Magical Morocco

The Beautiful country of Morocco is nestled on the north-western coast of the African continent bordering the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is unique country in many ways which has a lot to do with the fact that their main Arabic culture is so heavily influenced by the French.

The Fashion

In Moroccan fashion, the traditions of yesterday are mixed and interweaved with modern fabrics and silhouettes of today, delivering a unique and individual look to the world-wide market of fashion. Moroccan fashion designers try to find innovative ways to mix the traditional Moroccan style with modern trends seen worldwide, which has lead to numerous awards by the fashion industry. The fabrics used are of best possible quality from India, Japan, China, France and the Middle East.

The Designer

Aziz Bekkaoui is a successful fashion designer with Moroccan roots currently living and designing his own line in the Netherlands. He has showings every season in Paris and often designs for stage, opera- and dance performances as well. Aziz wants to deliver the meaning of fashion and how it can influence the identity of the man wearing it. He describes fashion like a second skin, which reflects the identity of its bearer.

The Perfect Cup of Tea

Moroccan mint tea (Atai)

As one of the biggest tea importers of the world, it is no surprise that tea occupies a very important place in Moroccan culture and is considered an art form.

Moroccans are famous for their hospitality, and it is Moroccan etiquette to offer tea to any visitors that might stop by. The tea is typically made from spearmint leaves but can also contain wild mint or other herbs. Unlike Moroccan food, cooked by women, this tea is traditionally a man's affair: prepared by the head of the family. It is served to guests, and considered impolite to refuse it.

Ingredients

• 10 fresh mint sprigs, plus 4 for garnish

• 3 teaspoons green tea

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• 4 cups water

Directions

Boil water. Pour a small amount in teapot and swish around to warm the pot. Combine the mint and green tea and sugar in the teapot, then fill it with the rest of the hot water. Let tea brew, stirring the leaves once or twice, for 3 minutes. Pour tea through a tea strainer into glass teacups to serve. Garnish with remianing 4 sprigs of mint.

The Shopping
If you ever visit the glorious North African country of Morocco, be sure to save some room in your suit case and skip those little tacky souvenirs for the real Moroccan treasures! Morocco has an abundance of beautiful ceramics, mosaic furniture, jewelry, fabrics and exquisite leather goods in all shapes, forms and sizes. The best place to visit for this little splurge would be the Medina in Fez, where not only the things you buy will be memorable but the whole shopping trip itself! Just make sure not to get lost in this maze like market!