The Travellers Club, 106 Pall Mall, London photo: Simon Hawkesley

The turnout was the best in the Societies history; not an empty seat, indeed, standing room required.

 Attendees included Honorary Presidents; Lord Newell DL and Joe Gaggero CBE alongside our Chairman; Anthony Layden CMG, Vice Chairman;  Dr Ali Bahaijoub, Treasurer; Mr Hansdav Patel, Honorary Secretary; Benedicte Clarkson, Events Manager; Ms Samira Melloul and Mr Ali El Kasmi  Director of the Moroccan National Tourist Office.

Presentations made, by the Senior Management Team, on remarkable progresses during the preceding 12 months with monies raised and methods of dispatch to causes chosen. 

LtoR Samira Melloul, Benedicte Clarkson and Anthony Layden listening to the persentations. Photo: Simon Hawkesley

A turn of events during the presentation, to my mind, galvanised the AGM more than any other. Anthony Layden announced that his term as “Chair” was coming to an end and considerations need to be made for his replacement during the course of 2012. This struck an emotional chord and was immediately followed by Ali Bahaijoub’s presentation, highlighting individual children who’s medical needs were met by British Moroccan Society funding. These included a 13 year old girl requiring a heart operation and saving the sight of another child. Joe Gaggero felt so strongly about this good work and funds raised that he demanded the BMS write an overview of what has been achieved to the Foreign Office and HH Princess Lalla Joumala Alaoui (Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Court of St James). It was agreed.

Joe Gaggero comments "broadens the view" to Anthony Layden and Ali Bahaijoub’s presentation. Photo: Simon Hawkesley

Joe Gaggero’s insistence; followed by a wave of murmurings in the room was truly refreshing to observe. A strong demonstration of passion shared that, quite rightly felt, the need for more recognition. What galvanized the AGM was Anthony Layden’s response. He reminded the room that the BMS funding amounts to typically £15,000 per/annum. “We are not a multi-million pound, save the children, organization. Moreover, we do not want to be, we represent ourselves as Friends-of-Morocco lending a friendly hand were we can. We are a tiny niche that can make a difference to individuals in distress or small and isolated communities, which are so remote that they would simply fall off the radar by larger organizations. Our efforts are tangible and financially achievable with the funds that we have available. We can also guarantee that every £1.00 raised is a £1.00 spent directly making a difference”.      

Ali Bahaijoub interjected by describing a past initiative where money was sent to a Carpenter in a village, so remote that it took 4 hours by donkey to finish the journey, who had set up a workshop to teach his trade to the children of his community so his skills to continue beyond his lifetime. Re-enforcing Anthony Layden’s comment regarding the ability to assist fringes of society that would otherwise be ignored and  skills lost forever.

Joe Gaggero then asked “How many members have we currently got”? Samira Melloul responded with “200 Members”.

The British Moroccan Society AGM 2011 was very positive. Especially the interaction between passionate members. Anthony Layden was right to imply that the amount raised by the BMS, in comparison  to big international charities, could seem insignificant if one was to use the financial statement as a vehicle for self-promotion. Joe Gaggero was equally right to remind us all that if that level of funding is achieved year-in-year-out with a membership resource of just 200 people then that is truly a remarkable achievement. This society feels special, passionate, well organised, committed and enthusiastic. My next stage is to raise awareness in my own little way and see what revenue streams this can produce. The British Moroccan Society certainly has my fullest backing. Simon Hawkesley. Editor. 

Mr. Ali Kasmi Photo: Simon Hawkesley

Harrods: Mr Ali El Kasmi Director of the Moroccan National Tourist Office announced that after two and half years of negotiation; Harrods has been commissioned to receive a Moroccan theme throughout, including a medina style souk area and an entire Riad!. The famous Egyptian escalator area, food halls, window displays and dedicated areas within Harrods. The screen throughout Harrods will also display Morocco Tourism trailers at regular slots throughout the day.  This exhibition of all that is Moroccan will commence from October 20^th for 2 months. Well done to all of those involved.

Shore-to-Shore: The evening was concluded by entertainment supplied by Diana Lazenby and her Shore-to-Shore company of entertainers offering a Tudor English/Moroccan cooperation of music, song, narrative and indeed Tudor snacks.

 (I apologise unreservedly for the amount that I, my daughter Hannah and Francis Lord Newell scoffed in the background…. Absolutely delicious).

After the performance Members got chance to catch up with old friends and be introduced to new ones. The general comments appeared to revolve around the “Gala Dinner” next venue on the BMS calendar.

(Thanks Nabil for escorting Hannah and I to Soho)

The Travellers Club is a gentlemen’s club standing at 106 Pall Mall, London. It is the oldest of the surviving Pall Mall clubs, having been established in 1819, and was recently described by the Los Angeles Times as “the quintessential English gentleman’s club.” Visits are possible by invitation only.

The members of the club’s first Committee included the Earl of Aberdeen (later Prime Minister), Lord Auckland (after whom Auckland, New Zealand is named), the Marquess of Lansdowne (who had already served as Chancellor of the Exchequer and later refused office as Prime Minister) and Viscount Palmerston (later Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister).

Salim bin Ghabaisha by Sir Wilfred Thesiger takes pride of place at Riad Laksiba

Subsequent members included statesmen and travellers such as Prime Minister George Canning, the Duke of Wellington,  Lord John Russell, Prime Minister Arthur Balfour, Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, Prime Minister Alec Douglas-Home, Francis Beaufort (creator of the Beaufort scale), Robert FitzRoy of HMS Beagle, Sir William Edward Parry (explorer of the Northwest Passage), Sir Roderick Murchison (after whom the Murchison crater on the Moon is named) and Sir Wilfred Thesiger. Novelist Anthony Powell was a member and the club is featured in various guises in the work of Graham Greene, Jules Verne and William Makepeace Thackeray.

The club’s honorary members include members of the British and foreign royal families, the British Foreign Secretary whilst in office, and various ambassadors to London, but there is also a special category of membership for particularly distinguished travellers, explorers and travel writers, who presently include Colonel John Blashford-Snell, Tahir Shah, Sandy Gall, Tim Severin, Sir Mark Tully, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, John Simpson, Nicholas Crane.

Other well known current members include Field Marshal Lord Bramall, Terry Waite, Sir Christopher Ondaatje (Overseas Member), Douglas Hurd, Bruce Anderson and Sir Patrick Leigh Fermor.

Membership is still gentlemen only, although many other prestigious clubs have now allowed women to join.

Hannah Hawkesley: The Travellers Club. Pall Mall. London Oct/2011

“I had known about Andy Robertson’s Splash Adventure Activities for a couple of years and we had shared e-mails in the past. So when the opportunity to assist Andy with the filming of Channel 5’s The Gadget Show came up…. I was keen to experience and be involved in the behind-the-scene running of a Splash Activity”.

