Well I am back safe and sound in NYC once again after having enjoyed a fabulous week in Morocco.
Somehow the time change and travel has me at sixes and sevens again after a rather torrid journey back. I can't say that I can recommend Royal Air Maroc, even though it is the most expeditious way to get there and back. Jam packed planes, filthy toilets and and a pretty adhoc inflight service leave you a bit on the sore side getting off and since my bag was almost second to last to fall from the carousel I was starting to have conniptions in that department too. Oh the joys of foreign travel!
Despite that, I have some 2,000 pictures in my hot little hands and plenty of wonderful memories to cherish for a while, for the trip was nothing short of a visual feast and even though not all the moments were snapped with a camera, plenty of them will live on in my head.
One common cry heard during my week there was .... "why you take my picture?" and many of the local people in Essaouira and Marrakesch were very much against having their photo taken. I suppose they dont' really understand that their faces, expressions and garb are intruiguing to a foreigner.
I'd like to think that my pictures are somewhat of a tribute to a stalwart kind of people who wear the stories of their lives on their faces with pride and honor. And I'm grateful to have been able to capture a little of their essence here and there.
Now I'm off to grab some zzz'ds - sans the screaming gulls and calls from the Meuzzin at 4am! ...Merci beaucoup!
I've been going through the photos from your trip and was drawn in by the bright colors and the portraits of people. I do hope I get to travel outside the US someday. I think it would be such an awakening of all the senses and perspective.
Posted by: Maery Rose | June 13, 2012 at 09:06 PM
Well, you certainly did these individuals proud!
A couple of friends who like to visit Istanbul are always tickled with how much the citizens there like to have their pictures taken! Even if they will never see them, they love being in with Americans and they love the idea of being part of the memories!
Posted by: Chris | June 05, 2012 at 05:11 PM
Wow Marie, great photos, great characters, wonderful colors and I am sure a wonderful experience for you - another world! Glad, you are back home with so many impressions. We are also back to Germany, but in our minds still in New York. I sort and edit the many photos and have a feeling I'm traveling again.
Posted by: Christine Baier | June 05, 2012 at 01:08 AM
Glad to hear that you are back safe, if somewhat sore. Hours in a plane is the one thing that really deters me from long haul flights, and lets face it, the most isolated capital city in the world is NOT a good starting point for travel!
LOVE your images - you must have been guarding memory cards with your life! Looking forward to seeing you wave some Marie Magic over those photos!
Posted by: Cindy Lane | June 04, 2012 at 09:42 PM
All your photos are amazing but I especially like this first one with the cobalt blue door - stunning. Sounds like a great trip.
Posted by: Jean Hutter | June 04, 2012 at 06:41 PM
Love the blue door and their different expressions :-)
Posted by: Frida | June 04, 2012 at 01:45 PM
Blue door shot really has the OOOooOOOooooo factor! I love the expressions you captured. Absolutely cannot wait to see all 2000 shots! **kisses** Deb
Posted by: Deborah Bauernfeind | June 04, 2012 at 12:49 PM
Oh wow...and now I'm getting a visual tour of the sites and scenes and experiences you had in Morocco. Wonderful...wonderful...wonderful!! And - welcome home!
Posted by: Marcie | June 04, 2012 at 07:52 AM
Glad you're home safe and sound though a little ragged around the edges :-) Your photo journey has been wonderful to see, you've really managed to capture the essence of the people and places you've visited. Thank you.
Posted by: Bren | June 04, 2012 at 07:52 AM
P.s. went back to look again and saw the argyle sox on man#1 perfect!
Posted by: lyle baxter | June 04, 2012 at 07:21 AM
that first pic (both the person and the door ) is marvelous! do you think those people like others around the world think that when you take their picture you have taken their soul? there are some interesting beliefs out there! or maybe they thought you were making fun of them! whatever, the pics are great and I'm glad you are safely home!
Posted by: lyle baxter | June 04, 2012 at 07:17 AM
that blue door hits you, great!
Posted by: Chantal | June 04, 2012 at 05:24 AM
Amazing faces, full of character. I look forward to seeing more of your photos. This must have been an amazing trip.
Posted by: joanne thieme huffman | June 04, 2012 at 03:21 AM