LOW HORIZONS BACK ON THE ROAD part 1

After many years I get to visit Marrakech in Morocco. I was enchanted by "  MARRAKECH EXPRESS " back in the 60'''s and the time seemed right to "blow the cobwebs from the edges of my mind". What an incredible experience to walk the streets of this amazing city and to experience the legendary Jemaa El Fns -the Square of Death. From the rooftop terrace of our hotel we were able to see the Atlas Mountains in the distance ,the snow covered tips glistening in the sunshine and the clear warm atmosphere. Later we would take a trip into these astounding mountains .

The Jemaa El Fna is an amazing place . You arrive after negotiating the madness of the non stop traffic of modern Marrakech at the Square. In the day the drums never cease. Snake Charmers, Dancers , Acrobats all kinds of street vendors all looking to help you give away your money. You can buy anything! Its electric, though at first unsettling , you soon wise up.Later as the sun sets and the Call To Prayer echoes from mosque to mosque across the city , if you pay attention, you can sense things change. Watching the sunset over the mountains as they turn pink in the fading light the soul is aware of something ancient and mystical .The drums and flutes stop, the dancers are still and the sun goes down. Almost by magic the food stalls appear and the intoxicating aromas of spices , all manner of food cooking before your eyes fill the air. Then come the soothsayers and fortune tellers sat beneath their umbrellas in the glow of a lamp. Musicians armed with ancient amps powered by car batteries and all kinds of stringed instruments are- joined by percussionists who gather in groups all around the square and begin to pour out the most amazing non stop street music. Its alive ! Blues from the World's End.

But what of the mountains ?  Is the wind blowing the cobwebs away and will this trip have an effect on my painting?