A tour in the gardens, an old palace of the officials, walk through the market, the crazy bustling Jama El Fna Square…

One eve of “Dka Mrakchia” performance of young wild and funny musicians at a local home of Mr. Abdel and his welcoming family, the next night of “Isaoua” (Isawa) music with the drums , song and nofar (very long trumpet like instrument that shook all around)

A beautiful, uplifting and relaxing visit to Ourika Valley, berber market, rabbi Shlomo elh’anch tomb and lunch in the most heavenly bed and breakfast – we must go there again, no one wanted to leave…

Lee Ali is having fun with the very humoristic musicians of “Dka Mrakchia”

Lee and the water vendor

Local dancer

The Leader Andalusian Orchestra past away that day….

Inbar is getting married again…

Susan and Berber carpets

Lee, Suji, Susan,Doug, Ann, Mike, Ariana, Inbar, Dror

It takes so much to “blog” , take the pics, download, resize, upload, write a text, look for a wifi connection, and look again, and try, and…

I’d rather be at the moment.

Will do my best to post a few as we go but most likely after the Journey.

Just arrived back from a real “MUGICAL” experience of a night in the SAHARA desert with the greatest Gnaoua musicians playing for us through the night…

Are you feeling it?

I must go and arrange last details for the music tonight- “Malhoun” band with the very talented and known singer Abdel Ali , oud and string player My Friend hamid and few others…

Talk later again…

Morocco at last.

Landing in Casablanca, Doe the view look familiar ?

Arrived yesterday in Casablanca, long flight, very tired, I did not sleep on the flight for a second.

A walk by the beach for dinner with few great people of the group who arrived a day early. (I’m not sure if it’s ok to name them all) A simple and interesting dinner with the breeze of the ocean evening air…

Couple shots of whiskey with my Moroccan Friends… night.

Today, relaxed and clearer mind we were lucky to explore the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, amazing Arab-Islamic architecture.

I’ll save on words, ck out the pics.

An entrance to the mosque

Carved wooden wall

Tower of the Mosque

In front of the Platinum Door. Doug, Lee, Dror, Inbar

Arches

negotiations- the floor

Later in the eve, we were so lucky to participate in a Friday Night ceremony at a beautiful local Jewish Synagogue, named “BET EL”….

It started with few congregants who murmured blessings with each personal own voice and expression while being in this kind of harmony…

and then:

The canter (sorry , I forgot his name) Had a haunting, powerful, transforming voice with an endless range and passion.

Ancient melodies, few that I never heard before, what a meditation…

I’m going to learn some and visit there again someday.

Praying at Temple Bet El

Lee,Suji,Inbar,Dror-At the Door to Temple Bet El, Casablanca

We arrived back for lighting the Shabat candles and share blessings, delicious dinner that followed up with few songs and dances. The best part was when we spontaneously joined with other Moroccan guests I’m not allowed to tell more about them until after Sept-I’ll tell then), Young and old , man and woman, song , drum and dances…beautiful smiles, heart connections of the moment …

Spontaneous Party with the neighbors at the restaurant

Lee- possessed…

Looks like we’re having good time?

Which one is Inbar?

All kinds of locals…

A midnight walk of the town, a drink in a club with cheesy music made me come back and share with you on this blog.

I guess cheesy music has it’s purpose…

Internet connection not always fast enough , and I do not have much time but will post more whenever possible.

We’re in Marakech now, will post pics when able…

]]> http://drorsinai.com/?feed=rss2&p=426 0 http://drorsinai.com/?p=423 http://drorsinai.com/?p=423#comments Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:57:01 +0000 Dror http://drorsinai.com/?p=423

Morocco “Mugic” Journey.Registration closes April 30!!!	April 22/10

The Morocco “Mugic” Journey (Magical & Musical) promises to be an experience of a lifetime. I chose to create and lead this tour with a knowledge and awareness that ALL of us MUST experience this magic in order to learn of different cultures, different music, different values. In order to understand others and promote peace while having fun. I’m also aware of the challenging economical and social times and REBEL against the way the “system” has us all “living to work”. I’m offering a chance to change it and make it “working to live” I’m committed to inspire for life ALIVE. Make up your mind, the registration closes April 30/10 Share the word, invite your family and friends and REGISTER TODAY!! Few places available- Morocco May 28-June 7 Morocco Tour Itinerary, Extension,Prices & Registration ***Need more inspiration? Come and join a concert : Rachid Halihal great musician fromFes, Morocco & Dror Tues, April 27/10 , 7:30pm . at DonQuixotes. 6275 Highway 9 Felton, CA 95018 831-603-2294 local classes and  events: ** Djembe class, Doumbek classes, Frame drums, shakere and more. contact me for info & registration rhythm@rhythmfusion.com **April 23th- Rock Shabat. @ 418 project ** April 24-6-8pm. Bellarmine school San Jose with Danjuma Adamu. **May 14- School performance 9:30 am. **May 14- “Mizrah’i Shabat” with Jimena@ UCSC. Again: Register now Morocco tour Itinerary, Extension,prices & registration call me 831/234-0619 With Rhythms of Harmony Dror Keep Life ALIVE. P.O. Box 3226 Santa Cruz, Ca. 95063 www.drorsinai.com www.rhythmfusion.com www.zilzil.com dror@rhythmfusion.com 831/423-2048

