I must admit, my stay at this Riad and visit to this country will inevitably remain in my heart’s memory always. Although my flight was late and I didn’t arrive until 1:00 AM my driver was standing there awaiting my arrival. The owner Dominique and staff were also waiting in the parking area to escort me and carry my suitcase into the Riad. As I walked through the door I had to catch my breath as I felt the peace in this beautiful place. The mint tea flowed like wine and soothed my weary mind. The Riad was exquisite with it’s classical and sophisticated influence, elaborately decorated in traditional Marrakesh style. The tranquil beauty attracts those seeking solitude and beckons you across a sunny courtyard that eloquently recounts the past. It wasn’t until morning that I realized the daily rhythms that flow around Dar Taliwint. Breakfast was served no matter how late I slept. Dominique, Younes and Saida were always welcoming and went out of their way to make my stay magnificent. Dominique gave me a quick lesson on some of the cultural dos and don’ts such as bartering in the souks. Tourists are welcome approaching the noisy bustling souks, splendid and vibrant. Dominique scheduled dinners and private, reasonably priced excursions into the mountains and desert for me. There is so much to do and see here that I must go back. There are beautiful beaches, I hear! The area is rich in many ways as both culture and landscape are unique and visually exciting, making the area a magnet for tourists. The town itself is a short walk from the Riad and enjoyed by tourists for its unique status as the fascinating city of a thousand nights, with shops that sell hand made, all natural items and where the food is tasty and shop owners invite you in for tea ,while further afield wonderful beaches and exotic mountains and desert land bring the sacred gifts of the natural world into sharp focus. I have eyes into another world as the sounds of chant are made, echoing around a sacred city that magnifies the power of prayer and other sacred energies and the spiritual is transcribed into the physical world. I’ve missed them everyday since returning home. The area is rich in many ways. This is a place where living faith has been allowed to shape commercial practice in an increasingly secular world. God’s gifts are to be treated with due respect, and harvesting is sustainable and must honor creation. The cultivation of goods exquisite. Images such as this represent portals to another reality and invite visitors to a leap of faith and link with other cultures. Visiting here and the welcoming atmosphere was a life-affirming joy. Thank you Dominique, Younes and Saida for treating me as if I were the most special person on earth and giving me new eyes into another world that enticed my very soul. I hope to see you again someday, Insha’Allah. “Samira”
