This was one of the most stunning sunsets I've ever seen.
I have to admit, this town is something else. Before I came to Morocco - before I even booked my flights - I remember being in complete and utter awe at this city and its sheer beauty. And that was just from looking at images from the Internet! But when viewed from the top of the Spanish Mosque south of the city, somehow the city of Chefchaouen becomes even more gorgeous than it already is. I simply have no words.
It was 5 o' clock in the afternoon and the sun was just about to start its descent. As the air cooled, I began a climb up to the top of the city, up winding alleyways and blue staircases, past blue arches and colourful flowerpots. I loved the way the rooftops cast shadows upon the brilliant blue colours of the walls, creating stunning contrasts, almost bluer than the sky itself! After about 25 minutes of climbing, I arrived to the imposing wall that encompassed the old city Medina. I looked back and stared at the view that stood in front of me, with the wall snaking its way down into the cluster of houses beneath. I only stood here for a fleeting moment because I knew it was a race against time if I was going to make it for sunset!
I set upon a trail that begins from Bab al Ansar (photo below) which is the medina's eastern gate and goes down over the Ras el'Ma river, which was a refreshing change of pace. The path then starts to steepen again and becomes more of a dirt path, now with the town to my right. Suddenly, in front of me was a cosy-looking house with what seemed to be a miniature version of the house right in front of it, as if it were an ornament to provide amusement to the trekkers making their way up the hill! There was a little slot for money so I donated some Dirhams as I knew I was approaching the end of my trip in Morocco and I would no longer need it. Satisfied that I had done my bit, I turned around and gazed at the medina, framed perfectly by the agave cacti that lined the trail. I then noticed the slowly-setting sun. I had to press on.
Slowly, I made my way up and gazed upon the Spanish Mosque that sat almost above me, towering over the city, as if it were a guardian watching over. I made my way up and climbed, "Only a few more steps" I kept panting to myself. I was only driven by the promise of rest and a view, I'm a simple man! As I looked upI saw a few tourists already settled there, armed with their tripods ready to take the perfect shot from the perfect spot. Eager to join them, I finally made it to the concrete platform of the 1920s mosque, lined with a brick. While a beautiful building in its own right, it was nothing compared to the stunning view that lay before me. Panting and sweating, I gazed upon the blue shapes that filled the landscape, lining the mountains and ridges of the Riff.
What a sight to behold!
Before I parked myself patiently to wait for sunrise (and looking a little worse for wear thanks to the trek), I asked a tourist for a photograph. Almost as proof that I was here and I made it up. I still couldn't quite believe that I was lucky enough to be able to visit this city, and it was a surreal feeling that after all those Google searches on Chefchaouen, I was finally here, in the flesh. The photo below still remains one of my favourite photos of this trip! I shan't forget it.
As the sun set slowly behind the mountains, I prepared my camera and took shot after shot as horses and donkeys made their way up the hill, slowly grazing on the lush grass; almost posing for the tourists to supplement the already extraordinary view. Not that it needed it. I sat here for about an hour, waiting patiently and staring at the view from this great height, almost in a meditative state and feeling very content with life, with everything.
The details were spectacular, and the way the deep blue contrasts turned a deeper blue as the lights changed with it. There was not a sound to be heard apart from the occasional conversation of the tourists around me, as they too were entranced by the spectacular sight. And as the sun went down, and after a few more photographs, I sat there silently, at ease with my own solitude. Glad to have made it here, and glad to have been able to share this experience with you guys too.
Details
🌏 | Chefchaouen, Morocco
📷 | Samsung S8
🎨 | Lightroom Mobile edits used
Over the next few weeks I'll be trekking through Morocco and I'll be share with you my thoughts, feelings, tips and warnings about visiting each place along the way. Being a photographer, I will be doing this while sharing my photos with all of you too! I sincerely hope you all enjoy.
Please do follow if you want to keep up with my travel through this wonderful country <3
Any upvotes or reblogs are hugely appreciated! Much love, everybody.
Wow awesome
Thanks :)
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is it there mutiff - blue? I observe that most or maybe all of the houses were painted in blue color. I think this is not subdivision houses to have it all blue or maybe this is a law in there land to color their houses with same color.
Hmm I'm not sure to be honest. I think there might be a small bylaw that they have to paint their houses blue? Or tbh maybe they just all like it! I mean I would, especially if all my neighbours were doing it!
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When I was in chefchouen and asked why its blue there.. they told me three probably reasons, even they didnt know actually^^ Unfortunately I forgot the reasons, maybe @safaax could help out here?
One of the reasons was, that it prevents mosqitos to come ..
amazing pictures by the way !
what a nice way to spend a day :)
It really is!! Wish I could have had that day again :)
awesome!
Thanks so much@atom! Btw, would it be frowned upon if I used the "Kr" hashtag for my blogs?
This city is gorgeous. I want to visit Morocco now and use your blog as a travel guide :o
Yeah it's stunning... And aw that makes me happy, glad it helps! Luckily it's on the blockchain for you to use as a reference forever
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Ohhh the blue city😍 don't forget to visit Akchour
Akchour! I've heard so much about it!! I think I will once I'm back in Morocco :D
Excellent Photography
thanks so much @trastwhale :)
wow... i wish i could travel like you do :)).. it's great and very outstanding photo sir!!! :))
Thanks so much @jumps! One day you will I'm sure :)
Turning drawback roads, halting to take a gander at a guide, or appreciating a view made them and any close-by seller jump and badger me, welcoming me into stores, eateries.
Sounds like Morocco alright!
Wow what a beautiful place.
Love to go there and enjoy.
