Filming Othello, perhaps one of Orson Welles best films, which is no small talk was probably the most insane time of all his film career, which is also quite significant due to the long and arduous process.

This was a production funded by Scalera Film Studios, who at the time, during the first years of the fifties of the twentieth century was the most important studios inItaly, where they made the best films of the entire European continent. Exemplary for many reasons, -among them the amazing ability of Welles to alter Shakespeare text omitting an important part of the comical scenes of the play- (“It was a high quality comedy but there was no room for it in the film that I wanted to do … Why should a film get less respect than a play in an opera? “), where the keynote addressed regarding the text was admirably adjusted to media that was then available. From the first time the idea that ​​Welles and the artistic director of the film, Alexandre Taurner, had, was that the costumes of the characters were to based on the pictures by the Venetian painter Vittorio Carpaccio (1460-1525/6), however, upon arrival at Mogador, the city on the Atlantic coast of Morocco where the film would be shot, Welles received a telegram saying that the costumes were not ready and would not arrive on time. And a day after announcing that, some more bay news was awaiting: Scalera was bankrupt.

As they already had the cast, gear, film and cameras, Welles decided to shoot two rolls of film, until he used up all of his own money in a Turkish bath scene (where people do not have to wear clothes) The scenes shot there are still one of the most memorable parts of the film, it would take almost two years to complete them, depending on the money coming in and the dates on which the actors were available, and which was shot in nine different locations in Italy and Morocco, starting the myth that Welles took eternity to shoot his films.

Morocco was then almost exclusively, since Louis Lumiere filmed there in 1897, an ideal place for filmmakers, both due to the cheap costs and  the spectacular beauty of its landscapes-

about the radical changes undergone with regard to the North African country’s relationship with the world of film, this event is a testimony of the vitality of the International Film Festival of Marrakech (http://www.festivalmarrakech.info/) in its eleventh edition, chaired by Emir Kusturica (features section) and Sigourney Weaver from the 2nd to the 10th of  December.

This is an interesting and increasingly prestigious event that this year will pay tribute to Mexican cinema, presenting both films of its greatest filmmakers and movies of a new generation of cinematographers recognized by the diversity of their proposals

Paul Oilzum

If you rent one of the apartments in Marrakech around the festival time, do not miss it. It’s a great opportunity to see great films from around the world and see in how Morocco is now a much more suitable set for foreign productions

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Translated by: Marc
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Morocco is a place where mystery is part of every corner, and that’s something that all of us who think that adventure and pleasure go together love. To get to know some small details of Moroccan places where all food lover should live his adventure, we’ll tell you how the local citizens enjoy it.

The first thing that you need to know is that Morocco’s typical food is based on couscous prepared with lamb meat. Couscous is a wheat semolina which is part of the culture of North Africa and it’s cooked every day in its homes. Also, there’s the tagine, which has the name of the recipient where it’s erved, and it can be of lamb meat, chicken or fish. If you like soups, there’s harira, which is prepared with legumes, tomato, saffron, parsley and beef. With this there’s a series of preparations which accompany these dishes.

The restaurant Palais Jad Maha has become a fashionable place among the young people in Morocco. As it’s customary in all restaurants in this city, its decoration is a refined mix of Arabic styles, with low tables on spectacular carpets. Like all the places of good standards, there’s animation with typical dancing, which are the delight of those who go to the Palais, and a club on the lower floor with live music. The food is an ideal mix of Moroccan food and international cuisine.

As a result, we can invite you to enjoy the informal dinners in Djemaa el-Fnaa, the square, which from 7pm installs a series of small stalls where you can try keftas, a type of meatballs which are marinated with fine spices, kebabs, and you can even try this Moroccan delicacy, lamb’s head.

With little refinement, but with the best flavours, you can live the city’s charm and feel the exotic air at affordable prices. Also, you can enjoy the show of fortunetellers, snake charmers, improvised magicians, Arabic dancers and people with monkeys on their shoulders, straight out of the novels, without spending a single cent more than what you want to give these street artists who give life to this magical city.

