Travel with Strabo Photo Tour Collection - Ron Rosenstock
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Travel with Strabo Photo Tour Collection
©Ron Rosenstock
Mystery of Morocco with
Photo Leader Ron Rosenstock
November 5-7 Pre-Trip Extension
November 7-19, 2023
Tour Highlights ~ A Photographic and Cultural Adventure
• Jemaa el Fna Square and the ancient city and souk of Marrakech
• Two evenings in the Sahara with a traditional camel ride
• The heart of Morocco, medina of Fes el-Bali
• Rif Mountains and the blue washed town of Chefchaouen
• Unique visits with our expert Moroccan guide
• Casablanca and Coastal Town of Essaouira Extension, with quaint whitewashed buildings,
fishing boats, and sunset silhouette of Portuguese Fort
For more information or to register contact
Strabo Photo Tour Collection: 607-756-8676
www.phototc.com
Morocco Photo Tour with Ron Rosenstock
This photo tour itinerary encompasses Marrakech, Fes, Northern
Morocco in the blue washed town of Chefchaouen, and also spends two
evenings in the Sahara, giving participants more opportunity to capture
the pink and purple hued sunsets over the dunes. You can also extend
your stay with Ron, and photograph in the lovely coastal town of
Essaouira and King Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. In Marrakech you
will visit the famous Djemaa el-Fna Square, perhaps the greatest open-
air spectacle in the world. Traveling back in time, you will see snake
charmers, musicians, magicians, acrobats, and dancers. Fes is an ancient
city, with its spectacular medina - where time seems to have stood still
and photographs beckon around every corner. You will see veiled
women and laughing children, donkeys pulling carts, and vendors
carrying huge mounds of bread on trays above their heads.
Combining the history and natural beauty of this rich and fascinating
country with first-person encounters, we will visit native villages, ancient
medinas, and craftsmen’s workshops, sharing experiences and sipping
mint tea: symbolic of the warm, sincere Moroccan generosity. Hotels are comfortable, as is the private,
air-conditioned coach for land transportation. An expert local Moroccan guide will add his unique touch to
this extraordinary trip, sharing his insights into and his love of this exotic land.
Join accomplished photographer and guide Ron Rosenstock through this
special tour of Morocco. Ron started leading photo tours in 1967. In those
years he has led hundreds of tours to many destinations worldwide. Ron has
retired from Clark University after teaching photography there for thirty
years. He has published five books of his exquisite black and white
photographs: The Light of Ireland, Hymn to the
Earth, Chiostro (Cloister), Inspirations, Photographs of Iceland, and his color
book Journeys. Ron’s work has been featured in over one hundred
exhibitions, both in the U.S. and abroad, and his photographs are to be found
in the permanent collections of the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem,
MA. Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University, the Worcester Art Museum in
Worcester, MA, and the International Center of Photography in New York
City.
Ron is happy to share his vision and insights to all who travel with him.
Although he now only photographs with a digital camera, his philosophy of teaching hasn't changed since
the early large format film days. He firmly believes that the photograph comes from within, not from
without. Meaning you can't buy creativity, however, you have to learn to recognize that creative spirit
within. Ron teaches exercises that will help that creative spirit come to the surface. These may consist of:
1) Entry ways to seeing, 2) photographing in the NOW, 3) practical aspects of printing, exhibiting and
getting your work out there. During the photo tour he will teach and use a digital projector several
evenings.
Most people who travel with Ron have a basic understanding of how the camera works, and others who
know everything about the camera. He doesn't focus on technical knowledge, rather places the emphasis
on a more Zen approach. Ron believes it isn't necessary to know all the latest digital technique, but it is
necessary to know yourself. Please feel free to view Ron's website and e-mail regarding any questions.
