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Drama may have unfolded for Bogart in Casablanca, but the real story was in Marrakech i. Nestled in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, under the blaze of a hot Moroccan sun is the “red city” known to most of us as Marrakech. It is here that the journey of A Small Token Inc. was awakened to the artistry and commerce of the North African coast. Boasting the largest traditional market in the country and the busiest public square on the African continent , not even five mega pixels and an extra memory card could capture the essence of this place.

We felt immediately immersed in the culture from the first cab ride, whereby we learned every price is negotiable and it pays to barter. Our cabbie dropped us off at our hotel that luckily enough was within walking distance of Djemaa el Fna, the main square in the medina quarter, the older part of the city.

Ramadan had ended and the streets were engorged with people enjoying life. Young men and boys rushed past us on mopeds and on foot while older gentlemen sat in cafes socializing over cups of mint tea. The lights of the city guided us through a seeming maze of activity. Snake charmers and men dressed as belly dancers entertained as wide-eyed tourists looked on. All around us the smell of food lured us from one street cart to another.

A New York City hot dog stand has nothing on Djemaa el Fna at suppertime. Almost like an outdoor cafeteria, hundreds of people sat under a Moroccan sky as various food vendors solicited them, “Come try. You hungry? Have a taste. Very good.” Fresh meats with aromatic spices took to the air in clouds of steam. We dodged kebabs and tempting mounds of couscous only to run into rows of freshly squeezed orange juice vendors, selling the most delicious sweet nectar East of the Florida groves. But we did not go to Morocco to eat. Over the course of our stay we found the juice was delicious and the lamb tajine was tender and the sweets were delectable, but alas, this was not a culinary tour. No, we came to shop.

Just bordering the square we were able to peruse a trickling of shops we later learned were the beginning of a labyrinth of commerce known as the souks. It was here we spent our time admiring fine leather belts and bags hand died and painted with henna. It was here we tried on snakeskin shoes and beaded sandals. It was here we discovered ornate furniture hand-carved from lemonwood, cedar and walnut trees. We discovered textiles, clothing, metal work, jewelry, wrought iron lamps and mirrors ordained with creamy antelope bone. Everything you could need was in the souk, handcrafted and a product of skill and love. Marrakech came alive as a feast for all the senses and a talented friend we yearned to show off.

And the city embraced us. Each new friend welcomed us with hot mint tea poured into 2 and 3 ounce sized glasses from unwieldy heights. I even had my first marriage proposal from a friendly Berber man in a carpet shop. He jokingly promised my mother “many many camels and a Coca Cola.” Language was no barrier as most of the locals did know some English in addition to their more traditional Arabic, French or Berber dialect. We were enveloped in a brand new culture, where craftsman still made your jewelry, an ironsmith your lamp, and your shoes were cut to fit and we loved every last minute.

What you will find on the following pages is a sampling of the sensory utopia and handcrafted elegance that we discovered on our journey. While we cannot take all of you to that red city in the mountains, we can offer you a bite-sized portion of all that we were able to partake. Please peruse this site knowing that this is only a glimpse of the life, love and artistry that makes Marrakech so special. All we ask is that you take this small token with the same open arms that surely await you on the other side of the Atlantic. May you fall in love with it all, just as we have and inshallah ii, let this be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

i “Marrakech.” Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 22 April 2007.
ii Arabic. It could mean any one of the following variations: If Allah (God) wills; When Allah (God) wills; If Allah (God) wishes; “ Inshallah.” Islamic- dictionary.com . 22 April 2007.