Andy Robertson SPLASH Morocco Adventure Tours Photo: Simon Hawkesley (Click to Enlarge)

Andy is laid-back, conscientious, professional and very good company. A great sense of humour and genuinely motivated to ensure that his clients enjoy a fantastic experience.

The Gadget Show wanted to test Waterproof Cameras and a plan was hatched to send the presenter Pollyanna Woodward down a stretch of the Ourika Valley Gorge on an inflatable tyre inner-tube, which has been specifically designed for “Tubing” down rivers.

Andy and I “hit-it-off” immediately as his early morning alarm had failed and I saved his bacon by phoning his mobile, waking him up, whilst keeping the Gadget Show Crew in coffee and extended breakfast conversation. From outset, to my mind, we made a good team.

The trip to the Ourika Valley from Riad Laksiba: As Riad Laksiba is situated in the Kasbah district, at the Southern end of the Medina next to Bab Ksiba, could not be easier. Out of Bab Ksiba, turn left and keep going until you are in the foothills of the Mighty Atlas mountains ! (approx 45 mins, with excellent scenery en-route).

SPLASH has a base in the Ourika Valley which acts as a storeroom, changing room, toilet facility. The base is above a convenience store so water and snacks etc. can also be purchased.

Editors daughter, Hannah, and friends at SPLASH Base in the Ourika Valley Photo: Simon Hawkesley

At the base Andy distributes wetsuits, helmets, buoyancy jackets, training shoes and webbed gloves. Participants then change into their new apparel to ensure that sizes are ok and adjustments made.

Ready for Tubing down the Ourika Gorge. Photo Simon Hawkesley

Personal possessions can be secured at the base and when everybody is suitably adorned the entourage continue up the Ourika Valley to beautiful location where the road meets the gorge and the possibility to access the water is easy and safe.

The Gadget Show crew, like all Splash clients, then go through a comprehensive safety briefing and are given an understanding on “how best to pilot ones vessel”.

Yann (Splash Instructor) Briefing on Safety and Commands. Photo: Simon Hawkesley

All participants gain the opportunity to experience a “test-run”

Our Editor, Simon Hawkesley, living proof that Tubing is a suitable activity for all age groups!

 which involves taking their tube upstream, 100 meters, an instructor assisted launch, returning downstream and back to the riverbank. This also helps the instructors assess levels of natural competence.

Once all participants are comfortable the adventure commences. First an instructor followed, every 2 seconds, by a participant and finally an instructor at the rear to assist the stragglers, capsize’ors, gone-a-grounds et al. Hilarious ! 

Several stops are made down the gorge to reassemble and, in some cases, reconnect with a lost tube. An hour and half of beautiful scenery, donkeys, berber folk farming/washing, children swimming, mountains, rapids, whirlpools, lazy stretches…… and, of course, a selection of wetsuit clad adventurers, bobbing along and having the time of their lives.

"Hitting the Rapids" Photo: Simon Hawkesley

Having now assisted Andy and his colleagues on 3 separate Tubing occasions I feel that I am a qualified commentator in recommending this activity as a truly fun day out, well priced and an experience not easily forgotten.

Riad Laksiba and Splash Morocco Adventure Introduce:  ACTIVITY PACKAGES

Great Accommodation ~ Great Adventures 

Splash Adventure Holidays can be built to order and run to suit your dates whilst enjoying accommodation at the beautiful Riad Laksiba. Morocco has a huge range of adventure activities and we can build this break to let you experience the adventure break that you have always dreamed off. 

3 Day Adventure Holiday £299/person

5 Day Adventure Holiday £300-£360/person

7 Day Adventure Holiday £499/person

Please check-out the links below to create a fuller itinerary of possibilities:

Canyoning (all year)   

Corporate Incentive Tours ( All Year)

Dune Buggies

Hot Air Ballooning (Sep-Jun)    

Simon, Editor, acting as Camel herder in the Ourika Valley

Morocco Trekking

Mountain Biking (all year)

Paintball (all year)

Quad Biking (all year)

Rafting – Ahansal River (Mar-June) Every Year

Rafting – N’Fiss River 

Rafting – Ourika River (Dec-May)

River Tubes (Nov-May)

Sahara Desert – 2 Day Zagora Trip

Sahara Desert – 3 Day Merzouga Trip

• Sightseeing Tours »

4×4 Tour of the High Atlas Mountains

Marrakech City Tours

Moroccan Cookery Course

Ourika Valley Tour

Ouzoud Cascades Tour

Shopping and Hammam Trip

• Adventure Holidays »

Marrakech 3 Day Activity Break £299

Moroccan 5 Day Adventure Activity Holiday

Moroccan 7 Day Adventure Activity Holiday £499

Morocco Long Weekend Rafting

Accommodation:

Riad Laksiba, 16 (bis5) Derb Kadi, Kasbah, Medina, Marrakech

Simon@Laksiba.com

Tel +44 7850 39 01 07

Activities:

Splash Morocco, 7 Derb Gnaoua, Ben Saleh, Medina, Marrakech
info@moroccoadventuretours.com
Tel +212 (0)618 96 42 52

Andy Robertson (Splash Morocco),Our Editor (with Morocco Baseball Cap), Pollyanna Woodward and the Gadget Show crew

The show previews and reviews the latest gadgets, and broadcasts the latest technology news. The show is aimed at giving the mass consumer an insight into the gadget world and in addition, it aims to give enough information for the more “geeky” or knowledgeable audience, but still making it accessible to the more casual viewer.

This Season (Season 16) has arrived on British TV with Episode 1 featuring Morocco.
“Ortis and Pollyanna head off to Morocco to make a tourist movie using consumer video tech – each movie will then be judged by representatives of the Moroccan tourist board and Editor-In-Chief of North and South Magazine.”

In Season 16 Episode 3; Ortis treks off to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco to find the Top 5 Day Backpacks.

In Season 16 Episode 6; Is where our Editor and Andy Robertson from “Splash” Morocco Adventure Tours caught up with Polyanna Woodward and the Gadget Show film crew testing waterproof cameras whilst getting wet Tubing down the Ourika Valley gorge.

Pollyanna Woodward Tubing down the Ourika Gorge testing the winning Waterproof Camera. Photo:Simon Hawkesley

The Kings Speech -  HM King Mohammed VI “speech to the nation”

 On 17th June 2011; His Majesty King Mohammed VI addressed the nation to outline the basic elements of a new draft constitution. The draft Constitution includes; Human Rights, Freedom of Religious Practice, Freedom of Speech and also provides for equality between men and women in all political, economic, social, cultural and environment-related rights; it sets up a mechanism to promote gender equality. Together with a democratically elected Parliment; His Majesty King Mohammed VI has put forward a monumantal reform program. I wish him every success in the draft Constitutions Referendum on 1st July. Simon Hawkesley (Editor)

Washington ‘encouraged’ by the new draft constitution in Morocco

    “We are encouraged by the proposals put forward by the king to transform Morocco’s democratic development through constitutional, judicial and political reforms,” the U.S official said at her daily press briefing.

