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Gold Medal In Morocco

November 20, 2008 at 2:00 PM | 0 Comments

Are you ready to expand your palate? Put down that steak and look beyond the salad plate at the world's best vegetarian restaurants.

On its website, Sable D'Or lists among its credits that the Pakistani and Sri Lankan national cricket teams eat there exclusively whenever they come to Tangier. Whether or not Sable D'Or is the only Indian restaurant in Tangier, it seems to be the best vegetarian option in a place where the word vegetarian often draws blank stares.

Named for a beach south of Rabat also known as Sid el Abed, Sable d'Or isn't wholly veggie--or wholly Indian for that matter. But where else are you going to go to watch European sports or listen to live Moroccan music with a side order of aloo dum? If you aren't too full, hit the attached bar afterwards for some dancing.

Want to see your favorite joint featured? Tip us off.

Related Stories:
· A Place In The Sun [TIME]
· Mash, No Bangers [Jaunted]
· Food Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Sable D'Or]

Comic Book Travel: Following Tintin's Footsteps To Morocco

August 28, 2008 at 9:00 AM | 0 Comments

Anyone who has a fond memory of devouring the journeys in Tintin books is going to be a bit jealous of a British guy who's about to recreate the trip Tintin took in Land of Black Gold.

Barrimore England-Davis, major Tintin fan, has done up a vintage Jeep and will be driving through Spain and then across the desert in Morocco--along with a friend, and a dog named Snowy after Tintin's faithful hound.

The journey's scheduled to take six weeks and we're wondering if England-Davis plans to then follow a few more of Tintin's journeys. We're especially curious about what's going to happen when he sets out on Tintin's trips to fictional lands like Sao Rico, Syldavia or Borduria.

Related Stories:
· Tintin Fan's Epic Trip [Ananova]
· Road Trips Coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: ergates]

Take the Slow Boat to Morocco

April 9, 2008 at 9:00 AM | 1 Comment

Exotic Morocco is one of those countries we always want to know more about. Romantic and spicy, remote yet not that difficult to get to and holiday mecca for plenty of European travelers--we want to go.

And now we know the best way to get there: by ferry from Spain. The UK Times tells us you can get there in as fast as half an hour, but to savor the experience more, they recommend taking an older ferry to travel from Algeciras, Spain to Tangier, Morocco. It takes about two and a half hours.

Our tip is to buy a Moroccan beer on board, sit back and relax while Morocco slides into view. You'll skip all the hassles of lost baggage and flight delays that the average budget flight can bring and even if you don't find meaning in Morocco, you'll have a romantic start to your exploration of northern Africa.

Related Stories:
· Take the Ferry from Spain to Morocco [UK Times]
· Find Meaning in Morocco [Jaunted]

[Photo: ferry-site]

Movie Set Travel: Charlie Wilson's War

December 21, 2007 at 8:50 AM | 0 Comments

Charlie Wilson's War is living up to the hype. Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts are back on the big screen for this political tale of intrigue. Hanks plays a quick Congressman who carefully funnels money to Afghanistan after the country is invaded by the Soviets in 1979.

Roberts is a socialite who steps in at all the right moments (doesn't she always?) and helps him out. Charlie Wilson's War is based on an excellent book of the same name, and for once, apparently the film doesn't stray from the text.

Much of this one was shot in Marrakesh, Morocco as shooting in Afghanistan was likely, um, not an option. In that vein, we offer you some things to see and do in Marrakesh.

Where To Stay: La Sultana One of Marrakesh's more charming riads, La Sultana is a little tacky, sure, but there something comforting and cozy about its 21 rooms. Think ornate gold doors and bright linens, with a great view and decent on-site restaurant with tons of fresh fish dishes.

Where To Eat: Dar Marjana This is the most authentic Morroccan spot in Marrakesh and you'll pay for it. The five-course dinners aren't cheap, but you'll also get a show with your meal. Traditional belly dancers and musicians roam the room and you'll feast on couscous and lamb tagine while sipping all the drinks you want. Keep in mind that reservations are essential.

Where To Shop: Djemaa el Fna Marrakesh's largest marketplace, Djemaa el Fna springs to life every day with folks selling water from traditional leather sacks, men with monkeys chained up for sale, storytellers and food stalls. The market seems to change every hour, so spending a day there would be worthwhile if you can handle the chaos.