In this square you can find Chez Chegrouni, a place with local food and prices which range from the daily three course meal to other more elevated ones, but always within reason. It has excellent quick service and it’s a pleasant place where the locals are regulars. It also has a terrace in case you like being in the open air; and the dessert and tea are included with whatever you order.

We would like to remind you that you haggle before making any decision. Remember that in Morocco haggling is a sport which everyone practices, so don’t take pictures without haggling and agreeing a price.

For more information: http://www.jad-mahal.com/palais/

Nancy Guzman

Renting apartments in Marrakech is a privilege which can take you to live the most stimulating story of your life. Don’t miss it!

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Translated by: aleixgwilliam
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The years are gradually eroding everything in the way subtlety: all kinds of materials, feelings and relationships. Of course, there is no exception in marriages, partners, etc … Day after day, month after month, year after year the constant contact with the couple takes to fall in the so much hated routine. We cannot do anything about it, or we do at some point in the relationship in which everything happens automatically and unfortunately, sex included.

I recently read an article that said that love is what remains of the couple and sex is reserved for the lover, do you agree? Possibly… if one has a lover, sure. If you have no lover you must find a solution to the lack of sex. The important thing here is, like in any other problem, talk about it quietly.

Passion comes and goes and you just have to manage it, as we must be aware that living together erodes a relationship but also makes it stronger, so not everything are bad newa in this regard.

One of the proposals that apply in these cases to be able to overcome a sexual crisis is to organize a romantic getaway, where? Well, to any destination where the main concern is to enjoy in couple.

We propose the beautiful Marrakech. Yes, this is one of the most tourist cities of Morocco, where for example, we can find the largest traditional market in the country, which is a must, and of course, the Medina. But there are magical places, less touristy that will wrap you in a cloud of love and passion.

mia1603

For accommodation do not hesitate, rent one of the apartments in Marrakech and do what you want with your time and passion. The city will not disappoint you.

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Translated by: Maria
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It boasts a large minaret which is a masterpiece of Islamic art, unfortunately, there is more of the old decoration but this is very impressive at sunset, it has become the postcard of Marrakech. The minaret equivalent of Eiffel Tower of Paris was built in 1184-1199 and became the model for the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat. It is the architectural landmark of the city which can only be admired from outside. In the real sense it is a gem of Almohad art, marks the expansion of the Almohad Empire and is the most photographed in Morocco minaret. Decorated with fine carvings, like the embroidery on stone, the minaret is topped by a lantern and a ribbed dome.  A band of blue ceramic tiles decorated by sharp edged triangles covers the final part of the minaret. The minaret appears today in its entire splendor, especially at night when it is illuminated.

Inside of the mosque is divided into 17 long-ships. Built with stone, it has no stairs, but a ramp that provides access to rooms covered with domes and its summit. It includes facts with ceramic green and white on the decorative facades. The dome of this mosque is decorated with four characteristics decreasing with gilded copper balls. At the top, 3 balls whose diameter is superimposed symbolize the Earth, Water and Fire. Another legend has it that the balls are controlled by genes (jin) and that serious misfortunes weigh upon those who try to steal them.

As mosques are closed to non-Muslims, all the other visitors have to get a taste of culture and Islamic religion from the outside and be enchanted by the voice of the muezzin five times a day that draws the faithful prayer with the words and verses from the Koran that echo through the city walls. Nearby there are gardens which are fairly well kept, with benches to sit.

This mosque which can accommodate about 20,000 worshipers, is one of the largest in South Africa. Its minaret, perfectly proportioned rises to a height of 77 m and is a striking beauty. Today it is a must starting point, before launching into the exploration of the medina of Marrakech.

Location: Marrakech, Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz, Morocco

John

If you really want to explore the best places places of the world, rent apartments in Marrakech and get travel this awesome space. You will surely find yourself escaped in the dreams.

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The museum inaugurated in 1930 is an exhibit of ancient art and craft workshops, and was given to the Department of Fine Arts to install different types of works of Indigenous Arts. The Dar Si Said Museum’s main purpose is to trace the development of wood in the decorative arts and religious Moroccans.