    U.S Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, had underlined that the reforms announced, on March 9, by HM King Mohammed VI are “model for others in the region” and “hold great promise first and foremost for the Moroccan people themselves.“

    “What His Majesty King Mohammed VI is doing is economic reform, social reform, political reform, and some countries are only going one direction.  And there needs to be a comprehensive approach,” Clinton had said at a joint press conference at the State Department with her Moroccan peer Taieb Fassi-Fihri.

HM King Mohammed VI addressed, on Friday in Rabat, a speech to the nation.

Here follows the full text of HM the King’s speech;

Praise be to God  -  May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet, His Kith and Kin

HM King Mohammed VI of Morocco (Artwork: Simon Hawkesley)

 
My loyal subjects,
 

I am addressing you today to renew our joint commitment through a new Constitution, which represents a watershed event in the process of completing the construction of a State based on the rule of law and on democratic institutions, and to firmly establish the principles and mechanisms of good governance, provide for dignified citizenship and ensure social justice.

This is the ambitious project I set out to achieve since my accession to the Throne, in close conjunction with the nation’s stakeholders. Thanks to this approach we have managed, three months after having launched a constitutional revision process, to develop a new democratic constitutional charter based on the frame of reference set out in my historical speech delivered on 9 March 2011, which received unanimous national support. It is also based on the appropriate suggestions made by political parties and trade unions, community groups and youth organizations, as well as the creative work of the Advisory Committee, in addition to the constructive efforts of the Political Mechanism, both of which have been set up for this purpose.

I should like to commend the democratic contribution of all the parties and stakeholders involved. Through this participatory approach, we have managed to overhaul the current Constitution and develop a new constitutional text. The latter has unique characteristics relating to three aspects: methodology, format and content.
 
As regards methodology, I wanted to make sure – and this is a first in the history of our country – that the new Constitution is drawn up by Moroccans, for all Moroccans.

As for format, it is based on a new layout that concerns all its chapters, from the preamble – which is an integral part of the Constitution – to the very last article. The new text is thus composed of 180 articles, up from 108 articles in the earlier version.
With respect to content, the draft text is a distinctively Moroccan constitutional model based on two complementary pillars:
 

+ The first pillar is the commitment to the Moroccan nation’s immutable values, the preservation and sustainability of which is entrusted to me, within the framework an Islamic country in which the King and Commander of the Faithful ensures the protection of the faith and guarantees the freedom of religious practice.

Enshrined in the draft Constitution are the status of our country as a constituent of the Maghreb, as well as its commitment to building the Maghreb Union, consolidating Arab and Islamic brotherhood as well as African solidarity, expanding and diversifying cooperation and partnership relations with its European and Mediterranean neighbors and with all countries around the world, and confirming Morocco’s status as a modern State committed to UN conventions, and as an active member of the international community.

+ The second pillar confirms the features and mechanisms of the parliamentary nature of the Moroccan political system, which is essentially based on the principles of the nation’s sovereignty, the supremacy of the Constitution as the source of all powers, and the link between public office and accountability, as part of an efficient, rational constitutional system whose core elements are the balance, independence and separation of powers, and whose foremost goal is the freedom and dignity of citizens.

One of the changes that attest to the separation of powers and the clear definition of their prerogatives is the splitting up of current Article 19 in two articles:
 
+ A separate article concerns the exclusive religious powers of the King, Commander of the Faithful and President of the Higher Ulema Council, an institution which has been elevated to the constitutional rank.
 
+ Another article specifies the status of the King as Head of State and the country’s Supreme Representative. He is the symbol of nation’s unity and guarantor of its continuity and sustainability, and of the Kingdom’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The King is trustworthy guide and the supreme arbitrator who is entrusted with the task of safeguarding democratic choices and ensuring the proper functioning of constitutional institutions; he is above all types of affiliation.
 
The King shall exercise the duties relating to sovereignty, arbitration and the guarantees he provides, and which are mentioned in this article, in accordance with the provisions expressly stipulated in other articles of the Constitution; legislation shall remain the exclusive jurisdiction of the Parliament.

My loyal subjects,

The official constitutional project is more than a foremost legislative text. I consider it to be the bedrock of the special Moroccan democratic development model – a new historical bond between the Throne and the people, as reflected in the following ten basic elements:
 
+ First: Enshrining in the Constitution the citizenship-based Monarchy and the Citizen King through the following:

+ Specify that the person of the King shall be inviolable, and that respect and reverence shall be due to him as King, Commander of the Faithful and Head of State.
 
+ Set the legal age for the King at 18, instead of 16, as is the case for his Moroccan brothers and sisters.

+ Entrust the presidency of the Regency Council to the President of the Constitutional Court, given that the latter is the institution in charge of upholding the Constitution. This reinforces the core mission of the Council. All constitutional powers are to be represented in it as a result of adding to its membership the Head of Government and the Deputy Chairman of the Higher Council of the Judicial Branch; similarly, the Ulema’s representation in the Regency Council will be enhanced, since the Secretary-General of the Higher Ulema Council will be a member of the Regency Council.
 
+ Second: constitutionalizing the Amazigh language as an official language of the Kingdom, alongside Arabic:
 
Given the cohesion characterizing the various components of our unified, rich and diverse national identity – including the Arabic-Islamic, Berber, Saharan, African, Andalusian, Jewish and Mediterranean components – the draft Constitution confirms the status of Arabic as an official language of the Kingdom, and provides that the State pledges to protect and promote it.
 
It also provides for constitutionalizing the Amazigh language as an official language as well, within the framework of a pioneering initiative which is the culmination of a course of action to rehabilitate the Amazigh language as a heritage belonging to all Moroccans. The official character of the Amazigh language will be gradually implemented through an organic law, which will specify the ways and means of integrating it in teaching and in basic public sectors.
 
In parallel, the draft Constitution provides for the promotion of all linguistic and cultural expressions in Morocco, particularly the Hassani culture, which is a characteristic feature of our beloved Saharan provinces.

Consistent with my keen desire to upgrade the skills of our youth and of our human resources – so that they may access the knowledge and globalization-based society, and at the same time have a good command of science and technology -, the draft Constitution mentions the need to learn the world’s foremost international languages, within the framework of a well-thought, coherent strategy that would bolster national unity. This is a task which will be supervised by a higher council whose mission will be to promote the Moroccan culture as well as our national and official languages, and to streamline the action of the institutions concerned, including the body in charge of developing the Arabic language.