Related Stories:
· Morocco Travel coverage [Jaunted]
· Movie Set Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: CanMag]

Volunteer Travel: Find Meaning in Morocco

October 10, 2007 at 11:00 AM | 0 Comments


Cross Cultural Solutions began offering volunteer abroad programs in Morocco earlier this year. Come December, global-minded do-gooders can participate in the second wave of the project. It's a chance to spend a few weeks in the capital city of Rabat, working with locals on community-based projects in shelters and prisons. Volunteers provides services to women and children through local schools, employment training, and social assistance programs.

This type of travel is more than a vacation overseas, warn past volunteers — it's a commitment to the community. Though the work is challenging, volunteers say that's what makes the trip worthwhile:

The most memorable for me was not the teaching specifically, but instead the general interaction with the inmates and how fun it was trying to overcome the language barrier using the few Arabic and French words I knew — there were many rounds of Charades! I felt like most of the students were really eager to learn. Those who were not so interested in English were just as eager to get to know me and the other volunteers.

Related Stories:
· Cross Cultural Solutions [Official Site]
· More Volunteer Travel Coverage [Jaunted]
· Morocco Hotel Reviews [HotelChatter]

[Photo: Sundownr01]

Sahara Desert Sues For Defamation In Movie "Sahara"

April 17, 2007 at 9:03 AM | 0 Comments


A desert can't really sue people, but it seems like everyone else involved in the 2005 movie is bringing suit. Author of the original book Clive Cussler is suing producer Philip Anschutz for denying him the "absolute control" his contract required, which he alleges led to the movie's failure (it took in $122 million, but cost over $240 mil to make); Anschutz is counter-suing, claiming Cussler sabotaged the flick. In efforts to sort out how a box-office winner became a bomb in court, the L.A. Times dug up the film's working budget -- where they discovered the film's stars Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz together cost nearly $1.7 million just in perks -- from his personal chef ($48,893) to her hair stylist ($135,550). That's more than was paid to all the extras combined! And we won't even get into the bribes they paid to the Kingdom of Morocco to shoot the film there (instead of on a sandy soundstage).

After you read the most exciting bunch of numbers since your tax return, book a flight to the real Sahara: At $1,122, that New York-Paris-Casablanca flight we found on Air France will look like a steal. For Marrakech hotel reviews, HotelChatter will start you off right. Here's looking at you, kids.

[Photo: Week in Rewind]

Amazing Race 10: The Curse of the Moroccan Idol

November 27, 2006 at 9:27 AM | 0 Comments

Click Here To Go Straight To Chasing Racers Map


Chasing Racers is back, with a brand new Amazing Race 10 mashup. This map will update the morning after every new episode. Send along tips, rumors, gossip, locations and spoilers to our map editors, become a member and comment on the stories below, and add to the Jaunted-Flickr photo pool to get in on the fray. Enjoy.

Beware the curse of the Casablanca idol. While no one has been the victim of a terrible surf accident just yet, we bet in the coming weeks that little Moroccan idol will be the undoing of one team. With only four teams remaining, things are getting fierce between beauty queens Dustin and Kandice and, well, about everyone else. With the lovable Cho Brothers off the course, will anyone do the right thing? Will Rob and Kimberly continue to be cursed by every car they jump into? And can Lyn and Karlyn hang tough without the help of the now-eliminated Six Pack? Answers, and maybe some leftovers, after the jump!

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Marrakech Hotel Highlights

November 6, 2006 at 11:20 AM | 0 Comments


If you haven't already, it's time to start planning for a cool holiday trip, especially hotel-wise. If you're looking go somewhere exciting this season, check out Marrakech, one of North Africa's most famous and admired cities. The Times Online offers a great Marrakech lodging round-up, with spots to serve whatever kind of trip you're taking.

One we love: Dar Les Cigognes, a traditional Marrakech riad that's been modernized and decked out with a glass-roofed courtyard, a hot boutique, and dozens upon dozens of candles spread throughout the property at night. It's just opposite the Royal Palace and features only 11 guest rooms and suites, with tons of dark corners designed for slipping away to.

The most famous: La Mamounia, deemed one of the "most beautiful places in the world", this one's got it all. Luxury rooms, 17 acres of gardens, a spa, five restaurants, and an art gallery await you. Be prepared to pay up though, because the entire hotel was closed for months this summer for a complete renovation and there's no doubt someone will be footing the bill.

