Wintering

A big thank you to my friend, SC, and her entire family for treating us to a couple of unforgettable moments during our stay in Morocco.

I mean, really. Who gets to attend a private party on a roof terrace in Hivernage--the new, cool, chic part of Marrakesh--then go to a private estate the next day (yes, we'll just call it an estate) for an exquisite and delicious Moroccan lunch in the beautiful Palmeries. We did, that's who.

SC is fellow mom at the French Lycée, where we became friends and running buddies a couple of years ago. Our friendship led to me writing up the website content for her new company, KSAHAR (website coming soon!) and, eventually, to getting together in Morocco last month while all of us were on school holiday.

SC is French-Moroccan and grew up in Casablanca. Her parents made their way to Marrakesh where they own a highly-touted design and furniture company in Hivernage. I'm so excited for SC to launch KSAHAR, which merges the artisan quality and authentic materials of Africa, and beyond, with the innovative, chic furniture designs of her partner, an established Dutch interior designer.

SC and her parents were so very gracious, and we are grateful for the opportunity to spend time with them and to enjoy a unique local experience. And we are all the more appreciative given that SC is pregnant with her third child and probably could have used a little R&R while we were in town. Merci beaucoup! Bisous!

From the roof terrace, you can see the walls of the medina. 

At the shop in Hivernage:

The Palmeries:

Lunch is served:

Thanks so much, SC! 

#cecilthelion

And I couldn't help myself in this instance either.

What an asshole.  And a coward.  Much braver to follow an animal like this with a camera than a bow and arrow or rifle--you have to get even closer to get actually get a good 'shot.'

As a friend of mine said, "Unfortunately, the lion didn't get him first."

But as much as I can't stand this guy, in lieu of joint the lynch mob, the best thing we can do is help the organizations that are trying to illegal poaching and the killing of big game. That's where we can make a difference. Here's where you can donate.  http://wildcru.org

And lest we forget the victim, here he is in all his majesty.

In case you're somehow not up to speed on this outrageous news story . . .

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/zimbabwe/11767119/Cecil-the-lions-killer-revealed-as-American-dentist.html