+ Third: Enshrining in the Constitution all human rights as they are universally recognized, with the applicable mechanisms and enforcement guarantees. As a result, the Moroccan Constitution will be a human rights Constitution as well as a charter for citizenship rights and obligations.

In this regard, the draft Constitution provides for the pre-eminence of international covenants – as ratified by Morocco – over national legislation, as well as gender equality in civil rights, within the framework of respect for the Constitution, and for the Kingdom’s laws which are derived from Islam. The draft Constitution also provides for equality between men and women in all political, economic, social, cultural and environment-related rights; it sets up a mechanism to promote gender equality.

The draft Constitution confirms the commitment to all human rights, especially the presumption of innocence and guaranteeing the conditions for a fair trial. It criminalizes torture, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention and all forms of discrimination and inhuman, degrading practices. The draft Constitution also upholds freedom of the press and of expression and opinion, as well as the right to access information and to submit petitions, in accordance with norms and criteria specified in an organic law.

The constitutional guarantees regarding the rights of the working class have been reinforced in order to promote social justice and national solidarity, in addition to freedom of private initiative and the rule of law in the corporate sector.

+ Fourth: An executive branch led by the Head of Government, in accordance with democratic practice:

In this regard, the constitutional status of “the Prime Minister” will be elevated to that of “Head of Government” and of the executive branch; he will be appointed from the party which wins the general elections, thereby confirming that the government will result from direct universal suffrage.

Confirming the full authority of the Head of Government over cabinet members, the Constitution gives the Head of Government the power to propose and dismiss cabinet members, to steer and coordinate government action, and to supervise public service. Thus, the Head of Government has been given appointment powers, via decree, in civilian positions, in accordance with an organic law which will specify the list of these positions as well as the conditions required to hold public office on the basis of merit, transparency and equal opportunity for all Moroccans.

The King, on a proposal by the Head of Government and at the initiative of the ministers concerned, will exercise the power of appointment, at the Council of Ministers, in some senior public positions, such as those of wali, governor, ambassador and the officials in charge of domestic security agencies and strategic national institutions. As for appointments in the military, they remain an exclusive, sovereign prerogative of the King, Supreme Commander and Chief of Staff of the Royal Armed Forces.

The draft Constitution also empowers the Head of Government to dissolve the House of Representatives, and stresses that the King shall consult him before announcing the state of exception or the dissolution of Parliament. It specifies the conditions to be observed in each case in order to ensure the separation of powers as well as balance and cooperation between the branches.

To provide the Government with a constitutional basis for the exercise of its regulatory and executive powers, the Governing Council has been enshrined in the Constitution; its powers have been specified and clarified in coordination with and in light of the powers of the Council of Ministers.

+ The Council of Ministers is held under the chairmanship of the King, at his initiative or at the request of the Head of Government, who participates in its proceedings along with the ministers only. The King may delegate the chairmanship of the Council to the Head of Government, on the basis of a specific agenda, the aim being to enhance the executive authority of the Head of Government. As for the Governing Council, it is chaired by the Head of Government, at his initiative, with the participation of all cabinet members.

+ As regards prerogatives, the Governing Council shall have extensive, specific executive powers, some of which will be of a decision-making nature, and others of a deliberative character; the latter will be referred to the Council of Ministers for decision, as part of the powers retained by the latter in terms of strategy, arbitration and general policy, including the preservation of macro-economic and financial balance, which has now became a constitutional norm.

+ Fifth: A legislative branch which wields strong legislative and regulatory power as well as authority to assess government policy. The draft Constitution asserts the pre-eminence of the House of Representatives, which shall have the final say in the ratification of legislative texts. It will also have greater powers in terms of control over the government, especially as the government will be accountable only to Parliament. The power of legislation and the enactment of all laws will be the exclusive prerogative of Parliament, and the domain of law will therefore increase from 30 fields currently to more than 60 in the proposed Constitution.

To raise moral standards in parliamentary action, the draft Constitution forbids party-switching and restricts parliamentary immunity to the expression of opinion only, to the exclusion of ordinary criminal cases. The draft Constitution also cancels the High Court of Justice for cabinet members, thus confirming the principle of equality of all citizens before the law and the judiciary.

As regards the House of Councilors, and in order to rationalize its composition, the draft Constitution provides that it be made up of 90 to 120 members.

In this regard, and in response to a request submitted by trade unions – and backed by political parties – regarding union representation in the second chamber, I have decided, as part of my arbitration prerogatives, to provide for appropriate representation of trade unions, professional organizations and national employers’ associations. This decision is fully consistent with the very nature of the Moroccan social monarchy, as well as with my system of governance, which places the improvement of the citizens’ social conditions at the heart of my concerns, in both political and practical terms.

With respect to our fellow citizens living abroad, they will be represented in Parliament as soon as a democratic form of representation takes firm shape, knowing that they have the right to vote and to stand as candidates in both Houses.

+ Sixth: Set up a special system and effective mechanisms for parliamentary opposition in order to enhance its status and role in enriching parliamentary action, in terms of both legislation and control. It now has the right to proportional representation in all the bodies and organs of Parliament. The draft Constitution also stipulates that the Head of Government shall make a progress report to Parliament on government action, and answer questions on public policy. Similarly, the draft Constitution lowers the quorum required to move a motion of censure, set up commissions of inquiry and refer bills to the Constitutional Court. Parliamentary committees will have the right to address questions to officials in charge of administrations and public institutions.
 
+ Seventh: Enhance the status of the judiciary as a branch which is autonomous from the executive and the legislative branches, thus confirming the independence of the judiciary, of which I am the guarantor. The draft Constitution explicitly says that while judgments are pronounced in the name of the King, they must be consistent with the law. To preserve the inviolability of the judiciary, the draft Constitution criminalizes any interference, corruption or influence peddling with regard to the judiciary.

Similarly, the draft Constitution sets up the “Higher Council of the Judicial Branch”, as a constitutional institution headed by the King, in replacement of the Higher Council of the Judiciary, with a view to giving administrative and financial autonomy to the new Higher Council. It also makes the President of the Court of Cassation Executive President of the Council – instead of the Minister of Justice in the current Constitution – the aim being to bolster the separation of powers.

Similarly, the composition of the new Council has been enhanced by increasing the number of elected representatives of judges, as well as the representation of women judges, making sure Council membership is open to personalities and institutions operating in the area of human rights and the defense of judicial independence.

Council powers have also been expanded to include, in addition to the judges’ career issues, the functions of inspection as well as the expression of opinions on legislative and regulatory texts relating to the judiciary, and assessment of the judicial system.

To confirm the principle of the supremacy of the Constitution and the law, the Constitutional Council has been elevated to the rank of a “Constitutional Court” with extensive powers which, in addition to existing prerogatives, include checking the constitutionality of international conventions and ruling on disputes between the State and the regions. In order to promote democratic citizenship, this Court has been authorized to look into litigants’ claims regarding the unconstitutionality of a law which the Judiciary may deem detrimental to constitutional rights and freedoms.