[Photo: Joanpix]

Related Stories:
· Get a room: Marrakesh [Times UK]
· Movie Set Travel: Babel [Jaunted]
· Dar Les Cigognes hotel reviews [TripAdvisor]

Windsurfing and Julia Roberts in Morocco

November 1, 2006 at 9:45 AM | 0 Comments


Julia Roberts is currently shooting the political drama Charlie Wilson's War in Morocco on Thursday. The film, based on a Texas congressman's dealings with Afghanistan during the war with the Soviets, sounds like it could leave us as confounded as Syriana did.

In any event, the movie is filming in Essauira, a small fishing harbor that has recently become a haven for windsurfers.

Surfing enthusiasts say the surf is better south of Essaouira where it is even windier for kitesurfers and windsurfers. A small town just north of Agadir called Taghazout is known for both its good breaks, high winds, and friendly local surf culture. Just in case Julia and the crew wants to stay active. Of course, you can also stroll into the the center of Essauira and put a monkey on your head. All depends what kind of traveler you are.

[Photo: People & J.Sekimori]

Related Stories:
· Ski resorts working to bring minorities to the slopes [CNN]
· Ballantines Original reviews [TripAdvisor]
· Windsurfing in Morocco [Club Mistral]

Movie Set Travel: Babel

October 27, 2006 at 9:00 AM | 0 Comments

Brad Pitt takes time off from incessant fatherhood and hits theatres today in Babel, the story of four plotlines in one film coming together to "explore the nature of the barriers and misunderstandings that seem to separate mankind." Huh? Yes, that's right. Think Crash in a more exotic, beautiful location.

The movie involves an American tourist couple struggling to survive, two Moroccan boys wrapped up in an accidental crime, a nanny illegally fleeing to Mexico with two of her American charges, and a Japanese teen rebel whose dad is being hunted by Tokyo police. Ho-hum, just like every other day, right? Yea, we're just as confused as you but we'll probably end up seeing this one just for the scene where Brad cries into the phone.

As the film was shot in Morocco (and that's a rare one for us) we offer you some cool travel tips for a fun time in Fez:

Where To Stay:
Sofitel Palais Jamai Fes
 Head to Fez and check into this impressive former palace (the once-residence of the Grand Vizir Jamai), built in 1879. The hotel offers superb views of the Fez Medina and a great terrace to enjoy the twinkly lights below on, a fun lobby piano bar, and rooms have gorgeous Moroccan accents and free Wi-Fi.

Where To Shop:
Souk el Henna
 Forgo the larger bazaar or head here after your bargaining's done for a great selection of spices, hennas, kohls, and aphrodisiacs. Apparently the charming square's quite picturesque and features a giant, gnarled fig tree at its center.

Where To Eat:
Dar Saada
 Built in the 14th century, this palace is one of Fez's traditions, a must-see for visitors. Intricate Moroccan architecture makes for an elegant dining experience, and heaping plates of roast lamb and beef tangine ensure you won't leave hungry.

Facing the Call of Nature

May 2, 2006 at 10:15 AM | 0 Comments



Traveling can just as easily be about facing up to very simple fears and annoyances; some people hate aisle seats while others don't like the idea of how dirty a hotel bedspread is. (Very, very dirty, in case you were wondering.) Nonetheless, many of these things are unavoidable--travel rarely happens in a controlled evironment, unless you are doing it from the comfort of your living room as we do every day.

Click here to read the harrowing tale of one Jaunted contributor's close encounter with "the beast" (pictured, above). Let's just say that it's the same reason we don't like to go camping.

Story continues here...

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Sleeping Pricey in Marrakesh

February 21, 2006 at 8:35 AM | 0 Comments

It's always irritating when what a paper says is the best place to stay also happens to be the most expensive, but oh well. La Mamounia really does look wonderful, with its outdoor pool, 17 acres of olives and orange and palm trees, and even a "tacky casino" for good measure. Rooms start around $360 and go up precipitously from there -- don't look for us in the suite across the hall.

Related Stories:
·   Get a Room: Marrakesh [Times]
·   Marrakesh Express [Jaunted]
·   La Mamounia Reviews [TripAdvisor]

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