The rug store

He would not let me take his picture; he is a very traditional man.  Mohamed is the owner of a rug shop in Azrou.  Some locals call him the prophet.  Although I did not buy a rug (I have wall to wall carpeting), I had a rare social encounter.   I would say that Mohamed is no younger than 65 years of age, his face is hard like tanned leather.  He wears a traditional Moroccan djellaba, a long robe with a hood. He also wears traditional slippers and he has a beard. When I first entered his shop it did not look like much.  The entry way was incredibly narrow, two people could not walk side by side in the shop.

The walls were line with hand made colorful wool rugs .
The rugs were dropped with care to show off their intricate designs.  The back of the store had rugs piled floor to ceiling.  He offered us the traditional mint tea.  He only spoke a little English, but he explained that he could speak French because he around during French colonization.  He spoke with me in Moroccan and French for nearly a half hour.  It was difficult to understand him but he told us all about the rugs and the region. He brought out his photo album and guest book and proudly showed off the visitors.  We talked until the early hours of the morning and several teachers in our group bought rugs.  Impressions Moroccans speak a combination of French and the Moroccan darija.  Also in order to get a fair price, bargaining is welcomed.

Massalaama! The Traveling Educator