Eighth: Constitutionalizing certain key institutions, while leaving the door open for the establishment – through legislative or regulatory texts – of other mechanisms and institutions in order to promote citizenship and democratic participation:

Thus, several institutions have been enshrined in the Constitution, such as the Al-Wasseet Institution (Ombudsman), the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad, and the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication. Similarly, the powers of the Economic and Social Council have been expanded to cover environmental issues, and those of the Higher Council for Education have been increased to include training and scientific research.
Also enshrined in the proposed Constitution is the National Council for Human Rights. Moreover, the constitutional status of political parties, trade unions, professional organizations and civil society groups has been enhanced through the allocation of several articles to each category.

To give young people an institutional forum for expression and debate, I was keen to set up a Council for Youth and Community Work as an institution with a proactive role designed to enable young people to contribute to building a nation based on unity, dignity and social justice, in keeping with the principles of democracy and responsible citizenship.

+ Ninth: Strengthen the mechanisms of good governance, integrity in the public sector, and the fight against corruption, through the establishment of a coherent, full-fledged national institutional system. To this end, the role of the Court of Auditors and of the Regional Courts of Auditors will be reinforced in terms of control of public money and enforcement of the principles of transparency, responsibility, accountability and prevention of impunity. The Competitiveness Council and the National Authority for integrity and the prevention and fight against corruption will be enshrined in the Constitution.

As security, in the strategic acceptation of the term, has become a global challenge, I was keen to provide our country with an advisory institutional mechanism in the form of a Supreme Security Council which will convene under my chairmanship. I may delegate the Council’s chairmanship to the Head of Government, on the basis of a duly specified agenda. The heads of the legislative, executive and judicial branches as well as the ministers, officials and personalities concerned will be members of the Council. The Security Council will be in charge of the management of internal and external strategic security issues, as well as structural and emergency matters. It will serve as a proactive instrument to ensure good security governance.

My loyal subjects,

Our overall perception of genuine democracy and good governance does not stop at a mere redistribution of central powers; rather, it is based on a distribution of powers and resources between the central authority and the regions, within the framework of an advanced regionalization system which I consider to be the pillar of the extensive reform and modernization of state institutions.

The tenth basic element falls within the framework of this vision. It concerns the enshrining, in the Constitution, of our country as a unifier of regions; a country based on a democratic, highly decentralized system, which seeks to achieve integrated human and sustainable development, within the framework of the State’s national unity and its territorial integrity, and in keeping with the principles of balance and national and regional solidarity.

To highlight this strategic choice in the draft Constitution, a chapter has been devoted to local governments and advanced regionalization, in light of the frame of reference I set out in my historic address on 9th March 2011. An organic law will define the powers of the State and of regions, in addition to the resources, organization and mechanisms of regionalization.

My loyal subjects,

As perfect as it may be, a constitution is never an end in itself, but rather a means for the establishment of democratic institutions. The latter require reforms and political overhauling in which all stakeholders should take part, so as to achieve our shared ambition, namely to promote development and enable all our citizens to lead a dignified life.

In this sense, when the nation’s First Servant accomplishes his civic duty, and votes “Yes” to the draft Constitution which will be submitted to the people via referendum, it is because of a firm conviction that this draft Constitution duly takes into account the democratic principles, development-oriented institutions and mechanisms of good governance required; and because it safeguards the rights and dignity of all Moroccans, in keeping with the principles of equality and the rule of law.

I shall vote “Yes” because I am convinced that the draft Constitution’s democratic essence will provide a strong impetus for the final settlement of the just cause of the Moroccan Sahara, on the basis of our Autonomy Initiative. It will also enhance Morocco’s regional leadership as a State with a truly distinctive, unity-based democratic approach.

I therefore call on political parties, trade unions and civil society organizations, which participated freely, from beginning to end, and with a keen sense of commitment, in developing this draft Constitution, to seek to mobilize the Moroccan people, not only for the purpose of voting the draft Constitution, but also to see to it that it is implemented. Indeed, it constitutes the best means for the accomplishment of the legitimate aspirations of our responsible, vigilant young people, and of all Moroccans, who aspire to achieve our shared ambition of building our nation of the solid foundation of tranquility, unity, stability, democracy, development, prosperity, justice, dignity, the rule of law and the institutions-based State.

I shall be at the forefront, seeking an optimal implementation of this sophisticated constitutional project which strengthens the foundations of a constitutional, democratic, parliamentary and social monarchy, once the draft Constitution has, by the Grace of the Almighty, been approved by referendum, next July 1st.

“Say: ‘This is my way: I do invite unto Allah,- on evidence clear as the seeing with one’s eyes,- I and whoever follows me’.”  
The Word of God is Truth.

Wassalamu alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh

One of my favorite books based on Morocco. The process of buying a property and the association with the local community rings so many bells to my own experiences. Likewise …. look out for the passage about “freeing the animals” (I won’t spoilt it through elaboration)… a magic moment. Simon Hawkesley - Editor.

The Caliph's House "a year in Casablance" by Tahir Shah

Unwilling to raise his two infant children in England, Tahir Shah drags them and his Indian-born wife to Morocco, where he traveled as a child. It was there that his grandfather, the savant Sirdar Ikbal Ali Shah, passed the last decade of his life (he moved to Tangier after his wife died in 1960, declaring that he would go to a land where they had never been together). Shah’s father was equally obsessed with Morocco, largely it seems because it reminded him of his native Afghanistan, in terms of the culture, climate and geography.

Arriving in 2004, Shah and his family move into a Jinn-filled mansion in the middle of a Casablanca shantytown. The house, named Dar Khalifa, (which translated as ‘The Caliph’s House), describes in detail the highs and lows of the relocation to what was essentially an unfamiliar country. The house came equipped with three hereditary guardians, who control every facet of life, straining to remind the Shahs of the danger of the Jinn. Eventually a grand exorcism was acted out, with the slaughter of animals and so forth, to the delight of the guardians.

The Caliph’s House was published in 2006 on both sides of the Atlantic, and has been followed by a series of translations in a number of languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Swedish and Dutch. The wide appeal of this book seems to be the way in which it imparts (albeit in a humorous way) a deeper understanding of Arab culture—which is of interest in the post-9/11 world. The sequel, In Arabian Nights, picks up where this book leaves off.

The Caliph’s House was nominated as one of TIME magazine’s 10 Best Books of 2006.  The book is to be the basis for a feature film, written and directed by identical twin Hollywood writers Chad and Carey Hayes.

You can buy this book through Amazon.co.uk (Click here)

TODAY: Tahir Shah writes his thoughts, for The Guardian, on Marrakech post Cafe Argana.