The museum visit begins in the adjacent rooms by introducing visitors to the knowledge of the different kinds of wood used in Morocco. The Dar Si Said premises were divided between the Department of Craft and the Museum. Almost half of the palace includes the great Riad with four rooms, the small Riad, the two floors and numerous annexes.  The tourists can travel the Moroccan craftsmanship of wood through the ceramics, jewelry and other artifacts from manual labor. This is a true exhibition of Moroccan decorative arts that emphasizes the creativity and skills of the Moroccan population.

The museum is structured according to the destination of the parts. The collection is divided into specialized rooms so the liturgical furniture, pieces of architecture and decoration, tools and of course furniture. While some exhibits dazzle with their decorations, the fineness of their sculptures and creativity, many others appear to be submitted for the sole purpose of creating visual arguments to the diversity of the traditional use of wood in Morocco. More importantly, decorations wooden ceilings beautifully worked, those walls covered with mosaics varied and impressive wooden doors which are very impressive.

The museum displays collections of great interest ethnographic objects all from the southern areas of Marrakech (Haouz and Souss, High Atlas , Anti-Atlas). The bulk of collections comes from Marrakesh and the southern provinces, Tensift, Sub, High Atlas, Anti Atlas, Bani, Tafilalet in particular. In relation to archeology has a collection of Islamic objects. This is essentially a homogeneous woodwork but one can also find jewelry, pottery and ceramics, weapons, carpets and weavings and some other archaeological objects.

There are doors of cedar, almond and poplar wood from other old houses in the city. There is also a wooden chair in which the faithful bride during the ceremony takes place to see. The rooms surround a garden and mainly artifacts from southern Morocco.

The building, richly decorated, reflecting the domestic architecture art that existed before the introduction of the French protectorate. Along the walls of Cortile is a stunning collection of fixtures. Both the jambs of doors and windows have refined decorations and ornaments. Just step on the road to see the city and its inhabitants who have their traditions and their intact culture. At the entrance of the museum, visitors can relax at the foot of the Spanish fountain featuring two majestic eagles with outspread wings.

Location:

Derb el Bahia – Riad Zitoun the Jedid – Medina of Marrakech.

Phone No: 212 (0) 24 44 24 64

Fax: 212 (0) 24 38 95 64

Visiting Hours:

Friday: 9:00 to 11:30 and 15:00 to 17:45.
Other days: 9:00 to 11:45 and 14:30 to 17:45.

Entry Fee:

Adults: 20 dirhams or two euros.

Children under 12 years: 5 dirhams.

John

To enjoy the view of this great example of Berber art, why not rent apartments in Marrakech and yourself experience the beauty and silence integrated in the place itself.

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The festival is established in 1959 by King Mohammed V to protect the preservation of the oral heritage of Morocco. With nightclubs, concerts, shows rhythm, this festival showcases the national heritage and provides an overview of the cultural wealth of the 16 regions of the kingdom, with nearly 500 artists invited for the occasion. This festival is intended to keep alive the traditional music and dance which was added to current musical forms that also belong to the popular culture.

This folk festival is a measure of wealth and importance of popular Moroccan traditions, features dancing, singing and costumes. This true musical festival of mosaic heritage features the singing groups Aisawa of the north-east, the poetry sung by the voices of the mountain south of the Grand, the dance performances of Medium and Large-Atlas, the famous dance Gnawa of Marrakech and ritual dances of Saharan animist cults, which are also the most admired ones.

Orchestrated by the Foundation of Festivals of Marrakech (FFM) in collaboration with several partners, this eclectic colorful event is a great idea to initiative and strengthen the relationship of Marrakech and Morocco.

The one of the oldest cultural events in Morocco will open with a grand parade where artists from all regions of Morocco will perform a show to the delight of onlookers.

The other novelty of this 2011 edition is the creation of an entire village, dedicated to the celebration of folk arts in Morocco. All festival activities will revolve around the nodal point. At the heart of this village, nestled in the lush gardens of the Olive Ghabat Shabab, the festival will offer fans and families the magical moments of music and rhythmic tones that are the readings of rich and diverse Morocco. The Village will consist of intimate scenes and folk art performances, and an enormous stage will be devoted to large-scale concerts.

