First outing in days...New photos...On the mend....

This building, a short walk from PepeNero, attracted our attention. We approached the guard, asking if we could go inside and take a look around. He shook his head, "No, Madame. This is the palace of the king." We walked away laughing at our "faux pas."

How did I get so lucky that many wrote to us offering various solutions for my ill health? My sister researched online and found a nearby English speaking doctor in a clinic a short cab ride away. A dear friend offered to have her doctor call me on Skype for an online appointment.

If one loves cat, Marrakech is the place to visit.

These three cats were enjoying the balmy day next to one another.

The stray cats are fed and cared for by the locals. We've yet to see one that looked
unhealthy or underfed.

Many of our friends sent well wishes by email and some posted online. Thanks to everyone for your kindness and concern. A few chastised me for not seeing a doctor, saying so with the most caring of intentions.

Aubergine is popular in Morocco, used extensively in cooking. It's actually a fruit but is extremely low in carbs and sugar, which enables me to eat it. It is in the eggplant family with a taste and texture almost identical to eggplant. We've never seen aubergine in any other country.

As I write this I'm halfway through the six pill dose of Cipro and today, I'm almost completely better, only a little weak from all the lying around. "They" say that one begins to lose muscle mass within 18 hours of lying in bed (or on a sofa). It takes time to rebuild one's energy and sense of well being.

This was the first shoe store of this type that we've seen in the souks. Most of the shoes follow a similar style, colorful with low heels, mostly made of cloth and plastic as opposed to leather.

Yesterday, we went out to lunch, back to our favorite new restaurant, PepeNero, where we had a fabulous lunch. The long walk was challenging for the first time out in days but, Tom managed to walk at my slower pace. By the time we returned home, I felt refreshed from the good food, the sunshine and the fresh air.

It's common to see women holding hands as they walk through the souks or men kissing one another, a friendly acceptable show of affection among friends and relatives. However, men and women do not touch one another in public. Tom hangs onto me since I am always so busy taking photos and not watching my step. Yesterday, feeling a little weak on our first outing in days, I only took few photos especially needing to pay attention to where I was walking. The narrow roads are uneven, filled with potholes, grates and tripping hazards.

Today, the wheels are in motion again as we begin to lock up plans for sightseeing at long last. Honestly, I now know, after getting sick the second day here, that I dragged my feet in wanting to get out at all. Something wasn't right and I knew it. Arriving on March 1st, I guess I've been ill for almost three weeks, forcing myself to do everything we actually did.

Taking a new way back home, we spotted this colorful olive and pickled vegetable area with one display after another of appealing items. Our meals at home include many olives commonly used in Moroccan cooking.

As soon as we hear from Samir today, we'll start booking our plans. Finally, I feel excited. Tom, of course, has been my usual "go with the flow" guy supportive of whatever I've needed. That doesn't mean that I "run the show." We both share in decisions.

This kindly vendor allowed me to take a photo of his beautiful display. Most Muslim people do not allow photographs of themselves which we respect when taking photos. As a result, he covered his face as I took this shot.

It's raining today which unfortunately will keep us indoors. Everything is outdoors and it makes no sense getting wet while recovering. However, we don't feel trapped when staying in.

We'll easily entertain ourselves researching future travels, playing Gin, reading, chatting and watching world news on either of the two English speaking news channels, BBC and Bloomberg. Also, we spend time chatting with friends and family in Facebook or via email, never feeling alone or bored.

After all, life isn't always exciting, a fact that makes the exciting times all the more meaningful. However, going forward, a little excitement is exactly what the doctor ordered!