After the Arab Spring: the view from Morocco

The Casablanca-based writer and film-maker visits Marrakech where tourists are staying away and there are bargains to be had

Riad Laksiba: Square deal … the courtyard of an atmospheric riad in Marrakech. Photograph: Simon Hawkesley

 

Tahir Shah

The Guardian, Sat 18 Jun 2011 00.05 BST

Tabitha Dean Yoga: has held several sucessful Yoga Retreats at Riad Laksiba. The May 2011 Yoga Retreat was “over-subscribed” and the forthcoming Yoga Retreats; October 5th, October 19th, October 26th  & November 2nd are filling up fast….

So who is and what happens at a Tabitha Dean YOGA Retreat?

Tabitha had a “wake up call” in her early teens, discovering she had cancer (leukaemia) at an advanced stage. Despite traumatic and drastic treatment, her determination and positive mindset helped her gain remission, an understanding that security is a myth and that life is to be filled with fun, purpose and adventure.

Tabitha had a natural curiousity for different ways of living and discovered yoga whilst exploring India at the age of 18. After university, she continued to travel and learn more about how we can understand, nurture & heal ourselves.

“Creating Tabitha Dean Yoga has been an organic process, something that has grown naturally from who I am as a person. It is based as much on my personal values and ethics as it is in employing my skills and incorporating my passions.”

In addition to all the physiological, psychological and biochemical benefits that yoga brings, going on a yoga holiday or retreat is a major opportunity for personal growth. It offers you a chance to explore the world outside of the

Tabitha Dean

ordinary boundaries of your daily life. It takes you out of the familiarity of your home, work and social environments so that you can see the world through fresh eyes. This stimulates your brain and helps you to learn ways of behaving outside the “well-worn paths” of your daily routine…..a great way to keep the brain cells firing!

There’s also the “uncertainty factor” that allows your brain to grow as new neural pathways are created and the body’s sense of space in relation to self (proprioception) increases. Research has shown that travelling to a new place is a great way to increase your brain power. It also develops your sense of self-reliance and responsibility as well as helping you overcome boundaries. As you learn to successfully negotiate new situations (like bargaining in a bazaar or chanting with people you’ve never met before), you will begin to trust whatever comes your way.

Self acceptance & self approval are tools for positive change

Take action, change is the natural law of life

Feel the fear and do it anyway,

Tabitha Dean

Life’s a daring adventure or nothing

Information overload, stress and pressures from work, family, society, friends place a huge demand on your nervous system.

It also results dis-empowering behaviour

Want to look great, feel great, be fulfilled?

Eager to regain your zest for life?

Enjoy feeling rejuvenated & energised?

Keen to create a happier, more focused mind?

Need to change but not sure how?

You’re a step closer to creating the life you’ll love…..

Tabitha’s extensive training in kundalini yoga, hatha yoga, reiki, ayurvedic therapies, life coaching and personal development techniques offers a unique combination of ancient knowledge and modern practices to enable you to achieve personal transformation.

Tabitha’s unique style of teaching is innovative, effective, and totally relevant to our lives, a yoga practice without boundaries and a personal development system that opens you up to a much more fulfilling, healthy and happy life.

Uniquely Tabitha organises and personally delivers the holidays, retreats, courses, private sessions, so you really benefit from a wealth of experience and expertise.

The best way to prepare for life is to begin to live........

Forthcoming..

Laksiba YOGA Retreats

05-09th October 2011 £295 (Sold Out)

19-24th October 2011  £425*

*(5days including Thai Massage & Yoga Course)

26-30th October 2011 £295 

02-06th November 2011 £295 

“This Marrakech yoga holiday takes place in a mystical old pink city that has waylaid desert nomads since the 11th century. Snake charmers, magic potions, hidden palaces, souks, ancient mosques, ornate gardens and much more await you”!

Riad Laksiba: tucked away in a narrow derb within the rose pink walls of the Kasbah, you will find a peaceful retreat – a beautifully renovated Moroccan riad where you will enjoy:

Inspiring twice daily open-air yoga classes for all levels

Small groups to enable more personal, tailored tuition

Comfortable ensuite twin accommodation & breakfast on the terrace

A stylish riad with nooks, crannies & a splash pool to relax in

And no worries about getting lost….transfers are arranged for you to and from Marrakech Menara Airport

A opportunity to meet like-minded people and lasting memories.

All of the above is included in the price of just £295 pp (ex flights). (Click here for information)

Limited to 10 people for a deeply personal experience.

19 -24 October 2011 (5 nts)

Join us for a unique, amazing & fun experience:

The first Yoga, Thai Yoga Massage & Meditation break in Marrakesh.

Co-led by renowned and inspring teachers Tabitha Dean and Ralf Marzen.

Each day you will enjoy:

Morning meditation with Ralf

Followed by an open-air yoga class with Tabitha

A delicious Morrocan breakfast

All the fascinating sights, sounds & experiences of the Medina

Calming meditation & mantra with Tabitha

Daily Thai yoga massage classes in the evenings with Ralf

Includes:

Inspiring classes twice daily for all levels

Small groups to enable more personal, tailored tuition

Comfortable ensuite twin accommodation & breakfast

A stylish riad with nooks, crannies & a splash pool to relax in

And no worries about getting lost….transfers are arranged to and from Marrakech Menara Airport

Not only will you enjoy giving and receiving the fantastic yogic stretches Thai yoga massage has to offer, but you will also learn to give a wonderful one hour treatment to friends and family when you get back home!

All this for a special introductory price of only £425!

(Click here for information)

Book Direct http://www.tabithadeanyoga.co.uk/

That our Editor Simon Hawkesley has designed a new logo for the British Moroccan Society.

 ”something Regal felt appropiate so alot of attention went into the font style/colour/design and then there is a socio-political statement regarding the two flags flying, in unison, to celebrate the close and special link between our two Sovereign Nations”. 

PLEASE CONSIDER BECOMING A MEMBER  ~ BMS SUPPORTS EXCELLENT CAUSES. click here for Membership

British Moroccan Society logo designed by Simon Hawkesley

Two sovereign nations with a long history of linked relationships embracing people, culture, trade, transport and education

The British Moroccan Society;  Are a membership based association dedicated to the promotion of links and understanding between our 2 nations as well as support our chosen charities in Morocco, with particular emphasis on education for children and women in the rural sector.

AiM (Arts in Marrakech)

The British Moroccan Society is delighted to announce that we have entered a partnership with Arts in Marrakech Biennale.  It is the first major trilingual (English, Arabic & French) arts festival in North Africa focusing on cutting edge contemporary art, literature and film. We are currently preparing its 4th edition for early March 2012.

About the British-Moroccan Society

Origins of the British-Moroccan Society

Although the British-Moroccan Society was established more than 30 years ago, its original objectives still hold true today.

