Church garden, Boston, MA.
.
As we all breathe a collective sigh of relief for the city of Boston this morning, I count myself amongst the millions of good people on the roller coaster of emotions such an atrocity forces us to ride. While I’m angered and appalled that so much pain, heartbreak and havoc can be wrought by just two individuals (choosing not to use other words that come to mind) I’m also humbled and enormously grateful for the brave battalions of men and women putting their lives on the line to keep us safe every day. An impossible task to be sure, but incidents like this surely place our vulnerability under a magnifying glass tenfold. My thoughts are with the citizens of Boston, a beautiful city I visited just recently, and my heart aches for all the families of the victims. The horrific images I’ve seen the past few days both permeate and steel my soul. They serve as a somber reminder that evil can lurk anywhere, even in the most joyful of places, but the indomitable and indefatigable Forces of Goodness will prevail.
Just witness the streets of Boston today.
We’re on the winning team
and we shall never surrender.
Spread the love this weekend.
xoxo
~
)
We departed from our hotel located in the outskirts of the city of Ouarzazete by helicopter
a 50 minute journey over epic scenery
which we loved…albeit ever vigilant for potential emergency landing spots (see it?!)
Incredible to see how specks of verdant green popped up occasionally
and the lengths some people will go to to ‘unplug’
While it’s true that my friend and I did ever so slightly miss the presence of Ralph…
The hotel camp had us covered!
The tents were amazing
Crisp white sheets, hot water bottles and a private loo. You can just imagine my happiness.
More Happiness
Slim Sandy
‘The desert could not be claimed or owned—it was a piece of cloth carried by winds, never held down by stones’
Tagine served from a huge earthenware pot
What we listened to under the canopy of a billion stars?
Dawn in the desert
A peacefulness one can’t describe
Strike a pose
John Singer Sargent’s Bedouins
Bedouin Breakfast
no problem for my ever resourceful, quick thinking friend who manages to eat breakfast, play DJ and start a new style trend at the same time.
“Ralph…Ralph…We’re here for you…”
The John Singer Sargent exhibition at the 
there was some food involved…
It’s great fun to experience Tom Hank’s first time on the Broadway stage, in fact the entire cast is stellar
My Instagram pic (following yet?) of the Celine shoes that are starting to grow on me
Especially the “Birkenstock” version which FYI is already sold out in the black on black style.
Then there’s this casual little Walter Steiger heel for all you 
Where it’s every woman for herself (more crown-thorny shoes there too-not in my size 
)
We enjoyed a hearty brunch at 
menu board at il Buco
Then Son of Slim threw down with a short rib sandwich that quite frankly did his Momma proud.
via Il Buco website
The salted caramel gelato at Il Buco.
Where behind every gently wafting silken drape…
another gasp awaits
The attention to detail at Royal Mansour knows NO bounds
It’s how you spell luxe and then some.
One could wear the newest Dior dress I love so much and not feel overdressed.
“Le Bar” to end all bars
with walls panelled in reverse glass rose gold leaf
Photos do not capture the depth and beauty of the rose gold panels.
Are you getting the idea yet??!
The chandelier in the interior courtyard
We enjoyed a cocktail or two here in quiet awe, just listening to the birdsong, the tinkling of ice cubes and the heavy rustling of palm fronds in the wind.
“La Grande Table Marocaine” restaurant, with blue marble floors, is presided over by celebrated French chef Yannick Alleno.
I would probably choose this little number from Armani Spring 2013 should I be so lucky as to dine here.
Cool marble, embroidered water-silk taffeta, feathers & inlaid rosewood…cuhraazy
I don’t even know how to begin to explain the coffered ceiling in the “Chimney Lounge”
The Chimney Lounge, so named for the transparent glass fireplace that allows you to gaze upon the gardens through the flames while sipping your cognac.
Photo via Royal Mansour
Hand tooled leather walls
and rugs.
“La Grande Table Francaise” Royal Mansour’s French restaurant preparing for the evening.
A gecko candle holder, one of many crystal creatures crawling across the walls of the restaurant.
As dusk descends (yes, we stayed that long!) the hotel becomes even more magical
Seriously. Joan Collins on safari.
Luckily, the locals barely bat an eye (though as you can see, I’m walking 20 paces behind, carrying a big bag of mortification)
Needless to say, I get more comfortable with the concept in a day or two.
The souk is every bit the cacaphonic (poetic license) symphony of sounds, sights & smells I had expected.
But although wildly animated, the market never really felt overwhelming.
A rare peaceful moment-Friday afternoon when most of the dealers are attending Mosque.
And what’s a trip to Morocco without a little rug shopping?!
We took Maryam’s advice and walked out into the main square of the medina on our last night in Marrakech to experience the party that apparently happens every night!
What’s really great? For the most part the revellers are the local Moroccans who obviously know how to have a good time.
Fresh escargot anyone?
Here, a rowdy and obviously popular game of fishing for soda bottles.
And here, pretty much anything to cure what ails you.
