The coastal town of Essaouira. Famous for kite and wind surfing. One of my favorite stops on the trip with rich history, stunning beaches, vivid culture and friendly camels.

I’m thankful for the experience of a new culture. For the reminder to maintain simplicity in order for life to be most fully lived.

I’m thankful for preserved lemons. Floral and tart, fragrant and salty. For a new flavor being welcomed into many of my current cooking adventures.

top: the remnants of chicken tagine with french fries

middle and bottom: moroccan mint tea served multiple times throughout the day

I’m thankful for a family that lets me go explore then welcomes me home with love and excitement.

I’m thankful to be home.

I’m thankful for color. Currently, I’m most thankful for this blue.

rooftop pool at L’Heure Bleue

I’m thankful for a camera and its ability to capture a glimpse of the beauty I experienced.

a master woodworker placing indigenous wood into this intricately designed table top

I’m thankful for rest. For renewed inspiration, creativity and the hope of what’s to come.

I’m thankful for the ride from a camel and the chance to view his lashes from on top.

I’m thankful for our differences and how a better understanding of them makes us all better people.

I’m thankful for the opportunity to share with all of you. Your presence here is a joy that my meager words always fail to express. Thank you for being a part of this place.

Happy Thanksgiving.

*I was graciously sent to Morocco by the Moroccan tourism board. All photos and words are my own.

Mazagan Beach Resort

When I first came to Morocco I expected this to be an incredible opportunity for me to be able to say that I came. I didn’t have plans to return and didn’t expect to make any. By day three I was plotting my next visit – where to take the kids and what would I show my husband first. Having just finished day five I am considering sending a plane for my family so I never would have to leave.

Over the coming weeks and months I anticipate this blog will be heavily influenced by this trip. Just the food alone is enough to leave me inspired for years. In these posts there will be more details from the trips and I will attempt to share some of the culinary magic that happens in this country.

For now I have some more photos to share from the second day of our trip.

From our time Oualidia, home to first class oyster beds. We enjoyed a paella made brilliantly yellow with Moroccan saffron and loaded with local seafood. Above there is a salad (possibly my new favorite) of tuna, tomato and avocado which is then finished with a balsamic dressing.

From the town of Safi which is home to the oldest pottery kilns in Morocco.

Afternoon and evening in Essaouira. The end of day 2.

*I was graciously sent here by the Moroccan tourism board. All photos and words are my own.

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