Fez to Casablanca

Volubilis

Today was my last day in Fez and so we headed out of town to do some sight seeing. We went to the old Roman ruins at Volubilis. It was wonderful to be able to wander around the ancient city with the smell of the herbs growing wild around the tumbled stones. There was a large group of local school kids who came with drums and local instruments and put on an impromptu concert as we arrived.

Fez Food

One of the best things about staying with friends is that I get to meet people who live and work locally. Last night I meet Gail Leonard. Originally from Yorkshire this self confessed food obsessive started a company called Fez Food. She does all kinds of custom tours from walking around the medina sampling the local honey, breads, meats and spices to cooking classes and excursions all over Morocco.
It was her night off so we meet her at Fez Cafe in Le Jardin des Biehn. Tucked away behind a huge door we entered into a garden and walked along the path until we arrived at the brightly coloured veranda where we found our table. The menu was a mixture of traditional food with a hint of french cuisine.
Today we bumped into Gail as she was walking through the spice market with some american tourists. They had just sampled camel meat and were on their way to have a local coffee.
To see Gail's blog you can click on the link FEZ FOOD

http://www.fez-food.com/

Fez

WhenI was back in Australia at Christmas I visited my old school friend Rebecca Raft and her partner PC at their home and workshop in Palm Beach. Rebecca designs and makes handmade silver jewelry and has a company called Bouvier.
A few years ago the two of them visited Fez and fell in love with the ambience, food, buildings and people in this far away exotic place. Without hesitating they found themselves an old riad that they have renovated in the heart of the medina.
Rebecca showed me photos as we sat on her terrace overlooking the gum trees and the beach and we decided that I should come and visit.
In the last few years not only have the 2 transformed a pile of rubble into a haven of tranquility they have met amazing artists and craftsmen that have brought to life many of Rebecca's designs from the hanging brass lights to the cushions and chairs. Even the pottery was made to her design and the calligraphy on the cups and plates says Dar Rafti, a play on her name.
The first night we sat on her terrace drinking coffee and nibbling on honey almond pastries that melted in my mouth while the call to prayers echoed in the background.
The next day we wandered around the medina. I am so inspired by the tiles, colors, woodwork and the hidden spaces that open as one walks through the old wooden doors.
To view Rebecca's web site click on this link BOUVIER

Riad Momo

As all my friends know I am traveling with my Mum here in Morocco.
Last night we went to a restaurant where I took this photo of her. Yes it is fun to play tourists with her and in true Mum fashion she had the horse mans rifle in a jiffy. He offered to marry her but I told him I would not trade her for 100 camels.
She is an avid walker and so today with the planning help of Jabrane here at Riad Saba we headed out from Marrakesh to a place about 45 miles from the city. We were met by a guide who took us on a hike through the valley over a river and through 3 berber villages. We walked among the fruit trees and the olive groves and took time to smell the roses, the lavender and all the herbs growing along the path.
At the end we emerged upon Riad Momo overlooking the lake where we stopped for a late lunch.
The weather today was overcast which made it perfect for walking and as we ate lunch a light misty rain fell dropping the temperature to a very comfortable level. After the meal we wandered around the grounds. Next time I come back I will make the time to stay here a night.

The Colours of Marrakesh

I am loving wondering around the shops in the medina, getting lost in the little alley ways, the sounds, the sights , the smells.
No big camera with me here. They do not want to be photographed.
I slip my little Sony Cyber Shot from my pocket and snap at the objects along the way. No body seems to mind.
I see a wall of postcards and yearn to photograph the eyes staring at me.
I am haunted by am image that I saw at a museum of a woman taken many years ago.
Now she is looking at my camera, caught on a wall, as she watches the tourists walk by.

Riad Saba in Marrakesh

It didn't take long to feel right at home in this wonderful little hotel in Marrakesh, Riad Saba.
We were met at the front door by the owner Jabrane who welcomed us in and offered us mint tea and cookies as he described the best way to get around the medina and gave us recommendations for places to eat lunch. We headed down the street to Un Dejeuner a Marrakesh where we sampled local salads as we sat on the roof terrace soaking in the view.
We had decided to have a home cooked meal that night at the Riad which was the best way to end our first day.
My room is called the Chocolate room. It opens onto the central court yard on the second floor. There are only 4 other rooms to choose from and all are charming. It is a little piece of quiet heaven close to the hustle bustle of the centre square just 5 minutes walk away and a perfect place to come home to each night.
Maria, Jabranes beautiful swedish wife met us on the second morning and gave us lots of directions for all the best shops and other places to visit. Today we headed up to the mountains to walk and visit the water falls. Tomorrow I am taking my notes from Maria and am heading to the other side of town to explore the clothing stores.

The Studio Museum in Harlem Spring Lunch

Today was the Studio Museum In Harlem Spring lunch. I am on my way to the airport and hope to upload the rest of the photos from there. Best wishes every one

To view all the photos please click on this link The Studio Museum in Harlem Spring Lunch

Engaged at Cartier

Last night I was photographing a bridal event at Cartier when all of a sudden William Hoar one of the sales associates ran up to me to tell me one of his clients was about to propose.
I rushed over as the ring was delivered by a Cartier Page.
Trevor Wilson then got down on one knee and asked Yvonne Ryzewski to marry him. It was the sweetest moment.
The smile on Yvonne's face was huge. She was about to put the ring on when she stopped then handed it to Trevor to place on her finger.
3 seconds later William arrived back with a glass of champagne for them both and a little wedding cake with a sparkler on it. Yvonne was so excited.
She told me they had visited the store in March and that she had seen the ring then but had not imagined that he was going to propose to her in the beautiful 5th Avenue Mansion. She said it was a dream come true.

The American Ballet Theatre Spring Gala 2011

Last night after a great dinner at the Warldorf I headed to the tent at Lincoln Center to photograph the dinner for The American Ballet Theatre Spring Gala.
The first person I saw was Sloan Barnett who looked amazing in a flowing hot pink dress.
We all miss Sloan who now lives in San Francisco but she made up for it by bringing all her friend from the west coast to party at the ABT Gala.
Prince was sitting next to Susan Fales Hill but he asked not to be photographed which made Steve from WWD stake out a place by the door. He was so excited when he managed to grab a shot of the exiting star.

To view all the photos please click on this link ABT Spring Gala















To view all the photos please click on this link MOMA Party in the Garden