But this party will not be at the zenith of his influence without the magic of El Badi Palace whose immense courtyard is covered with carpets and traditional decor with endless facet to welcome musicians, singers, dancers, from all over the world where the best performances of seductive belly dancers and Berber musicians would be organized. Huge workshops would also be lead by participating artists.

This event is a testament to the area of ​​cultural diversity. Each region has its own specific expression through its songs, dances, rhythms, poems, costumes, ornaments and instruments. In 2009 over 350,000 spectators had moved for the occasion and again a very rich program is expected this year, with more troops and more shows. The end of each show glows with dazzling and unforgettable fireworks.

Venue:

Marrakech, Marrakech – Tensift – Al Haouz, MoroccoFestival.

Official Contact:

Festival National des Arts Populaires
FNAP
Dar Talib Unité IV, Hay Mohammadi
Marrakech, Morocco
Phone: (212) 44-31-35-72

Festival Dates:

June 29 – July 3, 2011

For more information visit:

http://www.marrakechfestival.com/

John

So quickly book tickets and rent apartments in Marrakech to enjoy the ecstatic panorama of this great event which always attracts tourists beyond the limits.

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How true is the saying that states that every day you learn something new. Today I have learned about the Billings method, surely this is because of my sexuality, it is extremely difficult to get pregnant. But, what is that method? Well, this is considered to be the first natural technique to avoid unwanted pregnancies.

Emerged in the 60′s, thanks to a couple of neurologists, the Billings method was promoted, because of the difficulty that Catholic couples had to “avoid ” pregnancy. This method is based on the recognition of women’s fertile days by the amount of cervical mucus secreted. For example, during the infertile days this mucus is yellow and cloudy. However, during the fertile days the mucus has an elastic and transparent texture plus the amount is much higher. That is why the sperm is more easily inserted into the vagina.

Therefore during the days of higher fertility sex is prohibited. Nothing could be easier. Of course, for the method to be truly effective, the couple must agree to follow it properly. For you not to worry, you should know that this method has been validated by scientists and currently is practiced in more than one hundred countries.

This is an interesting method that requires great mental strength to those moments where the excitement doesn’t leave much reason, because you have to take this great responsibility.

mia1603

One of those “moments” could happen on your next vacation. Rent apartments in Marrakech and enjoy more comfortably this wonderful city.

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Translated by: Hans
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Bellydance, oriental dance or Raks Sharki is a discipline which has generated a good deal of interest in the western hemisphere even if it comes from a thousand-year-old oriental tradition. The great sensuality of the dance and its advantageous effects on the female body produce a certain physical and spiritual liberty that has sparked a roar in dance schools, teachers and oriental dancing students.

The story of belly dancing is a little difficult  to summarize, for there are many different accounts about its origins, One of those is that it is born during pre-monotheistic eras in different oriental cultures where fertility rituals with priestess dances took place to adore Isis, Astarté or other fertility Goddess’s. The existing versions differentiate depending on the class of dance or region where it’s from, but it seems that all agree that fertility is one of the fundamental aspects of this discipline. Whatever origin Bellydance may have, the truth is that Raks Sharki trespassed the boundaries of Northern Africa and the middle east during the XVIII and XIX centuries with the Romanic movement. During those centuries  oriental artists would exhibit their music and dances to represent what life was in a Otoman Harem, this way, even if it is an extended and popular practice in western civilizations, its due to an effect of the colonization that would show belly dancers in movies and paintings where, even with its great success, it was criticized due to is “lewd movements” along with the scantily clad and very provocative dancers

Nowadays these provocative and half dressed dancers called Bedlhah, which is a combination between a traditional dance uniform with burlesque elements and fantasy incorporated from Hollywood of the 30′s along those sensual movements attract  many women to practice Belly dancing; on the other hand, the physical and emotional benefits of its practices are many and widely recognized for its a dance where muscular movements are repeated and help maintain flexibility and strength. The workout that the dancer performs with her abdominal and pelvic muscle makes it a recommended discipline for pregnant women as it helps them to have a pain-free labor due to the flexibility it gives the body. It is so beneficial that many health centers and nursery schools have incorporated this discipline in their programs for pain-free labor preparation, specially in Spain

Bellydance is one of the most popular dances in the western world. Its a dance that can be practiced by women of all ages, it increases self esteem and the sexual life of those who learn it and it’s great idea for those that want to feel more attractive and happier with their body, it is also a great exercise to burn calories.

