La Vie Quotidienne

Bonjour,

So you may have gotten the impression that here in Morocco, we do all of our shopping in the medina or in rural local markets.

Not exactly.

We certainly do love the medina and the local markets, but much of the everyday stuff we need we can get within easy walking distance of our house. (Immediately above, our favorite produce stand about a five-minute walk from our home.)

Here are pictures of some of our usual neighborhood haunts -- with a couple of bonus photos.

The local post office.

The closest pharmacy. In Morocco, it's possible to get many antibiotics and other medications right over the counter.

The best place to buy fresh French baguettes.

Our favorite sushi place.

One of our local mosques (as non-Muslims, we obviously don't go in, but we can admire it from afar).

The bank branch office.

Our usual grocery store (see also photo at top):

(That last photo shows the bulk spices, bulk olives and fresh produce. You bag the spices, olives or produce yourself and take it to attendants to weigh and print out the price).

The check-out area of the supermarket. It's pretty quiet in the photo, but it can be mobbed.

Although it's true that we live in a nice neighborhood in one of the nicest cities in Morocco, it is also true that Moroccans can enjoy nearly all of the amenities we are used to in the States (if they have money, as western-style amenities usually have western-style prices).

And if you really miss American fast food (not me), you can walk to McDonald's and order a Big Mac, or better yet, a McArabia sandwich (with kofta, naturally).

A bientot,

Kim