July 2006 Archives

Paradores in Spain - New York Times

Cuenca is an ancient city with a 12th-century core. In 1177, Alfonso VIII “liberated” it from the Moors, and the construction of a central cathedral began. While quaint and, occasionally, exquisite, it is like many of the ancient parador locations: a bit far from everything. (Elsewhere in Spain, if you call someone “from Cuenca” it’s akin to saying from “the sticks.”)

Spain also faces renovation issues, but it appears they have more to do with the modernization of historic sites than their deterioration.

‘Kiffe Kiffe Tomorrow,’ by Faïza Guèn - The New York Times Book Review - New York Times

The New York Times reviews Kiffe Kiffe Tomorrow. I'll have to add it to my list.

The Crumbling of the Casbah - New York Times

Historic preservation is an uphill battle in Algeria.

create your own visited countries map

Thanks to David Kearns.

Cat in Rabat: He Said, He Said

Cat in Rabat reports on Morocco's generous aid to Lebanese civilians and the Morocco Times' stinginess in reporting on the conflict between Hizbullah and Israel.

TECTONIC: Moroccan fisheries escapes proprietary net

The Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Sea Fisheries (MARDSF), has signed a deal with Liberty Tech to migrate all its servers to Mandriva Linux. The move makes it one of the first Moroccan government departments to take advantage of free software.

I am curious how widespread LInux is elsewhere in Morocco. Apparently the Ministry is also considering using LInux on its desktop machines. In terms of cost savings and independence from foreign corporations, this might make a lot of sense.

Jews of Morocco

An interesting short site on the status of Morocco's Jewish population.

THE VIEW FROM FEZ: Moroccan classic - re-released. Book review.

Suzanna Clarke recommends A Year in Marrakesh by Peter Mayne.