[I have added several blog entries all at once, so please browse through my Morocco section if you want to catch up.]

We are deep into Morocco now, exploring the legendary Marrakesh.  Here, I think we have found the pulsing heart of the city - perhaps of all Morrocco:  the wide central square Djemaa el-Fna, where locals and tourists alike flock.  In the afternoon, the magic herbalists and fresh juice-squeezers begin to set up.  By dusk, they have been joined by snake charmers, jugglers, storytellers and chanters.  Before long, the tremendous pounding of African drums is mixing with the plumes of smoke from the kebab stands, rising high into the air, visible and audible across the city.  If you are not careful, you may find yourself dancing around a lantern in the middle of a circle of drummers and musicians, surrounded by cheering singing people, as Rebecca and I did last night! The square is jammed with thousands of people, and the party goes on long into the night.  Its the kind of place that draws you back again and again...