Julio, EB4CUV will be active from Morocco 26 September- 5 October 2014 as CN3UV.
He will be active on HF bands.
QSL via home call.
Information from Julio:
We will be crossing Morocco by 4X4 and we will call as Mobile and during the rest time from diferent points in Morocco.
•The band to use will be all HF that we can work, depending the propagation conditions.
•Look forward to contact you
Morocco – A Trip Back in Time
Morocco is a constitutional monarchy situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sahara Desert with its land mass stretching along the northwest edge of the continent of Africa. It has a population of 33 million people who variously speak Moroccan Arabic (Darija), Berber, and French. The capital of Morocco is Rabat, and its largest city is Casablanca, made memorable by the movie of the same name starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, and the mythical origin of the famous phrase, “Play it again, Sam.” It conjures images of shady spies in dimly lit bars with piano tinkling romantic melodies in the background.
History and Culture
The country is ruled by a king (Mohammed VI), but has a Prime Minister (Abdelilah Benkirane) and a Parliament to conduct the customary governmental business (consisting of a House of Councilors and a House of Representatives). The Arabic name of the country is al-Mamlakah al-Maghribiyyah, or “Kingdom of the West.” The country has at various times been ruled by Moorish dynasties, the Spanish, or the French. It successfully achieved its independence from the France in 1956 and annexed the Western Sahara in the late 1970s.
The Museum of Marrakech in the Dar M’Nebhi Palace houses an extensive collection of information about the culture of Morocco. Its beautiful architecture is represented by exquisite tiling, mosaics, and fountains, and it contains an intricate chandelier-style artifact hanging in the atrium. The impressive collection of coins, Moroccan art, and pottery attest to the history of the Moroccan, Arab, Jewish, and Berber cultures.
It’s always best to know what time of year to visit Morocco. July and August are extremely hot. The best time to enjoy the beaches is from May to October; and November to April for the desert. The Atlas Mountains (the “backbone” of the country) where the ancient Berber culture still survives are best viewed from April to October, and the optimum time to visit the imperial cities of Marrakech and Fes (or Fez) is between September and November.
Practice Your Negotiating Tactics
One not-to-be-missed experience is visiting the local souks, or markets. It can be especially confusing for Americans who are accustomed to buying items that are pre-priced. But in the souk, the name of the game is bargaining or negotiating a final price for every item. It can be frustrating for those who don’t understand the process.
It’s best to consult friends who have previously visited the souks so that you can be informed before you start your trek through the stalls and shops of the city. This will give you some idea as to what a fair price is on the items in which you are interested. You can also ask around to several different sellers to obtain a range of prices. When it’s time to negotiate, choose a less aggressive seller who won’t intimidate you. If you still can’t get the price you feel is fair, ask yourself if you can live without the item; if so, walk away. If you absolutely must have it, you may have to pay a little more than you intended. Most bargain hunters will eventually get the hang of the process.
Hotels
- Taj Palace Marrakech – This classic luxury hotel, set in the Palmeraie region is truly a desert oasis. In the shadow of the Atlas Mountains, the Palace is a majestic blend of Asian, Ottoman, Mughal, and Moroccan styles with lavish decorative touches, custom fabrics, and imaginatively sculptured gardens. It has an on-site restaurant specializing in Indian, Moroccan, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisine, as well as the renowned Jiva Grande Spa.
- Le Royal Mansour Meridien – Considered one of the best hotels in Morocco this treasure is located in the heart of Casablanca and offers traditional Moroccan architecture combined with contemporary comfort. There are at least five golf courses in the area, an on-site fitness center, and several on-site restaurants offering traditional Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine. The Jardin d’Hiver restaurant is housed in a glass-domed garden conservatory.
- Sofitel Fes Palais Jamaï – Built in 1879 in the Moorish tradition, this luxury hotel in the city of Fes offers all the modern amenities, fine on-site dining, a well-appointed spa with sauna and Jacuzzi, tennis courts, and a fine equestrian club nearby. The hotel has been a recipient of the Conde Nast Award and features fine international and French cuisine.
Cuisine
- Gastro MK – This Moroccan-influenced restaurant is located in the Maison MK boutique hotel and offers a 5-course tasting menu with a roof terrace bar. Reservations are essential at the eatery, as seating is extremely limited. The restaurant was featured in “Jamie Does Marrakech” with renowned chef Jamie Oliver. Guests are treated to canapés on the rooftop, which offers a panoramic view of the city.
- La Bavaroise – A high-end restaurant with great steaks and reasonably priced wines, this fine dining experience in Casablanca features a tasting menu of desserts, a superb oyster appetizer, assorted pastries and great service. Reviewers have highly recommended the steak dishes, served brasserie style, as well as the filet de beef. The restaurant offers a full English afternoon tea and private cooking courses.
- L’Amandier Palais Faraj – This elegant restaurant with Moroccan-based cuisine offers a breathtaking scenic view of the city of Fes. It is available for breakfast and brunch, featuring delicate pastries with strawberries and almonds. Reviewers especially admired the dinner menu, featuring tagine of veal, seafood pastille, and tarte au chocolate. Evening meals and late night partying include Moroccan music, Spanish guitars, and sinuous belly dancers.
Travelers planning a trip to Morocco can fly into the Mohammed V International, the country’s main airport, or Al Menara Airport in Marrakech, serving many European destinations. Though most travelers fly, there is a ferry available from Spain and France. Visitors should also know that the local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (1 U.S. Dollar equals 8.74 Dirhams).
Visiting the Medina of Marrakech (the ancient walled section of town) can be an adventure. Animals are everywhere, from donkeys in the alleyways to shops filled with live chickens. Tourists will see the riads, or traditional Moroccan houses, some of which have been turned into small boutique hotels. At night the Medina is alive with hundreds of food stalls, and the entertainment can range from fortune tellers to snake charmers. And, of course, there is always the primitive allure of the medieval city of Fes and the seductive charm of Casablanca.