Tag Archives: lanterns

Wednesday Wander… On A Thursday – Morocco

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I know, I know, yesterday was Wednesday. But the snot monster who has returned to lodge in my head and chest forgot to remind me, and so here we are, Thursday, and no Wednesday Wander written.

So, as I’ve still not managed to dislodge the beast, I’m going to wander somewhere warm. I’ve wandered there before, but this time I’m hoping the reminder of sun and sand and sweet ocean breezes might tempt it away, and I can get back to normal again.

I’m in Morocco, on the coast north of Agadir, where the Atlantic waves roll in. If you’re looking for warmth, this is the place – the food, the people, the very air vibrates with heat, welcoming weary travellers from far and wide.

It is a place of light and roses and the scent of orange blossoms, of lanterns and stone walls and camels by the side of the road. A place where you can go and just be, listening to the waves and watching the sun set, golden, a sense of magic in the air.

I’d like to be there right now, to be honest.

Thanks for coming along on another Wednesday (Thursday) Wander with me – see you next time!

If you enjoyed this post and want to read more, you can find me on Twitter @AuthorHelenJ,  Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Plus my latest book release, A Thousand Rooms, is now available on Amazon. Visit my Author Page to see more.

Wednesday Wander – Fishing Village near Taghazout, Morocco

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Is is Wednesday already? How this month has flown! I thought I’d be back on here a bit sooner than this, but the last few days of summer holidays are here and so I’ve been out and about, soaking up the minutes with my gorgeous girl before she goes back to school this Friday.

However, I can’t let a Wednesday go by without a wander, and this week, for some reason, my mind was drawn to Morocco. I’ve only been there once, though I hope to visit again one day – there is a real magic in the air. I love the food and the music and architecture, the way the lanterns glitter at night, sparkles of light painting walls and ceilings.

IMG_1569I also love the colours – the ochre of the buildings against dry earth and blue sky. The deep red which, I was told, is used on buildings because it’s the colour of the Moroccan flag, but also because it keeps the buildings cooler. I don’t know how true that last part is, but the man who told me seemed very serious about it. I also love the blue fishing boats, which blend into the ocean when they dance on the waves, but stand out so beautifully against the golden sands. IMG_1548Morocco is a warm place in many ways. The weather, of course, and the glorious earthy colours, the spicy food and dancing candlelight. But also the people, who are friendly, generous, and proud of their country and Berber heritage (at least, that was my experience). I hope to visit again, one day.

Thank you for coming on another Wednesday Wander with me – see you next time!

Wednesday Wander – Indoor Pool, Hearst Castle

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IMG_0652I’ve written about Hearst Castle, on the California Coast, before. I went there the first time when I was fifteen, and still remember it as somewhere magical. On a recent trip back to California it was on my to-see list and, even though the visitor centre was much larger than I remember, the tours more crowded, the magic remains.

This is the indoor swimming pool at Hearst Castle. During Hearst’s lifetime it wasn’t used much, Hearst and his guests preferring the larger and more showy outdoor pool, with its colonnades, statues and real Roman temple. Apparently some of his guests didn’t even realise this pool existed, set away from the main house as it is.

The tiles are real gold, 24-carat, brilliant against the lapis blue, and the warm lantern light entices. If this were my pool I would swim in it all the time, like floating in a dream.

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Thank you for joining me on another Wednesday Wander – see you next time 🙂