They include:

• Raising awareness and knowledge of Morocco in the United Kingdom
• Fostering commercial and economic links between the two countries
• Promoting tourism and cultural exchanges
• Encouraging greater social contact between the peoples of the two countries
• Raising money for Moroccan charities

It was in 1975 that Ronald Bailey (recently retired as British Ambassador in Morocco) got together with Captain David Russell, then Organising Secretary of the Society for the Protection of Animals in North Africa (SPANA)). Together, they set the wheels in motion for the formation of the Society.

Mr Abdallah Chorfi, the then Moroccan Ambassador in London, and Sir Anthony Nutting were approached to become joints presidents; and in October 1976 the Society was officially inaugurated with a reception at the residence of newly-appointed Moroccan Ambassador, Baderddine Senussi.

Over the years BMS membership has grown and now stands at more than 200 – although new members are always most welcome.

The Society arranges an interesting series of social and cultural events throughout the year; of which the highlight is the annual dinner each November. Thanks to the generosity of individual members and the prizes they donate, the dinner raises thousands of pounds to help a variety of worthy causes in Morocco. Click here for events. (Henley Regatta 29th June 2011) 

Objectives of the British-Moroccan Society

Morocco is a fascinating country with a very rich history. Moroccans colloquially speak an Arabic dialect known as Darija, as well as French in most business settings, and often English due to tourism being Morocco’s main industry, making it a truly “globalized” nation.

The British Moroccan Society has been working for over 30 years with local Moroccan charities to improve the state of orphanages throughout the country, to provide basic equipment to centers for children in difficulty and to help create classrooms and accommodation for young women from villages where schools tend to teach until they’re 11. They have contributed to build a boarding school near Tafraoute which houses 70 girls to allow them to study at the local high school.

To do this, the British Moroccan Society uses a variety of events in London and in Morocco to raise money and awareness. It has steadily increased its membership base to 200 and works closely with the Moroccan Embassy, the National Tourism board, Royal Air Maroc and a variety of local companies and interested parties.

To help the Moroccan people in their fight against illiteracy, the British Moroccan Society has decided to focus its efforts on the education sector in rural areas mostly (although not exclusively).

We are planning to establish 10 Learning centers in various areas of Morocco, in the Toubkal region, Tafraoute, Ait bouguemez and others. We already have a presence in some areas but we intend to build facilities to accommodate a library and a multifunction room. The library will provide books in Arabic, French and English and computers. We will train a couple of local young literate women and men to be responsible for the upkeep of the books and equipment and of course to know how to use the educational programs.

Our first center has opened in Talatast village (60 km from Marrakech) in June 2010 and  reaches the whole region. This means that over 100 children age 6 to 14 have access to the library where they can study, do their homework and read. Because this center is also educating women to read and write, as well as teach Arabic to nursery children, it will actually access a vast amount of people. We have created 2 jobs locally.

Who’s Who

Committee

President

HH Princess Lalla Joumala Alaoui (Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Court of St James) Portrait: Simon Hawkesley

 HH Princess Lalla Joumala Alaoui
(Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Court of St James)

Chairman

 Mr Anthony Layden CMG

Honorary Presidents

Mr Ronald Bailey CMG (Founder)
Mr Frank Law CBE
The Lord Newall DL
Mr Joe Gaggero CBE

Honorary Vice-Presidents

Lady Slynn of Hadley
Annie Austin

Trustees

Dr Ali Bahaijoub, Mr Anthony Layden, The Lord Newall, Mr Ali El Kasmi, Mrs Benedicte Clarkson, Mr Hansdav Patel

Charity Work

Charities the British Moroccan Society is supporting

• Tangier’s Foyer des Jeunes Diabetiques are in desperate need of funds as the number of children with diabetes continues to increase. Presently they are looking after 280 children.
  Thanks to the BMS help; one child will be added from the waiting list. – details will be sent directly to the Chairman.
  In Tangier there are over 600 diabetic children, whose families have no means to provide the daily necessities of this deadly disease, without their daily dose of insulin, these children will suffer endless complications leading to early death.

The Foyer tries to help but they are extremely short of funds. Under the direction of Dr Abdelmalek Bennane , all the excellent staff, volunteer doctors and trained nurses paid by le Ministère de la Santé, work very hard to keep the centre going, as well as assisting as many children as possible.

It costs 250 Euros a year to provide insulin and all the requirements necessary to keep one diabetic child alive. Personal donations are VERY welcome. Cheques made out to: “Foyer Jeunes Diabetiques Centre de Santé Said Noussairi” – Rue de Fez – 90 000Tanger

BMS DONATION – 25,000 DHS

• Tangier’s centre for children «Charity Missionaries (Mother Theresa)»
  The Sisters of Mother Teresa are very hard working nuns residing in the Old Spanish Cathedral in the Medina. Three Indian, one French, one Spanish. They are successfully coping with heartbreaking situations; teenage rapes, unmarried mothers, abused children, marital violence, drugs and alcohol abuse, abandoned elderly people, etc etc
  Their door is open to everyone day and night. These angelic Sisters are truly saintly as their great founder, and carry out their work with great devotion and a perpetual smile on their pretty faces.

Volunteers and personal donations are welcome. Cheques to be made out to: Missionary of Charities Rue Siaghins, 54 Old Spanish Cathedral Medina – 90 000 Tangier

BMS DONATION 12,000 DHS

• La Crèche de Tangier is extremely well run by Naima and nurses provided by le Ministère de la Santé.
  It is a very cheerful place that gives shelter to abandoned babies, 45 on the day of our visit. The last baby-girl, few hours old, was found abandoned in the street, two weeks ago. The babies are kept under medical supervision and immaculately looked after in the hope that they will be adopted. If not, upon reaching the age of two they are sent to orphanages.
  There are five severely handicapped children over two years old in the Crèche, that nobody wants, not even the orphanages. Naima and the rest of the staff have “adopted” them and it is so heart-rending to watch them together, playing, laughing and loving.

The good news is that lately the adoption procedures have been made easier and provided the prospective adopting parents are Muslims, all nationalities are welcome. I have witnessed Swiss, French, Spanish, Italians and Americans who happily changed their faith in order to adopt Moroccan children. La Crèche continues its excellent work, thanks to donations.

