| Original Message: Re: Travelling to Morocco |
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Hi, I will try to offer as much help as possible! From Spain you can get a boat from Algeceras, either to Ceuta, A Spanish enclave ( cross into Africa around 3 miles from the boat.)or to Tangier. If you wish to search for beads A car will be a great help. . .You will need a green card for insurance and also all registration documents as you will need to import the car and then export it when you leave ( Not so difficult as it sounds, someone will help you at the border for around 30 dihrams if you ask. They will say it is nt enough ...but it is!) Customs in Tangier are quicker than the ceuta boys! The crossing however is longer and the boats are older with fewer facilities. If you are flying then head to Marrakech. You can get trains busses and hire cars here. It is possible to buy beads of all persuasions in the souk. They will generally not be a great price...but sometimes the odd bargain does emerge. The shops which line the street to the Museums are often well stocked, but the prices are high. If you would like to buy some New Moroccan made metal beads, Go to the Mellah ( Jewish market in Marrakech) There is a tassle stall here ( Belkam Artisanant ) the guy here (( Mohammed ) loves Manchester United!) has a hand in all of the stalls along the right hand side of the street here. If you ask for him, He will take you to the bead stall 3 shops along, Tell him that Sarah ( red hair!) and Jon advised you to see him for some beads, He will help you( in French) to speak to the Arabic speaking bead vendor, and also stop the prices from getting into touristy realms. Some of The souk sellers buy their necklaces from here so it is a small wholesalers...keep this in mind re price!! There will be strands of newer beads on offer, but generally noting old. Also there is a bead seller in Kissariat ousta Semarine no 89 inside the souk. Choose a boy of around 10 - 12 ask him to show you the place for a tip. Then thank him pay him and say goodbye at the end of the street. Any one who stays with you while you shop adds a 10 to 60 % levy to your price which they will go back to the shop later to collect! You can ask for directions to the square as you leave, people will just point the way! The beads here are often a little more interesting, there are also older jewellery pieces and elements.....again you can give my name for a possible look inside the treasure box! It usually takes a few visits to build up to the goods which are not on show....I am not sure why!! The stuff in the glass bowl in the window is either Indian, Chinese and or aged by stealth!! The vendor here and his father offer an instant aging service....decline !!! It is dirty varnish of some kind, which is used to dip most anything to call it antique! For older beads You need to go futher south to Tarroudant and Tiznit, and the small places in between. It really is a treasure hunt! Uwe will be able to offer better advice as to where to buy venetian milli beads by the strand. I have picked up strands of beads all over the south of Morocco, but generally here and there rather than en masse. If you have any other questions please feel free to e mail me. I am leaving to go to Morocco on Boxing day, and will be away for 3 weeks, But will occasionally log in to say hi in internet cafes. I would alway reccommend a trip to Morocco it is a warm and wonderful place. Happy travels Sarah
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