Marrakech: and a magic-filled tale of Tahir Shah

Oh, I was in a good mood when the night started but I had a no idea of the evening that lay before me.

 
Because near a secret garden in Riad El Fenn, a happening was, well, happening.

 
Yes, there was delicious food.

 
And yes, there was mysterious lighting.  But that was not all. 

 
 You see Tahir Shah, the illustrious writer of The Caliph’s House, was speaking.  His introduction was made with great fanfare.

 
And if I am not mistaken, golden horns hanging from the ceiling let out a blare or two.

  Tahir held the audience enrapt, while he told tales of genies and exorcists ………  And all things in between.

 

Lovely long lashed girls listened entranced…

 
While Tahir’s beautiful wife looked on bemused. {One sensed that she was somewhat of a genie expert, herself.}

 
And even the riad’s owner, Vanessa Branson (of the same talented gene pool as her brother, Richard ) looked rather pleased.

 
 My last view?  Why of Tahir in an arched Moroccan doorway, the walls glowing a deep and perfect red. 

 

Marrakech: and a tale of Meriem's birthday at the Bab Restaurant

It was Meriem's birthday, you see.  And so we headed for the Bab Restaurant in Marrakech to celebrate.

We admired the stylish decor.

 
There were poufs made out of shimmery plastic in Moroccan upcycled chic.

 
 and vines climbing up the trellised walls on the inside.  So pretty.

 
 There was gossiping at the bar.  Ahem, of course.

 
The birthday girl,  a Moroccan stylist, looked pensive.

 But her darling husband brought drinks replete with ingredients like mint and ginger.

 
 And my silly husband told jokes.

 
Then a magician appeared out of nowhere and told Meriem to pick a card, any card.

 
 He correctly guessed Meriem's queen, of course.

 
 Soon she was back to her regular mischevous ways.

 
I think that she and Yves Saint Laurent realized that there is only one thing you need on your birthday and every day.

 

Marrakech: and a tale of an inspiration board

All teals and greens, with bits of gold and rose.  And of course white and tiny scribbles of black.  A moodboard for a painting I'm commissioning from Michele Armas.  (I especially loved this painting she did.)

For a new guestroom at Peacock Pavilions in Marrakech.  

Click on the inspiration board to see it larger.  Images from Elle Decor, Belle Vivir, Etsy, Peacock Pavilions & elsewhere. (oh dear, I can't remember where exactly -- But if you tell me where, I will post it!)  

Marrakech: and a tale of a mysterious dinner party

Why it had all the makings of a perfect Marrakesh dinner party.

A talented hostess in red soled boots.

French girls in fishnet stockings.

The prettiest table.

Beautiful food.

Fun party games.

And darling babies who slept through the evening.

They had to force me to leave.  Otherwise, I would still be there...