Thanks!
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Welcome bro
Happy Raksha bandhan
Umm thanks I guess!
I saw a lot of photos from this region. Also would like to visit )
Hope you do soon bud!
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Again: Beautiful Images of a beautiful Country. Wish you a happy Journey further on.
Thanks for your kind wishes and comments, friend!
Thanks haha
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Amazing . I have not word )
Amazing is a word! :p
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amazing photos sir ,,
Much appreciated!
Wow really lovely photos...you might have enjoyed a lot.
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Not might, definitely did!
I really enjoy your content! The photography is great!
Thanks so much @thatgaby, really appreciate that!
Wow that is truly beautiful. I'm from America and it brings me joy to see pictures from across the way, such as these. Keep up the good work friend!!!!
**btw also a whiskey drinker although been having some good tequila lately
Glad to have brought you a bit of joy from across the Atlantic! And hell yes, props to the tequila/whisky drinkers around the world!!
Indeed!!! Thanks for the cool blog!! And gotta enjoy the liquor lol, helps you unwind
Hehe thanks man!
I like your photos very much. You have a talent. I also take pictures. I invite you to my blog. You will certainly find something for yourself. If you like something please vote for me :-) See you later
Much appreciated, friend.
You are professional in what you do ... bravo !!!
Thanks so much, you too!!
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Nice locations, I know that morrocon ladies are beautiful. their country too. peace for them.
Pokimane is Moroccan
They are indeed... 😅😍
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I love your photography so much. your posts are like the best coffeee table books to places you should visit! Haha
I launched my own photo contest today, I hope you will enter. https://steemit.com/contest/@sallybeth23/new-pay-to-enter-photo-contest-for-amateur-photographers-win-steem
Thanks really appreciate it! Glad you like it. And I'll consider joining :)
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Really nice photos!
Thanks! Super appreciate it :)
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very nice photos, you have a happy tour of Morocco, I hope that some day you visit venezuela.
I will one day 😅 I have not a doubt in my mind!
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Wait till the economic turmoil settles :p
Absolutely :/ Pretty scary stuff at the mo, what with the tensions between them and Colombia too
Thank you so much for sharing... Lovely pics!
You're very welcome!
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This is breathtaking... How lucky r u to travel and witnessing and capturing these stunning scenes.. I wish i cd also.......... 😥
I hope you can get there one day too 😊
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What kind of camera/lens did you use? Nice picture quality.
Samsung S8!
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Oh wow, just the phone camera? I'm a phone camera person myself
Yep exactly! I find it such a burden having a huge dslr with me. I'd rather have a good phone with a good camera which oftentimes can match what a dslr can do (within reason ofc!)
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yeah i think I'm going to get the new Samsung note 9 that just came out. It's very pricey but Samsung is top quality when it comes to cell phone cameras.
You're an artist! Beautiful photos! Worthy of a professional! Great and I'm waiting for more :)
Thanks so much! Really appreciate it :D
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STOPKinda random but sure
Umm
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Actually now that I see the full picture (I couldn't on my mobile) this looks kinda cool. What did you use to make this? :P
Deep Dream AI.
Nice photography kaise बनाते है आप
Thanks :)
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Beautiful place. A photo majestic and sunset unique. Great!
Thanks, much appreciated!
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good travel. nice clicks. i like them
Please upvote to my photos also in my blog & follow me. thank you.
Thanks very much :)
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Fantabulous..
And it looks like jaipur..
Does it?? Need to have a quick search...
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Beautiful photos and story. I am new here! I also love to travel and to take photos. I followed you and voted for this. Great job! :-)
Massive welcome to Steemit, hope you enjoy your stay here! :)
Thank you so much! :-)
Congratulations @seetheworld.sgp just stunning photography.
Many things can learn from your photography, every post every photograph you post are amazing.
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful pictures.
Huge thanks, really appreciate the kind comments!
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You welcome.
An incredibly lovable region. you beautifully choose places to your rest, I love. the dish you have got tasted appears heavenly and mouth-watering. I believe that their look is completely encouraged via the taste further as scrumptious as it's miles lovely. Based on your depiction, it's extremely tasty. exceptionally else, I loved crabs and fish within the closing picture.
I'm so confused by this comment, did you happen to read the blog? Don't think I had any photos of crabs and/or fish... But thanks for the comment anyway.
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wow
❤️
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Nice photos and description!. Would you like to follow and post my images?
Wow , beautiful images of a beautiful country ;)
Indeed, thank you!
Congratulations @seetheworld.sgp!
Your post was mentioned in the Steemit Hit Parade in the following categories:
This blueness is astonishing.
Recently I asked you about the paint, where it comes from.
But now I would be interested if there may be
a yellow, green, orange, red town in this country ?
Haha potentially!
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STOPwow such a great post very nice and beautyfull photography your time management and determination is great and a valuable information in all picture included become a greatest post. welldone dear seetheworld.sgp (65)
Cheers.
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thanks dear
@seetheworld.sgp
I can't believe that you took these breathtakingly beautiful photos from Samsung S8!
Morroco is indeed a wonderful country. Loved the photos
Glad you approved! And yeah the S8 is surprisingly good!
Great expirience and place... good reflected in your writing!
A concrete blue town 😊
Good that you saw those tourists and their equipments and get more stimulated to reach this point!
Good trip!
Best regards
Cheers!
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Definition of paradise.
Absolutely.
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This blue houses village looks like a utopian town where culture and food are organic from its outside appearance. I hope this village repesents a true organic village.
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Do you ever go backpacking? Theirs got to be some unbelievable trails in Morocco. Defiantly on my bucket list.