www.ronrosenstock.com
Why do you LOVE nature photography? By Ron Rosenstock Let me use some of the same words, Nature photography is LOVE! Since the very beginning of our species starting to walk upright, we have been recreating nature in various art forms, from cave paintings to digital photography. Technology has changed, but what is most important, hasn’t. The world’s greatest artists have received their inspiration from nature. We are as much a part of nature as nature is a part of us. For those of us that take the time to smell the flowers, it’s so much more. Poets but their feelings into words, painters paint and we photograph. Each image we make is showing us on a deeper level, who we really are. “Listen, my heart, to the whispering of the world. That is how it makes love to you” Tagore Passenger Praise: ‘Ron, Nice course, nice class today! It's such a pleasure seeing your work.... and learning more about the "vision" you put into creating individual photographs. You're as much a master of coaxing from software what you want the final print to be, as Ansel was in his physical darkroom work. And your images are every bit as striking as his. Maybe even more so. As I said, I learned a lot. And I think you for that.’ ~ Nick “Your talk on photography and the spirituality of photography was a great revelation for me as I have always felt this way about it myself. Your talk was the affirmation I had been searching for. It was great beyond words to be participating with a group of Artists who were as passionate as I about photography and image making. ~M. Mc Laughlin “Ron was great, not only was he open and knowledgeable as an instructor, but a wonderful person. Couldn’t have asked for better.” ~ N. Taveras “I can’t say enough about Ron. I’ve been on four Ireland trips and New Zealand last November with him. Iceland is now on my bucket list. He is a master leader who’s perfect at getting us to the best places at the best time with the best photographic guidance. His willingness to share his companionship and knowledge (always with good humor) were immeasurable gifts to all of us. This was one of my most memorable trips ever.” ~ S. Corbin Pre-Trip Casablanca and Essaouira Extension Itinerary November 5 Home You will depart on an overnight flight from the U.S. to Casablanca, Morocco. We recommend your arrival to be tomorrow (November 6), by 11AM, in order to take part in the planned events. PLEASE NOTE: If you ARE taking part in the extension your flight will be booked round trip Home/CMN. If you are NOT taking part in the extension your international airfare will be booked multi-city, Home/RAK and CMN/Home. November 6 Casablanca You will be transferred from the airport to the hotel upon arrival. Those that arrive in time will have an interior tour at 2PM inside the King Hassan II Mosque. Followed by additional photography outside the
mosque, in later afternoon, evening light. North of the medina and rising up on a point above the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque is the largest religious monument in the world after Mecca. King Hassan II Mosque, building cost estimated at $750 million, is entirely funded by citizen donations. It was completed in 1993, after 6000 Moroccan craftsmen worked on it day and night for five years. Enjoy your welcome dinner after the photo shoot. Overnight CASABLANCA. (D) November 7 Essaouira Depart the next morning for Essaouira (pronounced Esa-weera), which is the most popular of the coastal towns, with magnificent beaches and relaxed atmosphere. The fortifications of the old city are a mixture of Portuguese, French, and Berber military architecture, and their massiveness lends a powerful mystique. You’ll find narrow lanes, whitewashed houses with blue painted doors, tranquil squares, pleasant cafes, and artisans. Essaouira is full of the irresistible angles and picturesque sights that are so attractive to photographers. Overnight ESSAOUIRA. (B, D) November 8 Marrakech Enjoy another morning of photography with Ron at the harbor and all the blue fishing boats. After checking out of the hotel make your way to Marrakech to begin the main portion of the tour. Before reaching your hotel there may be a chance to capture the goats climbing the trees along the highway or stop at the Women’s Argon Oil Cooperative. Continue on the main itinerary for November 6 (B) Itinerary November 7 Home You will depart on an overnight flight from the U.S. to Marrakech, Morocco. We recommend your arrival to be tomorrow (November 8), by 2PM, in order to take part in the planned events. PLEASE NOTE: If you ARE taking part in the extension your flight will be booked round trip Home/CMN. If you are NOT taking part in the extension your international airfare will be booked multi-city, Home/RAK and CMN/Home. November 8 & 9 Marrakech You will be transferred from the airport to the hotel upon arrival. It is a short drive to the hotel where you will join Ron and others that took part in the extension. Late this afternoon (time to be announced) you will meet everyone in the hotel lobby for a brief introduction and off you go to your first photo shoot, the famous Djemaa el-Fna Square, perhaps the greatest open-air spectacle in the world, where one can see the colors and feel the pulse of Morocco.
