Article in the British press

This article appeared in today's Observer Sunday newspaper magazine; http://observer.guardian.co.uk/magazine/story/0,,2059264,00.html

Tarts, Fags and Pouffes

Just back from another whirlwind trip to Fez. It was always going to be a hectic time there. We're back over in 5 weeks time for an extended visit with the children, friends and everything, so while I was there I had to get furniture and fittings arranged, ordered and purchased. I think it's going smoothly. Big shout to Louis for his help and support again. Maybe next time I'll be able to sit down and relax, or even get out into the depths of the Medina for some serious exploration - something that I haven't had time for yet during my previous 9 visits.

Let me explain the title of this post, just in case you're wondering whether I've taken up practicing upon the pink oboe.

Tarts; The Purple Circle had a lovely lemon tart, some members said the best they'd tasted, on Sunday at Louis' house. This was prepared by Cafe (nee Pizza) Mike's new patisserie chef Tariq. There was also a chocolate tart (could have been called a 'cake', I don't know, I'm just a culinary peasant as far as desserts are concerned!). Some felt the chocolate (dessert) would benefit from some crème freche. I was all for that but we didn't have any. Maybe when Mike's Cafe is open, there will be crème freche for the chocolate thing.




Fags; A British name for cigarettes rather than the American meaning of the word. As Louis is an expert smoker (anytime, any place, anywhere, any brand, anyones' fags!), I find the best way to avoid passive smoking when in his company, is to smoke too. Generally in the UK I don't bother apart from the occasional roll-up with a drink at the pub - and that's becoming a rare occasion these days. While we're on smoking, in July all public places in UK will be no smoking areas. This will no doubt frustrate many an avid nicotine enthusiast. Well, come on down to Fez for a smoking holiday (I'm talking tobacco here, folks). Hell, you can smoke all over the place, in fact, I think it might be compulsory. It's certainly appears to be 'de rigeur'.



Pouffes; One of the items on my shopping list was pouffes (pronounced pouffey where I come from) and is; a broad, backless, usually round, cushion-like seat, often large enough for several people.

So I've ordered 8 of various sizes to be made from black leather and old carpet, similar to the one in the picture, which will all be ready, Insh' Allah, on our return along with the metal furniture, the wicker chairs, the beds, the fridge and the toilets!

Everything

You ever wanted to know about... zellij

Not Thumb Twiddling

I'm hanging on here in the UK for my next visit to Fez next weekend. I'm hearing the weather hasn't been very kind over there recently. Well it hasn't been marvelous here in Norwich either, although we do have the luxury of central heating (when we turn it on).

I'm hoping the fine weather will have returned by the weekend, heck I might even pack my sandals.

I'm not twiddling my thumbs over here, these are the things I do for work, a regeneration project with music studios and a community radio station. Busy times, and no doubt another busy time when I get to Fez buying those essentials like beds and a cooker (and a bunch of other stuff, I'll make list before I leave). I'll be clutching my (old) camera for dear life this time.

Apparently the workers on our house are having a weeks holiday, presumably for the Prophets birthday (more on that here), although it seems everyone else is having two days. But you can't begrudge the chaps a few day off providing there is plenty of hadem muzzien (someone please correct my spelling and pronunciation here). I believe it means 'work well, work good'.

My old mate (less of the old) Louis has posted some pics of his fine looking terrace which has recently benefited from a lovely coat of paint. As I've no new pics of our place, here's some of his. These are before and after. The 'before' ones were snapped a year ago before any work took place. Once the renovation gets underway and we focus on more and more minute details, it's easy to forget what a place looked like initially. So you can see a difference.






To see Louis' blog, click here. Oh yes, not much mention of the Purple Circle, they're too quiet, are they up to something?