Luz Obscura

If you’re interested in knowing better the history of bellydance and enjoying a wonderful show somewhere original with the best dancers, you should rent apartments in Marrakech now, get your luggage ready and start enjoying the benefits and the magic of this oriental dance.

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Translated by: Marc
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The capital city of Morocco is indescribable. Lost paradise for hippies, beatniks, junkies and other characters of the 60′s, this city is still one of the favorite spots for thousands of tourists. Founded in 1062 and having been the Islamic capital city, the history cooked in the streets has no limits. And both bright days and nights are endless, full of options that can take you to splendid outcomes.

When it comes to gay fun, you should note that homosexuality is illegal in Morocco, you can even be heavily fined, or if you have bad luck, you can be sent to prison. Each country with its rules. I do not want to get moralistic or rights defender, what it is about is to have fun and explore the country. However, despite these laws and cultural pressure, homosexuality is widespread in Morocco as elsewhere. Displays of affection are not prohibited. Attention, you must remember that Tangier had at some time a fairly vibrant gay scene. However, male prostitution has led the police to have their eyes more open than ever, and they are more alert than ever.

So, it’s about being as unobtrusive as possible if you’re with your partner or being very careful if you meet a beautiful Moroccan. And they indeed are, I’ve been with 4 guys who were treasure. You riot grrrl have less trouble in this, so do not even worry. The downtown streets are full of bars and super cozy areas to meet beautiful people, there are specific points too, like Comptoir Darna Club, the coolest club you can find. Here you will find both gay and straight people in a super hipster ambience, you will dance with North African music among other genres, varied cocktails, and so the magic begins…

Another point that your Sister recommends you is Le Diamant Noir, another classic point in the Marrakech night. Many people end up here having great fun. Lots of beautiful people, students, single girls, tourists, some girl who’s almost a model, and among this good vibe some gay looks are guaranteed, with some intuition you can also flirt on this site. If you want to dance all night long, visit the Pacha Marrakech, with brilliant facilities and great sound vibration, this place is very popular regarding international clubs, you can go there until the wee hours sweating and shaking the body between other sweaty bodies hungry for affection.

SISTER RAY

Actually, any city in the world is gay friendly, you just need to explore a little bit on the web, contacting people and networking you will get what you want. The best thing you can do is to rent apartments in Marrakech at least for one month; this is just a sample of what happens at night, but the days are endless, long walks along mystical and ancient streets, where modernity and tradition are combine. And let me tell you something, fearing the Islamic world is proper to ignorant people, although it is different to the west. Open your eyes and mind, magic is all around.

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Translated by: Maria
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“Life in a Day” is the title of the first film that was completely edited with uploaded videos to YouTube. A small revolution for film culture. The interesting thing about this project is that all videos that were used to edit the film had a simple but emphatic directive: they should represent a snapshot of everyday life of anyone who would like to participate in this great project, with the pattern that had to be recorded on July 24, 2010.

So in early July 2010, YouTube made a call to which about 80,000 thousand people responded, who recorded this little snippet of life resulting in 4500 hours of footage. Those involved in this mammoth project were no others than Oscar winners Kevi MacDonald and Ridley Scott, mastermind behind some of the most iconic movies of our generation: Bladerunner and Alien.

“Life in a Day” takes us into a personal world as seen from the subjective viewpoint of each participant who –through Kevi MacDonald- leads us on a journey around the world. Peru, Ghana, India and the Philippines are just some of the many scenarios that serve to tell an individual story and become part of incredible social panopticon that captures that vague and abstract concept of “present”. Therefore, what most interested the makers of this film was to show the reality that usually gets out of hand in a culture focused towards the future and dominated by the sweet and seductive illusion constructed by the media image.

Heloise Battista

A film that pushes you to think and that encourages you to explore the far corners of the world. Rent apartments in Marrakech and be inspired by the reality of one of the world’s richest cultures.

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Translated by: Maria
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