The Morocco Adventure

Friday 2nd May, 1997	Arrival in Marrakech
Saturday 3rd May, 1997	Journey to El Kelaa, The Valley of the Roses, via Ouarzazate, High Atlas
Sunday 4th May, 1997	Visit to The Valley of the Roses and the Gorge du Dades
Monday 5th May, 1997	Journey to Fes, via the Todra Gorge and Cedar Forests, Middle Atlas
Tuesday 6th May, 1997	Visit to Fes Medina, then on to Khemisset and Casablanca

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Glossary

absolute - the final product from solvent extraction - the concrete (see below) is washed repeatedly with warm ethanol to dissolve the aromatic principles and the insoluble plant waxes are left behind in the absolute residue; the ethanol is then driven off by distillation under vacuum (so it can be done at a low temperature), resulting in the absolute - the most concentrated essence it is possible to produce, and the most true to the actual plant or flower;

alembic - the ancient name for a distillation vessel, usually made from stone; modern day distillation vessels are made from metal;

amphora - a pottery urn or vase, sometimes with handles;

attarine - an apothecary shop selling herbs, spices, perfumes, beads, henna, etc;

brochette - cubes of meat on a skewer, like a kebab;

calèche - a chariot/carriage drawn by horses;

concrete - the intermediate product when plant material is treated by the method of solvent extraction - washing with a solvent to dissolve the aromatic principles of the plant matter and some of the plant waxes;

dirham - the Moroccan unit of currency - 15 dh in 1997 were approximately equivalent to £1 ; the rate of exchange is set by the government and dirhams cannot be taken in or out of Morocco;

djellabah - a long, hooded gown, the traditional style clothing of men and women of Morocco;

fondouk - a hostel/hotel where people and animals can stay; (An old fondouk in Fes has now been converted to a veterinary hospital with all modern facilities;)

kasbah - a fortified building, or group of buildings; a citadel, or castle;

medina - the "old town" part of many cities, usually contained within walls;

souk - a bazaar, or market;

tajine - a traditional Moroccan style cooking pot, with a conical shaped lid, sometimes carved with intricate designs, sometimes glazed with bright colours - smaller ornamental tajines are available which make unusual trinket holders;