Traveling back in time 2,000 years, we’ll see snake charmers, magicians, acrobats, and dancers, delighting children and adults alike. Enjoy another day in this imperial city that has been almost continually occupied since Neolithic times, and was once the Berber capital. Capture a glimpse of daily life, as we stroll the narrow streets. Overnight MARRAKECH RIAD. (D; B, L) November 10 & 11 Skoura Your destination for the next two evenings is a renovated kasbah hotel, providing an ideal location for private photography in the early morning and late afternoon. The setting is the middle of a palm grove with lush greenness and olive tree branches, the hotel also offers a garden all its own. Skoura provides a respite from the busy medinas of Fez and Marrakech. Ron will provide photography presentations during the middle of the day at the hotel. Overnight KASBAH SKOURA. (B, L, D both days) November 12 & 13 Erfoud – Merzouga Today your destination is the Sahara where you will have two days to capture the sunset and sunrise over the dunes. After enjoying lunch en-route, continue to Erfoud, an oasis region at the edge of the Sahara. The next day you are invited to enjoy Sudanese music and dance at Khmlia, where we learn about life in the Sahara (participants can take donations of school supplies to the Sudanese school). If there is time this afternoon, enjoy your camel ride for sunset photography, or perhaps rise early for sunrise. Camels will carry us to the Erg Chebbi, Morocco’s only genuine Saharan Erg – a huge, drifting expanse of sand dunes that typify much of the Algerian Sahara. The dunes themselves are fascinating, especially as the sun reaches the horizon and the colors change from pink to gold to red. This will be your most extraordinary and unforgettable desert experience. Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit in your overnight bag. Overnight AUBURGE DU SUD. (Accommodations are in the lodge or in typical Berber tents with mattress and blankets, which now have their own bathrooms and dining tent) (B, L, D both days) November 14 & 15 Fes After sunrise photography in the desert, have breakfast and drive north to Fes. Your escorts will take into account the interests of the group and stop for photographic opportunities they feel appropriate and timely. Fes, arguably the symbolic heart of Morocco, as all the great dynasties have left their mark on the city; it has, however, retained its Arab identity. The medina, Fes el-Bali, is one of the largest living medieval cities in the world. Its narrow, winding alleys and covered bazaars are intricate in their design and are awash with brilliant colors – a veritable assault on the senses as you squeeze past recalcitrant donkeys and submit to the sounds and smells of this jostling city. The dye makers, hills of spices, tannery vats, and palaces of merchants will beckon us. During a visit to a tannery we can watch the tanners as they work in the varied colors of this land. Your lodging in Fes are just within the medina walls, providing an excellent location for photography. Overnight FEZ RIAD. (B, D; B, L) November 16 & 17 Chefchaouen From Fez, arrive late this afternoon in the Rif region of Northern Morocco and the town of Chefchaouen (shef-shau-en), built into the mountainside. The town was founded in 1492 by Moorish exiles from Spain,
often called Chaouen by Moroccans. Chefchaouen was known as the hashish capital of Morocco and has
been a favorite haunt of backpackers for years. Hash has been grown since the fifteenth century, and is
called Kif, the short version of the Arabic word for pleasure. Our accommodations are set in the hillside
just above the town, away from the hustle and bustle of the medina, yet walking distance to the areas we
will be photographing.
In the medina, people sell all sorts of vegetables and fruits
amid the narrow-cobbled alleyways of whitewashed walls
and blue doors. Chaouen offers many native handicrafts
that are not available elsewhere in Morocco, such as wool
garments and woven blankets. The local goat cheese is
also popular. Pack mules are still led throughout the
streets carrying many of the handcrafted goods and
supplies as they have for centuries. The eager merchants
are more than willing to discuss their merchandise and
engage in the time honored art of negotiation. The homes
are painted white, azure blue, indigo, and purple and have
blue shutters and elaborately decorated doorways. Notice
the small squares, ornate fountains and ochre tile. Overnight CHEFCHOUEN HOTEL (B, D; B)
November 18 Casablanca
After your last morning photo shoot leave the mountains behind and make your way south towards
Casablanca. There will be photo opportunities today in Rabat, either the Chellah or Kasbah Oudaya.
Continue on to your accommodations for the evening near the airport, where your driver and local guide
will depart. CASABLANCA AIRPORT HOTEL. (B, L)
November 19 Casablanca – Home
The hotel provides breakfast and shuttle you can take to
the CMN airport for your flight home. (B)
Note: This itinerary has been carefully constructed to
assure participants the best Morocco has to offer.
However, should events arise that are beyond our
control, itinerary, activities and hotel arrangements are
subject to change without notice. Be assured that we will
make substitutions that are as similar in quality and
interest as possible.
Covid-19 Update
Strabo Tours is now requiring all participants and
leaders to be vaccinated. We are committed to
continuing the wonderful photography/cultural
programs that we have offered for almost 20 years.
We are very committed to providing you with a safe
journey and therefore have adopted new protocols
for Strabo and our partners. We need each of our
guests to understand and commit to adopting these protocols as well. What we have all learned
in 2020 is that we know how to better protect ourselves and those around us, whether we are at
home or abroad.
The new protocols will discuss the issues that have the greatest impact on reducing the
transmission of illnesses. In order to have the broadest protection for Strabo, our partners, and
guests, we will all need to follow these guidelines to protect the health of each other. Please note
that several resources have been reviewed to develop these new protocols including the CDC,
WHO and WTTC.
Please contact Strabo Tours if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to help and
guide you through your journey.
General Information
2022 Land cost: $4495, based upon minimum of 8 paying
passengers in shared accommodations, maximum of 12. Small
group supplement $400 based upon minimum of 6-7 participants,.
