the book. The simile â€Å"how like a mirror too, her face† emphasizes the fact that Clarisse’s demeanor in general makes Montag reflect on his actions, thoughts, and words. Bradbury is trying to relay the message that Clarisse has the type of personality that makes other people reflect upon themselves.The simile â€Å"like the eager watcher of a marionette show† compares Clarisse to an eager watcher of a marionette show through a simile. This simile demonstrates how perceptive Clarisse is. Bradbury’s tone of disbelief and awe shows his admiration of Clarisse’s character. In Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury uses contrasting tones towards Clarisse and Mildred in order to convey his opinion that one should not blindly the beliefs that are presented to them. Bradbury strongly believes that we should constantly question the world around us.

The Impact of Social Idealogy on Virginia Woolfs To The...

The Impact of Social Idealogy on Woolfs To the Lighthouse Throughout literature the ideology of the society in which the author was living is evident in the text. This can cause certain groups within a text to be empowered while the other groups are marginalised and constrained by the social restrictions placed upon them by the ideology. In the novel To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf, Woolf shows us an awareness of gender politics during the 1920 ¹s Britain by subverting the traditional gender roles but at the same time naturalises notions of class causing certain groups to be constrained. In the novel Woolf subverts the patriarchial portrayal of feminism with the character of Lily Brascoe. Lily is†¦show more content†¦Lily was only able to make the decisions she did because she had the financial means to support herself in a style of leisure. Otherwise, she would have been forced to marry or accept a job as a governess. It is in such away that the higher classes of wealth are privileged by their class. Mrs Ramsay was also privileged by her class. Although she did not subvert the gender roles but was instead a model wife who acted in every way what the dominant ideology dictated she should. She was constantly there to provide support for her husband, help the disadvantaged and be a loving mother to her children. Yet, she was only able to do so because she came from a higher class and need not work to support her family. Nevertheless the character of Mrs Ramsay is contrasted to that of Lily Briscoe in their actions in fulfilling the gender roles expected of them. While Mrs Ramsay is not overtly criticised by the text she can be viewed as being too generous willing to submerge herself in the needs of others being like a fountain. This can be seen as one of the reasons for her untimely death. Mr Tansley is another character who found himself adversely affected by the constraints of class. He had a background from the working class yet he was trying to become accepted as an intellectual. It was for this reason that he worshipped Mr Ramsays work and was invited to the cottage with them, yet as a character he was