Travel Lightbulb

I'm flashing back to one of the most memorable trips I've ever been on today - a trek through the Sahara desert. I did this a few years ago for charity, and not only did it prove to be very worthwhile in raising crucial funds for several charities...it was a real life changing experience. Watching the sun set after a long day of trekking, and spending a night sleeping under the stars were just two of the highlights of this wonderful experience. I can't recommend it highly enough. If you want to view my original post on my incredible trek through the Sahara, then click  here.

The city of Fez is the third largest in Morocco, and is home to over one million people. Fez is famous for its leather products, and most of them come from the leather bazaar, otherwise known as a souq. There are three ancient leather tanneries, one of which is almost a thousand years old.  Vast stone vessels are filled with dyes and liquids (including pigeon droppings!) and look like little pots of paint! The leather is dyed into beautiful colours; and the tanners stomp on the hides working them with their feet until they're soft and pliable, and eventually turned into leather products. The process hasn't really changed since medieval times, and it's an incredible sight. Well worth visiting if you're ever in Fez.

I may have found the perfect spot to stay in Marrakech. Some people say that walking around the city makes your head spin, and the place I'm featuring today is the perfect peaceful antidote to that. Riad Dar-K is an elegant peaceful oasis in the medina of Marrakech. The fantastic location (about two minutes from the souks and the museum) in one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the Medina means you can never get lost. Traditional architecture combined with modern touches ensures this is one stunning guest house. The rooms are not only nicely decorated but are also spacious, and the best thing is there are only two double rooms and two suites. If you have a preference for air conditioning, request a room or suite on the first floor. The room rates include breakfast, which is served in the dining room, courtyard, or on the roof terrace, according to the season. If you wish, traditional Moroccan lunch or dinners are also available on request. There is a plu...

A couple of years ago, I came up with a fundraising idea at work, and several months later, ended up on a trek across the Sahara desert. It was such an amazing experience, that I would highly recommend it to those who want a bit of adventure during their holidays. I can't even begin to explain how beautiful the scenery is in the desert - it almost looks fake, it's so stunning! I travelled with Charity Challenge, who were fantastic at both organisation, and looking after everyone on the trek itself. We trekked 110km over 5 days; had sore muscles; blisters, and sleep deprivation, but despite all that I have to say it was one of the best experiences of my life! One thing that did shock me was how much of the terrain was rocky, and not sandy. I think everyone has the image of sand dunes when they think of the desert, and the rocks were totally unexpected, and it proved tricky to trek for 8 hours whilst looking at your feet the whole time. When our group of 23 tre...

When I first visited Morocco, I found the country fascinating, and knew I would return. It has been described as an up and coming destination, and Marrakech is a feast for the senses. There is an ever-growing selection of boutique hotels and luxury hideaways emerging in the North African country, and today, Travel Lightbulb is featuring a hotel which is located in the heart of Marrakech. If sightseeing is your thing, you couldn't be in a better spot. Facing the gates of the Royal Palace, there are several major sites all within a ten minute walk of the hotel, and several restaurants to hand as well.  Photo courtesy of Dar Les Cigognes A riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior courtyard garden, and Dar Les Cigognes is an example of the Andalucian-Moorish style. It was once the home of a wealthy spice merchant, and dates back to the 1600's. The hotel was originally opened in 2001; and the full renovation was completed in 2004, but they have an an...