MosheR Loc: New York City

More of the Medina

One of the many side streets within the Medina. The first time we went in without a guide and were continually hasseled. We learned our lesson and hired Sammy Davis the next time.


When you walk the narrow streets, and you hear "Balak. Balak," you better squish yourself against the nearest wall. The horses, donkeys, and mules don't give a **** about you.


I guess the dentist in the building behind the shoeshine guy was not the same one we encountered in the square. At least I hope not.

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We didn't purchase any of these, but we did buy a lot of stuff.


Believe it or not, horses, etc, went down these streets as well.


Did you see the pics of the tannery in Fez that I posted a few weeks ago? Here is a much smaller one in Marrakesh. It also stunk of urine ... much less, but much closer.

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As with the one in Fez, the urine contained natural dyes.


And like the one in Fez, men stood right in them and worked the nasty stuff through the raw hides. In Fez, they did so with their feet. Here, the guy is bending into it and working it with his hands.




Our guide, Sammy Davis, just a few moments before the poor guy got himsef arrested. We felt really bad that we never even got to pay him because he was really good at what he did.

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Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

MosheR Loc: New York City

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Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

Thanks for the great photo series, Moshe. I assume from your name you're Jewish (you did show us a synagogue)? Other than the harsh "welcome" you got there, it seems no one really cared otherwise.

I visited Casablanca and Rabat just a few months ago. It was right during EID, so many of the stores and restaurants were closed, but it was still fascinating to see the architecture, the mosques, the Medina, and even the beaches! Quite a cultural shift from what many of us are used to. Thanks for the memories.

MosheR Loc: New York City

Hi Fred. Thank you for the nice complement re my photos. Casablanca and Rabat are a long ways from Marrakesh in terms of atmosphere and size, but I found them to be very interesting places as well, in terms of what you said about all the wonderful architecture. As for my visiting a synagogue, I visit everything, no matter what the religion. They're all interesting.

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

Maybe urine is a natural hide softener, there is certainly a theme going on in that part of the world. :)

Thanks once again for the insight into another culture.

MosheR Loc: New York City

The ph in urine breaks down organic matter, so it softens and cures hides very well. Been used since ancient times.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Beautiful and informative, Mel!

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

It's pointless to argue with something that works and makes my job description sound like a walk in Central Park at night. Oh wait, I DO have muggers and thieves around me.

MosheR Loc: New York City

I appreciate that, Mike. Like your flower shots.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Beautifully picturesque 💎💎💎💎💎

MosheR Loc: New York City

Thanks very much Joe.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

srfmhg Loc: Marin County, CA

Another great set Mel.

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Good work and story Mel.

Don