Volunteers and personal donations are welcome. Cheques made out to: La Crèche de Tangier Hopital Al-Kortobi – 90 000 Tangier

BMS DONATION – 7,0000 DHS

• Children’s centre in quartier Akkari, Rabat. 350 children
  Address: Chairman and founder Mr Anis Lebied
  Association de Bienfaisance de Rabat
  Maison d’ enfant Akkari
  Rue des Abattoirs, Akkari, Rabat
  Tel: +212 3769 0528
  Fax: +212 3769 4385
• Centre for abandoned babies in Rabat (Prof. Bouazzaoui)
  Address: Association d’ Aide au Nouveau-NeMalade Kangourou
  16 Rue Bani Bouayach, Rabat
  Tel: +212 3768 0567 or +212 3768 6998
  Fax: +212 3768 0562
  The Center provides material, technical and moral support to newly born babies from poor families and also abandoned babies.
  Person in Charge: Professor Naima Lamdouar Bouazzaoui
• Children’s center for the blind in Temara.
  Looking for a specialist to train teachers for the blind in the Temara center
• Opening a Learning Center for Berber children and women in Talataste between Marrakech and Ouarzazate 
  

  Talataste Learning Center (May 2011)

   

• Supplying a future learning center with furniture, books and laptops
• Create another learning center for pre-school children and school children in Tiziwadou on the Kik Plateau
•  Three centres in the Errachidia province ( Bassoul, Rich, Jorf)
• Sidi Kacem children’s center Casablanca centre for disabled children
• Association OUTOUL
  Pour le Développement et l’Assistance à la Femme et l’Enfant
  President: Ahmed Nait
  Address: Agni, Douar Doutmanroute, Ait wafka, Tahla Tafraoute, Tznit
  Tel: +212 6114 8451
  Fax: +212 4430 5367
• Dar Al Bir Oua Lihsane
  Houses 700 men and women, elderly and mentally or physically handicapped as well as a center for teenagers 12-18 who wish to learn a trade.

Dar Al Bir Oua Lihsane

 Membership/Sponsorship

Membership of the British Moroccan Society is open to all.

Annual Subscriptions:

Individual: £20 Joint: £25  Corporate: £200

Life Memberships

Individual: £120 Joint: £160

Please use the BMS Subscription Form to enlist as a member. For payment, you can either send us a cheque ( address on the subscription form) or pay by credit card by clicking on the “donate” button on your right and write “membership” in the explanation section.

For all membership enquiries, please contact the Honorary Secretary Benedicte Clarkson, using the Contact Us page.

Donate

If you wish to donate and you are a UK tax payer, please print the gift-aid donation form:

Click BMSdonation form to download the general donation form

click AiMdonation form if you wish to give specifically to Arts in Marrakech Festival

and send it back to us together with your cheque or you can click on the donate button at the right of the screen or you can do a bank transfer:

border hopping blog site: is exceptional

Thank you so much for writing this Article.

Marrakech:

hints of bygone eras at Riad Laksiba

Words and photographs by Red B Black TripAdvisor Review 1 June 2011

Up on the roof "Just Drifting"

So, you’ve decided to visit Marrakech and now you’re wondering where to stay. When we started on the same journey, we were looking for somewhere that would be part of the experience, not fastened on to the side of it. For that reason, we searched in the Medina and Kasbah and there, under an unassuming pin on Google Earth, was this astonishing find – a Riad with a location in the heart of the Kasbah, easy to find and within holiday walking distance of history and breathtaking visual stimulation. Better still, it turned out to be owned by someone who has adopted the whole Marrakech experience and channelled all his experience and enthusiasm into facilitating the same for others.

Cool and refreshing in the heat, cocooned and protected even through rainstorms (and there were one or two when we were there). The private accommodation is simple and comfortable, clean, with plenty of space, crisp cotton sheets, authentic decoration, tiling and lighting plus ample hot water from a wet-room shower – always a good sign. 

"Magic Rose Petals"

 The rooms are arranged around and looking in to the central court, on the ground and first floor; up on the roof, it’s possible to look down into the atrium and see reflections of sky in the splash pool below. The ample circulation area on each level has seating where breakfast is served and lounging, reading, just staring into space or communing with the resident chameleon, Karma, all takes place.

Karma "sees all and knows....."

One thing that you won’t see quantified anywhere, and it does slightly defy description, is the sense of community that has been created by – by what? the architecture? the care of the owners and staff? I don’t know, but it’s sort of like living in a family but without any of the annoying necessity of having to communicate with anyone if you don’t want to. There are five rooms, all with their own en suite facilities, a roof terrace with sun loungers that are brought out on request, four seating areas for between two and four people around, or overlooking, the splash pool and a kitchen/office on the ground floor. 

"and Space"

 Plenty of opportunity to keep yourself to yourself. But if you do want to interact with your fellow guests, it’s somehow possible to be close at a distance – I’m not entirely sure that makes sense, but it will if you’ve been there. “This sense of community was brought into sharp focus as a result of the Argana incident during our stay, each of us separately worried for the others and a huge sense of relief when everyone turned up safely at the end of the day”.

Ah, now, breakfast – a word that doesn’t do justice to what is put before you. Touria, who prepared delicious beghrir (Moroccan pancakes made from semolina flour and bubbles, so far as I could see), msemen (pan-fried dough which is folded into a square shape), or natural yoghurt and fresh fruit with honey was keen to make sure that we had what we liked and though the fare was varied every day, always willing to take account of individual taste. Oh, and the fresh orange juice – if there is one defining and outstanding feature of breakfast at Riad Laksiba, it is the quantities of this nectar that were available every morning. We left on our daily adventures well fortified.

"the horseless carriage"

What else can I tell you? The front door is next to a socking great date palm and opposite the entrance to a structure where, if you time it right, you can see through the open doors to the horses, the same ones that draw the carriages that are available for hire, as they are stabled for the night. You can also often see an empty carriage outside, covered and directionless, standing waiting for the morning when it will have life and purpose once more. The walking routes from Riad Laksiba through the Kasbah in the Medina and beyond are easily navigated and it has what must be the most remarkable views to be seen on a stroll to the supermarket anywhere on the planet.

Just a stroll to Carrefour

I mentioned Touria earlier and it would be disgraceful if I didn’t also mention Abdelhamid and Abdou. Abdelhamid’s first degree is in the study of the English language and he deploys it most effectively in ensuring that guests are happy and at ease. He and Abdou look after everyone with self-effacing, friendly courtesy, care and attentiveness – you’ll never need to ask for mint tea, it will just appear at your side as if by magic and rose petals seemingly scatter themselves in the splash pool every day. Together, they are a perfect combination that it would be difficult to improve.

LtoR: Abdou, Simon, Touria, Abdelhamid photo: Simon Hawkesley Riad Laksiba

Quite honestly, we could have just stayed in the four walls of the Riad and had a relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable time. But then, that’s not why you go to Marrakech, is it?

Riad Laksiba is offering a sepcial “Soft-Launch Promotion 2011″ . £25/per/person/night/including Breakfast. Please CONTACT US with dates and number of guest(s) to see if we have availability.

FLASHPACKER RATES !!

Please send this Article to your Friends, fellow Twitters Facebookers etc. Let them enjoy this special offer.