]]> http://drorsinai.com/?feed=rss2&p=423 0 http://drorsinai.com/?p=420 http://drorsinai.com/?p=420#comments Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:36:26 +0000 Dror http://drorsinai.com/?p=420

Dear Wonderful Friends and Customers,

Dror Sinai & Rhythm Fusion invites you to join us on a

Fun, Spiritual, Music & Food Journey

To

MOROCCO

May 26 – June 4, 2010

Extended itinerary options for the Sacred Music Festival in Fes

available from June 4-12, 2010 (or any portion of those dates)

My last trip to the Sacred Music Festival in Fes with the Yuval Ron Ensemble was so deeply inspiring that I invite you to share the experience and travel with me to meet the tribal musicians and dancers of Morocco and to share this extraordinarycultural & musical experience.

Together we will explore the wonders of this ancient civilization and its many mystical music and dance traditions, beautifularchitecture, bustling colorful markets and a touch of the culinary world of Morocco.  We will enjoy Berber and Sufi Gnawatribal music and dance ceremonies on the dunes of the Sahara and in the beautiful Atlas Mountains, Andalusian and Sephardic-Jewish musicians in the Mellah (the Jewish Quarter of Marrakech), Issawa, local Chaabi musicians & a Malhoun- beautiful poetic music.  Accommodations include beautiful hotels, local Riads and a night in (comfortable) tents in the Sahara.

Please read itinerary for complete details of activities, locations, and events.

The itinerary may be subject to change due to local situations.

Itinerary and registration forms are available at:

www.drorsinai.com or email me at: rhythm@rhythmfusion.com with “Morocco 2010” in the subject line, call 831/423-2048, or write to:

Dror Sinai, Rhythm Fusion

P.O. Box 3226, Santa Cruz, CA 95063

1541 Pacific Ave. “C” Santa Cruz, CA 95060

ITINERARY

Casablanca, Marrakech, Gorges, Merzouga, Erfoud, Fes

May 26     Casablanca

Upon arrival in Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco, you will be met and transferred by bus to your Casablanca hotel, where you will check in and relax for the afternoon. Depending on time, you could choose to have an optional tour of the Hassan II mosque.  Hotel: Hotel Maamoura:  HYPERLINK “http://www.hotelmaamoura.com“ http://www.hotelmaamoura.com

May 27     Casablanca / Marrakech (B) 4 HOURS DRIVING

In the morning you will set off to Marrakech, a four hour drive from Casablanca.  You will be able to spend the afternoon getting a bit familiar with the city.  In the evening you can visit the famous Djemaa el-fnaa that comes alive at night with storytellers, snake charmers, monkeys, acrobats, and musicians.  Spend the evening watching the scene unfold from one of the rooftop cafes surrounding the famous square.  Dinner will be taken at local restaurant.  Riad: Riad Omar: HYPERLINK “http://www.riadomar.com“ http://www.riadomar.com

May 28    Marrakech (B)

After breakfast, the group will have a guided tour of Marrakech, the southern pearl of Morocco. You will discover the Palace of the Bahia, the Saadian Tombs, Malah(jewish Quarter) and many other hidden treasures.  After lunch, you will continue with the tour on to the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque and the famous Djemaa el-Fna, one of the center attractions of Marrakech.  The tour will conclude with an exploration of  the souk (market) lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco.  Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant or near the big square. We’ll arrange for Andalous music .  Riad: Riad Omar

May 29     Marrakech / Ouarzazate (B) 4 HOURS DRIVE

After breakfast you will depart for Ouarzazate over the High Atlas Mountains through the Tichka Pass. Keep your eyes open for the Berber villages tucked away in the mountain side. Upon arrival in Ouarzazate, lunch will be available.  In the afternoon, you will tour Aït Benhaddou, one of the world’s most magnificent Kasbahs, this setting has been used for more films than any other location in Morocco; films including, Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and recently The Gladiator.  You will return to Ouarzazate for the evening and spend the night at a hotel there.  Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.

