Double Take

Most of you that know me, know I really enjoyed our time in Morocco.  From the adventure of our rocky beginning, to working at the American Embassy, to traveling the twisting roads that led us to amazing destinations, to the shopping, and so much more.  I completely loved our time there.  I will admit, my favorite pastime was s.h.o.p.p.i.n.g.  And I'm not talking about conventional shopping (ie: clothing and shoes), I'm talking about unique decor; one of a kind, authentic pieces that can only be found in Morocco.  My quest for such items became a daily adventure, and I became quite good at it.  The "thrill of the hunt" not only included finding those special pieces, but also included the skill of bargaining the price to an agreed upon number that both myself and the shopkeeper were happy with.  And happy I am with each and every piece, as it makes our home a diary of our time abroad, weaving stories of every country we've lived, and is "proof" of every purchase victory.

But, I digress...

Some how, some way, Morocco finds me here in the States, or is it that I find Morocco?  In larger metropolitan areas I'm sure Morocco is quite prevalent, from home decor to cuisine.  But here in small, simple Columbia, South Carolina?  It just seems so unlikely, but there it is, staring me in the face almost every time I go into certain stores.

First of all, let's go back to the Rabat medina for a moment.  Now...for those of you who don't know, the "medina" is the old section of any Arab city in North Africa, and is also known as the "souk" in the Middle East.  It is usually located in an historic part of a city, and consists of centuries-old walls surrounding maze-like, narrow streets sectioned off into categories such as fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, fresh seafood, spices, household items, clothing, shoes, and a variety of artisan crafts such as leather, metal works (brass, copper, silver), woodwork, jewelry, perfumes and potions, and various souvenirs.

The local population depends on the medina for supplying their everyday lives with necessities.  The expat/tourist population depends on it for supplying their need for unique experiences and trinkets to remember their time in the foreign land.

As you might imagine, every visit to the medina consists of numerous sensory collisions.  There's a plethora of different languages, including the occasional, but rare, English enticement, "Hello, my friend, come in to my shop!" but all are being spoken at decibels above the normal range.  Then there's the jostling of hundreds of other shoppers, bumping you from every direction.  Because, you see, most Arabs don't have an issue with bumping into someone, nor do they find it rude to continue on their hurried way without excusing themselves or checking that you're ok as you're being trampled!  Then there are the smells.....some sections are wonderful.  Walking through the spice section always left a feeling of wonder as all those fragrances mingled in to something that couldn't possibly be recreated; while other sections are completely and totally noxious.  Think rotting flesh, day old fish, body odors, animal waste, sewer, and moped exhaust all mixed into choking fumes that can't be avoided, and you can't walk fast enough to get through there without feeling like every brain cell in your head is slowly being exterminated.  But my point is, there's absolutely no way the odors of the medina could ever be replicated......nor would you even think to do so!

Imagine my surprise, and disgust, when I saw a candle in one of my favorite stores whose fragrance was named "Moroccan Market".  My first thought was "ewww, why would anyone ever want to make their home smell like that?"  But my curiosity got the best of me, and I snatched the lid off the candle and took a whiff.  Oh my!  IF ONLY the medina actually smelled like this, I'd probably still be there!  Trust me...there is not a Moroccan market in all of Morocco, nor anywhere in the Arab world, that smells even remotely like this.  Thank you, I'll take three! 

Did you know that argan oil is now found in more beauty products here in the States than ever before?  All the high end salons in my current location offer argan oil treatments, and items that you can purchase for yourself.  Even your run-of-the-mill Garnier Fructis carries a shampoo and conditioner with Moroccan Argan Oil added to the ingredients.  Yes, I bought some, but I think I'll stick with my own private stash that I brought here on my own. 

OK.  So I'm back home, and feeling confident with the area, and have begun a routine in a new city.  I miss my old friends, and the amazing things about my previous location (mainly the thrill of shopping), and BAM, there I am....staring at a piece of pottery that might as well have followed me straight from Sale Pottery (everyone's favorite pottery factory in Morocco)!  Out of curiosity I must check the price.  Oh.My.Gosh!  really!!!  At least they're on sale but who would be fool enough to pay that much.....and at a Tuesday Morning on top of that!?

It's as if anything Morocco searches me out... 

As I've written here, my love of doors is of almost unhealthy proportions.  Imagine my delight in knowing I've got the real thing when I saw these hanging at my local Pier One!  Screen printed on canvas "paintings" that cost almost as much (well, not really) as what I paid for my 8 foot, antique, carved solid wood,  REAL works of art!  I couldn't help but smile, and say "oh yeah.....I soooo did the right thing when I bought all those doors!"

Does this ever happen to you?  When you have returned from a lengthy stay in a particular place, do you find yourself drawn to things that come from that location? 

And now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go light my Moroccan Market scented candle and gaze at our beautiful Moroccan doors after I give myself an argan oil facial treatment.....right here in South Carolina!