Well, we’re itching to travel again — this time to Morocco. And the idea originated with a friend’s suggestion to take a course in Moroccan cooking from San Francisco chef Joanne Weir. Chef Weir travels to international destinations conducting week-long adventures in sightseeing, shopping, and cooking the cuisine of the area. Her new TV show, Plates and Places, can be seen on the Create Channel, or you can access videos of her shows through Vimeo. I’ll be with three former educators from Knoxville learning the art of cooking Moroccan dishes in Marrakech for one week.
After cooking school ends, Bert will join me for a travel adventure arranged by Lauren Gunnels, owner of Ortelius Travel. Lauren has arranged for us to visit the medina, souks, and mosques of Marrakech; tour Ouarzazate and the World Heritage site Ait Ben Haddou; ride to Erg Chebbi, the largest dunes in the Sahara; shop the artisan workshops of Fes; photograph Chefchaouen, a blue lime-washed town; and walk through the medina in Tangier.

The blue-washed walls of Chefchaouen
As always, one of our sources of information has been bloggers who have traveled this pathway before. One site has been especially inspiring: Image Earth Travel, a photography and travel blog by Nilla Palmer. Nilla’s photos have inspired us to look at the people and places that contribute to the fascinating culture of Morocco, and we hope to capture some of the same colorful richness of the area that she shares on her blog.
Although we may not be able to respond to your comments for a while due to limited internet access, Oh, the Places We See will return in June ready to share the sights and sounds of a country with much to see. In the meantime, keep us in your thoughts that our travels will be safe as well as richly rewarding.
We will be posting pictures on Instagram when we have WiFi service: https://www.instagram.com/rushasams/
Thanks for following!
Rusha Sams
Cherryl
Great Morocco posts…did you feel that one week was enough time to explore?
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for the compliment. I’m sorry it took me so long to respond, but we’ve been in Cambodia, and I just returned. We were in Morocco for a total of three weeks. One week was spent at cooking school in Marrakech; then 2 weeks going west and then north. We missed Casablanca and Essouria, but maybe a return someday will get us there. Thanks for asking. I hope you get to Morocco – what a colorful, vibrant country with much to see and do.
Green Global Trek
Sounds heavenly!
Enjoy and safe travels.
Peta
Oh, the Places We See
We’re back home now, and the trip seems a bit blurred. Looking through pictures helps!
Sheryl
Morocco sounds like such a fascinating country.
Oh, the Places We See
We loved our trip! Recently returned home and am now sifting through myriads of photos. Should be publishing my first post later today. Thanks for commenting.
Dip Nag
Great article. Like it how you present it. However, I have a small review for you, which I think would make your presentability even better: please make the paragraphs justified aligned and the size of the pictures uniform. This is my honest review, which, I hope, might help you!
I have just been to Morocco, and your pictures and writings brought back truckloads of memories and made me nostalgic. My travels and my travel pictures are documented in my travel blog as well. I would highly appreciate it if you take some time out and review my travelogue, write down your review comments and if you like the content, follow my work. I would love to do the same as well!
Oh, the Places We See
I’ve just arrived at home and I’m anxious to look at your posts. It’s been a great trip to colorful, exotic Morocco, and I’m sure you found it to be one of your favorite spots to visit also. Will be in touch.
Dip Nag
Yes, Morocco was indeed one of the best places we have been. I look forward to your experiences as well, and also your views about my experiences and photographs!
Curt Mekemson
I am so excited for you and Bert, Rusha. Several of the bloggers I follow have been there, and I am envious. It is a bucket list item! –Curt
Oh, the Places We See
We’re baaack! And we found Morocco to be even more than we anticipated. I’m sure I can bore you with pictures from now ’til autumn!!! Are your going to Burning Man this year?
Curt Mekemson
I am going to be finishing my thousand mile backpack trek right about that time, Rusha, so Burning Man is out this year.
Sounds like you had a delightful trip! –Curt
kzmcb
I can’t wait.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for commenting. We’re back from Morocco, hoping to post some great photos shortly. Hope your spring/summer is going well.
SueBee and Kat
Sounds like a super interesting trip. Enjoy!
Oh, the Places We See
If all goes well, it will be one for the books for us. Thanks for your best wishes.
Image Earth Travel
Many thanks for mentioning my blog Rusha – much appreciated.
Look forward to reading about your experiences in Morocco and am so excited that you’re going to this amazing destination. Enjoy! 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
Your photos are inspiring!!!
Image Earth Travel
Thank you! I hope they inspire people to venture further than their home or country. 😉