We’re working on booking a band for the evening.

Hotel: Riad Tichka Salam (no website yet)

May 30     Ouarzazate  / Todra Gorges (B, D) 3-4 HOURS DRIVING

After breakfast you will continue onwards on your journey along the road of 1000 kasbahs.  On route, you may have time to visit the beautiful Kasbahs of Taourirt and Tifoulout, and the Dades Valley before arriving at Tinerhir where you will have time to explore the gorges.  Dinner will be served in your hotel.  Hotel: Kasbah Lamrani: HYPERLINK “http://www.kasbahlamrani.com“ http://www.kasbahlamrani.com

May 31                        Todra Gorges / Erfoud / Sahara (B, L, D)

In the morning you will travel onwards to Erfoud from which you depart by 4×4 to the edge of the dunes at Auberge Dunes d’Or HYPERLINK “http://www.aubergedunesdor.com“ http://www.aubergedunesdor.com.  In the afternoon you will visit a Gnawa village and learn a bit about their music and background and have a chance to listen to them play.  From there you set off in the evening on camel for a 2-hour trek out to the oasis where you will spend the night in Berber tents.  While in the Oasis you will be entertained and able to sing and play along as your guides bring out their drums and start a mini concert among the sand dunes.

I’m working on getting the Gnawa musicians to play & dance for us and with us in the oasis.

Tents by Auberge Dunes D’Or

June 1     Erfoud  (B, D) 1 hour drive about

After an early breakfast and the camel trek out of the dunes, you will have time to relax a little at the Auberge, possibly taking a swim in their small pool before taking the 4×4 back to Erfoud.  You may want to visit the fossil factory where they saw huge slabs of rock to reveal the fossils hidden within.  It is fascinating to see how much skilled hand labor is involved creating the highly polished items available in the small shop there.  Some like to take a trip up to Errachidia to visit the market there.  In the evening we  will arrange to have a Malhoun band come and play for the group .  Hotel: Hotel Belere HYPERLINK “http://www.belerehotels.com“ http://www.belerehotels.com

June 2         Erfoud (B, D)

This day will be spent relaxing at the hotel, hopefully being able to meet some local musicians to play alongside, and conclude in the evening with a cooking class where you will learn how to make a traditional Moroccan dish.  Hotel: Hotel Belere

June 3         Erfoud / Midelt (B)             4 HOURS OF DRIVING

Leaving Erfoud the next morning you begin your ascent up across the Middle Atlas Mountains following the Ziz River valley.  Most of the day will be spent winding our way through the beautiful forests, jagged rock faces, and Berber villages as we cross the Atlas Mountains and begin to descend towards Fes. Half way, we will stop for lunch in the town of Midelt, famous for its fossils and rocks.  Hotel: Kasbah Asmaa (no website yet)

June 4           Fes (B) 4 Hour drive

After breakfast you will drive the remaining four hours to Fes.  Along the way you will pass through beautiful forests, Berber villages and the French town of Ifrane.  Upon arrival in Fes you can check into your hotel and explore the city a bit.  Or attend the first concert of the music festival.  Hotel: on your own

NOTES:

*Itinerary may change without early notice.

*This itinerary is not complete since things are not set in such advance in Morocco. Dates may change couple days early or later (I’ll inform exact dates in Jan/10).

* For the same reason pricing is not complete yet however, the goal is to include double occupancy & breakfast for less than $3,000.

*I’m putting together an optional stay in Fes for the rest of the tour. I try to have options of 2,3,4 star or a riad accommodations , single or doubles.

*I’m thinking of driving direct in one day from Erfoud to Fes in order to have an extra day in Fes.

*The pace, culture and timing in Morocco are very different than ours, please expect delays and changes already. We still can have much fun.

Please email to sign in with “Morocco 2010” in subject line to rhythm@rhythmfusion.com

feel free to call with any questions  831/423-2048. I’ll add pics and videos from our last trip soon.

Please email to sign in with “Morocco 2010” in subject line to rhythm@rhythmfusion.com

feel free to call with any questions  831/423-2048.

I’ll add pics and videos from our last trip soon.

Can’t wait for another magical journey.

Please sign in EARLY so we can continue arrangements

Keep Life Alive

Dror Sinai

Rhythm fusion

1541 c Pacific av.

Santa Cruz, Ca. 95060

831/423-2048

831/426-7975

rhythm@rhythmfusion.com

www.drorsinai.com

www.rhythmfusion.com