We found similar aromas as in the Kasbah on return to Dar Nilam, our Moroccan B&B. We arrived back at 6:45 pm to the smell of Moroccan flatbread baking in the ovens.  Rachel introduced us to our waiter, Saad, and confirmed dinner would be at 7:30. We were the only guests for dinner. Another couple had left earlier and we noted the British couple still staying at the Dar left dressed for dinner.  

Our rooms were very neatly appointed with modern furniture, servi-bars, and satellite TV. The bathrooms were modern and they even had their own labeled soaps/toiletries. The charming touch was rose/flower petals in decorative arrangements on beds, towels, and dressers. Our room had a nice patio overlooking the Baie of Tangier.  

The girls ran about the rooms upstairs to explore while taking turns in the bathrooms showering. There is a nice library off the main staircase w/ English, French, and Arabic books. Lyn took a brief nap. We were all ready at 7:30 pm and headed downstairs.

Rachel offered the menu: Moroccan Flatbreads, Moroccan salads, Meat Kabobs, Vegetables Juilienne, and a Mushroom Cheese Omelette for Katie. For dessert we would have fruit in orange blossom water and Morrocan sweets/bakery with Mint Tea.

Saad served us sparkling water and champagne (brought our own because alcohol is not licensed for Dars as Rachel had suggested).   The bread basket was followed by a trio of "salade": roasted peppers/tomatoes, grated cucumber & vinegar, and a pumpkin puree w/ almonds. The girls probably favored the pumpkin as it was not sweet, but like our pumpkin pie. Was surprised to see them dig into all 3.   The kabobs and vegetables arrived along with Katies omelette. Rachel came out with each dish and explained the prep method and chef's ingredients. The kabobs were grilled veal tenderloin and marinated in parsley, lemon, and spices? The vegetable were a simple assortment of large cubed carrots, potatoes, and peas w/ light butter/oil.   KTs omelette was huge and fluffy...steaming hot.     We polished off a dozen kabobs and Saad brought out another dozen. WOW!. We nearly stuffed ourselves before Rachel informed us Moroccan custom is to offer an abundance of food greater than a guest can finish. He told us we aren't expected to finish and they have a very good intention to give our leftovers to the poor in the neighborhood.

Next we had a fruit cup of fresh diced strawberries, mango, kiwi, oranges, and perhaps pears. This was in a cold "soup" that had a very unique fresh floral scent from orange blossom water.

After sitting comfortably in the large dining area to digest ( there was some great middle Eastern music also playing), Saad asked us to go into the parlor for Mint tea and Moroccan baked goods. We were joined by Rachel who provided us some great discussion on Moroccan customs, politics, and hosting.

The Dar or house was built by his father who worked in the government. They imported the tiles from Fez and had special craftsmen spend 6 months putting in the walls by "eye". The ceilings were carved wood, also installed and handpainted piece-by-piece.   Rachel, Faty, and their 5 yo daughter, Nilam live in the half of the home not used for the guest house. The Dar concept is becoming a new boutique hotel trend in most Moroccan cities. They are both graduates from the university and attended schools for Hospitality. They have a large enclosed swimming pool and a Hamman room to provide the guest a spa experience.

Rachel went on to explain the concept of "Hamman". This is a cleansing of the skin and detoxification as well as a Muslim spiritual experience. We discussed the evolving economy of Morocco with the positive changes King Mohammed VI is bringing and opportunities the citizens have to improve quality of life. Rachel discussed freedom of speech and made the correlation to how Muslims in Western countries might be labeled as "terrorists" if they freely spoke their mind .   It was interesting to listen to his perspective and realize that Mideast/African people are as apprehensive of Western opinion as we are of theirs.

Saad filled our mint tea glasses a couple of times. The Moroccan custom is for a waiter to raise the teapot 3-4 feet above the glass as he pours. Its a bit of showmanship, but Rachel explained the temperature and brew of the tea must be just right for the tea pouring to make the "right sound".   Then the cookies again.....wow...a greater assortment of the same type we had with Abdul that day. We wanted to empty the plate into a box and take them to eat for the next day.

We said goodnight to Rachel and went up to our rooms to knock off quickly after a very full day. The next morning, we showered, dressed and went downstairs to a breakfast of incredibly fresh,soft, hot croissants and sweet pound cakes...coffee, juices, and tea. We then recieved very airy and crispy square griddle crepes with a selection of honey, marmalade, berry preserves. We stuffed ourselves again and found our ride to the Port arriving in 15 minutes for the 10 am ferry back to Spain. The girls found that Rachel had a nice selection of souvenirs to buy and we said our goodbyes to take the minibus back to the Port.