Friday, January 31, 2014

Meow!


Cats of Morocco

When I was researching our trip to Morocco, I came across a post about the cats of Morocco.
This led me down a bunny kitty trail of cat content.
So, when we got there I was primed to take a photograph of every single cat.
Most of the cats were happy and healthy.
Many were coddled and fed table scraps.  But, there were exceptions.
It broke my heart to see the skinny, sick cats or a dead kitten left forgotten in the street.
After my post on the tanneries, most of the comments were about the pile of sweet kittens.
So, today I'm going to share some more of my favorite Cats of Morocco.

Cats of Morocco

Cats of Morocco

Cats of Morocco

Cats of Morocco

Cats of Morocco

Cats of Morocco

Cats of Morocco

Cats of Morocco

Cats of Morocco

Cats of Morocco

Cats of Morocco

Cats of Morocco

I can't leave out you Dog Lovers.  Not many dogs in Morocco but I did catch a few.

Dogs of Morocco

Dogs of Morocco

I also managed to get a whole bunch of shoe photos.  Go figure. 

Shoes of Morocco

Shoes of Morocco

Shoes of Morocco

Shoes of Morocco


We've been drenched lately in London, but in Morocco it's raining cats and dogs.
And shoes.  

Have a great weekend!

What do you absolutely have to take pictures of when you're traveling?


Thursday, January 30, 2014

ME London

I don't know about you but I'm going a little stir crazy. January is not my favorite month.  Next year remind me to plan a trip in January.  To a beach.  I gotta get outta here!  Matt just returned from a guy's trip to Minsk. Minsk in January?  Sounds like they had a great time but it was freezing cold.  Posting about Morocco has helped a bit.  Going through all of the photos makes me forget the cold and feel warm again.  I have so many more posts about Morocco.  I hope you aren't getting bored of them yet.  And in one week we will be heading to Iceland!  I can't even tell you how excited I am.  I'll be posting on Twitter and Instragram using #JonesInIceland, if you want to follow along.  Today I'm going to take a little break from Morocco and tell you about an event I attended recently with some other bloggers and journalists. 

Matt and I aren't too fussy about hotels.  We usually go for a low to moderate priced hotel with decent reviews on Trip Advisor.  We want to travel as much as possible so we don't splurge on hotels.   But, sometimes it's fun to take a peek at a Five Star Hotel.  When I received an invite to visit the ME London design hotel at the Marconi House (original home of the BBC), I was happy to go along with my camera.  For the day, I could pretend that I was a guest in this elegant hotel. 

Radio Rooftop Bar, ME London

We started our day with ME London at the Radio roof top bar for fabulous views of London and some cozy cocktails.  The building is right across from Somerset House with full views of the Thames.  I'd love to get dressed up one night and spend the evening here snuggled up in a blanket and sipping cocktails.

Radio Rooftop Bar, ME London

Radio Rooftop Bar, ME London

Radio Rooftop Bar, ME London

Radio Rooftop Bar, ME London

If you happen to be staying in their two story penthouse suite you can enjoy your very own space on the rooftop terrace.

Radio Rooftop Bar, ME London

I had a Warm ME Up (and it certainly did) a thermos of hot chocolate spiked to perfection with Hennessy Cognac and spices.  Then we took a tour of the beautiful hotel.  Room rates start from £340 per night excluding VAT.  A bit much for our budget but maybe someday.  It could happen.

ME London

ME London

ME London

They've considered every detail with sumptuous bedding and spa like bathrooms. I've been enjoying their lotions and potions that were in our goody bag.  I think I need a faux fur blanket, don't you?

ME London

ME London

ME London

I'm not sure if or when I'll get to stay in this gorgeous hotel, but I will definitely be going back for some great Italian food at Cucina Asellina.  It's a lovely, contemporary restaurant serving rustic Italian food.  ME London is also home to STK Steakhouse and the Marconi Lounge.

Cucina Asellina, ME London

It has a really great vibe and the food was amazing.  Here's some food porn for you...

Cucina Asellina, ME London

Cucina Asellina, ME London

Cucina Asellina, ME London

Cucina Asellina, ME London

Cucina Asellina, ME London

Cucina Asellina, ME London

Cucina Asellina, ME London

The ME London opened in March of last year and is part of Meliá Hotels International, Spain's leading hotel chain with hotels in 39 countries.  ME by Meliá is "for cultured, fashionable guests who are driven by new experiences and opportunities."

ME London

It's absolutely gorgeous and the level of customer service is a highlight.  I'm not giving up hope that someday I'll get to spend the night in this fashionable hotel.

Where's the fanciest hotel that you've stayed in?  What was your favorite special touch?


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  *I was a guest of ME London for the day.   All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

 You can find this review and many others in my
London Attraction Guide.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Made in Morocco

When you explore Fès, you will be struck by the handicrafts on display.
In the showrooms, you will find any number of fabulous items; leather, silver, pottery and more.
But take a peak behind the showrooms and you will really be enthralled.

Moroccan artisans have been creating these treasures the same way for hundreds of years.
In this ancient guild society, skills and jobs are passed down from generation to generation. 
They are using methods that have been unchanged for centuries.

We visited both a pottery and a tannery during our stay in Fès.

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco

Morocco is well-known for its pottery.  We were proudly shown around the workrooms.

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco

We watched the artists handpainting geometric and arabesque designs on dishes of all shapes and sizes.
I so wanted to sit down and join them.

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco

We brought home a miniature Moroccan Tagine which is a Berber cooking vessel with a conical lid.
Many of our wonderful Moroccan meals were served in these.

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco


Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco

Isn't she lovely?  I asked if I could take her photograph,
she nodded sweetly and then primped for a moment, tucking a stray lock of hair into her scarf.

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco

Tiles are cut down into intricate shapes and then turned into the most beautiful, mosaic fountains.

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco

Fès is particularly famous for creating blue and white pieces using cobalt oxide.

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco

The showroom was full of pieces with beautiful designs influenced by centuries of Islamic culture.

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco

I had read much about the famous tanneries of Fès.
The city once had hundreds of them in the Medina, but now there are only a few left.

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco

In the Leather Souk, you will find one of the oldest tanneries in the world.
In a method that is unchanged since the 11th Century, the hides of goats and sheep
are cleaned and dyed by hand (or foot) without the help of any machinery.

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco

The white stone vessels contain a concoction of water, limestone and acidic pigeon droppings.
The hides are soaked there first to soften them and remove any tissue or hair.

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco

Then they are soaked in the vats of dye and cow's urine to give them distinctive colors.
Traditionally, the tubs would contain natural dyes; indigo for blue, henna for orange or saffron for yellow.

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco


The workers spend hours standing in these liquids, working the hides with their feet.
Chemicals are now sometimes used to the detriment of their health.

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco

The hides are then spread out on the rooftops to dry before being trimmed and sewn into
shoes, coats, bags and foot stools.

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco

The tannery is surrounded by showrooms with terraced balconies.
We were led up into the top of one to watch the work and take photographs.

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco

I had read about the strong odors and that visitors are often given a spring of mint to help them deal with the smell.
It did smell but I don't remember it being that bad.
We were there in April so the weather was mild.  It may be worse in the summer.

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco

The leather goods are absolutely beautiful.  Rows and rows of shoes!
Unfortunately, my husband is a firm believer in just taking away the experience and sees no need to shop.
(But, honestly, it breaks my heart that I didn't purchase these shoes.) 

Pottery and Tannery of Fes, Morocco

The tannery was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen.
One more reason to visit this incredible city.


Don't you think I should have purchased some shoes while in Morocco?