Single room supplement: $695 (available on first-come, first-
served basis, not guaranteed).
Extension Land cost: $695, based upon minimum of 5 paying
passengers in shared accommodations, maximum of 12.
Extension Single room supplement: $145 (available on first-come,
first-served basis, not guaranteed).
The land cost includes:
• Land transportation: All group ground transportation in Morocco. A
driver and a guide bilingual in Moroccan and English will escort you.
• Accommodations as listed in itinerary, based on two people
sharing a room.
• Meals as indicated in itinerary, (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner).
• Photo instruction as needed.
• Miscellaneous fees and service charges: All porterage fees that are included in the itinerary; service
charges, hotel taxes, and park entrance fees.
• Predeparture information: You will receive information on all aspects of the tour, including packing
recommendations, plus readings on the history, culture, and ecology of Morocco.
The land cost does not include: International air fare; transportation and transfers for those not traveling
with the group; air tax; foreign airport taxes; excess baggage charges; passport fees; meals not listed in
the itinerary; personal medical and travel insurance; any activities not specified in the tour itinerary, or
those listed as optional; all items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone charges, beverages; film
and processing, medical expenses, and room service; tips for meals not included in the itinerary; for
exceptional service - optional or additional tips to hotel staff such as porters or wait staff is always
appreciated. Upon the completion of your trip, gratuities to the local guides and the drivers are customary.
Please contact Strabo Tours if you would like rates on International Airfare. Please note on your trip
application form if you would like us to assist you with your airfare needs, a charge will be added for this
service. If making your own arrangements, it is important to discuss flight days with Strabo Tours before
booking any airline tickets. This will avoid you having to pay airline cancellation penalties.Deposits, Cancellations AND Refunds A deposit of $750 ($500 on domestic tours) per person is required. Specific tours may require an additional deposit due to accommodation bookings or transportation requirements. If applicable these will be noted on your invoice. Payment in full is required when bookings are made less than 120 days before the departure date. Space is subject to cancellation by Strabo if payment is not received when due. If a passenger wishes to cancel they must send notification in writing to: Strabo International Tour, Co., P.O. Box 580, Dryden, NY 13053; fax 208-545-4119. At the time we receive your notification, the following per person charges apply: • 91 days or more before departure: $300 cancellation fee ($150 fee on domestic tours), plus Strabo’ costs, as well as fees that are charged by the suppliers providing the services included in your tour, and/or the airlines providing the air transportation. • 61-90 days before departure: $500 ($250 on domestic tours) minimum cancellation fee, plus Strabo’ costs, as well as fees that are charged by the suppliers providing the services included in your tour, and/or the airlines providing the air transportation. Fees may range from 25% to 100% of tour costs. • 60 days or less before departure or any time after departure: NO REFUND. Refunds for services that are voluntarily not used by you cannot be made. Insurance Each participant must be covered by medical insurance that is valid overseas. We strongly urge you to evaluate your risk and to take out insurance on your trip. It is vital for you to realize that if you experience a delay or find it necessary to cancel or cut short your trip for any reason, you will lose part or the entire sum you’ve invested in it (see the section “Deposits, Cancellations and Refunds” in the trip brochure). Your tour could also be cancelled or cut short due to reasons out of Strabo’s control and Strabo cannot be held responsible. Travel insurance helps to minimize the risk of monetary losses you would incur in the event of a delay of your departure due to weather, airline strike, missed connection, etc., your inability to travel for reasons such as illness, injury, unforeseen financial complications and other personal circumstances, or if you were required to cut your trip short for medical or any other reasons. There are restrictions and limitations on any insurance program. For this reason, please read carefully the enclosed pamphlets, which outline their program of trip cancellation, baggage, and medical insurance. There are various levels of coverage you should be aware of before making your purchase. Trained agents are available to answer your questions, so don’t hesitate to call the toll-free number in their brochure. It is to your advantage to apply for insurance at the earliest possible time, so don’t delay in making a decision.
Fitness and Health The trip is not strenuous, and anyone who is reasonably fit and in good health should be able to participate. The international flight from JFK/New York City is six and a half hours. Some days the group will spend several hours in a vehicle traveling between destinations. Rest stops and photo stops are planned approximately every two hours. The maximum altitude you will reach on this trip is about 10,000 feet above sea level, while sitting in the coach. If you have any questions about your ability to participate in this trip, please contact Strabo Tours at 607-756-8676 for more information. You should also be aware that medical services or facilities might not be readily available during all or part of your trip. This could include emergency medical care, presence of physicians, or adequate medication. If you have any special needs or any physical condition that you feel might prevent you from fully participating, please contact Strabo Tours with your concerns (607)756-8676.
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