Moroccan doors

More on our little jaunt to Marrakech. We were mesmerized by the City's tiny passageways which seemed to shrink as we got closer to Jema al Fnaa (the main square, where we actually ate one evening - just like Anthony Bourdain!).

It was fun walking through the souks, especially as we were trying to haggle with store owners, get away from aggressive sellers, not get run over by speeding mopeds or the odd donkey or have the girls' heads rubbed by the locals!!!! It was crazy.... but through all of this noise and hustle and bustle you occasionally find a door and start to wonder what lies beyond!

Ksar Anika, Marrakech, Morocco

While we were in Marrakech, we stayed at the Ksar Anika, a gorgeous riad which was tucked away in a little side street, surrounded by cotton manufacturers. When our driver dropped us at a large black door, we had no idea what lay beyond. It was far better than we imagined - Venetian plastered walls in varying colours, huge Moroccan lanterns and intricately carved tables next to comfortable chairs. There was a beautiful courtyard where a small pool shocked the eye with its blue tiles. We also ate breakfast here, which consisted of fresh fruit, yogurt, freshly squeezed orange juice, baked breads drizzled with honey and a steaming hot pot of strong black coffee.

For further information go to http://www.ksaranika.com/

Marrakech, Morocco

Nothing prepared us for the sights, sounds and smells of Marrakech! I really like the word cacophony and that kind of sums up the City. It's loud, bustling, busy and packed full. The journey from the airport to our hotel had our jaws dropping. The drivers were so bad, weaving in and out, motorbikes and mopeds (no one wearing helmets either!) overtaking and under cutting cars, horses and donkeys sharing the roads too.

As we entered the City or Palace walls we seemed to be entering a dusty pinkish/orange labyrinth. As we got closer to the centre the passageways got smaller and smaller. We were glad to finally reach our hotel, a very trendy riad, not far from the main square and souks (I will post photos of our hotel in a couple of days). In the meantime, enjoy a few photos:

All photographs are the property of Valerie Wills
Please ask for permission if you wish to use them.

Birthday wishes

It's my husband and my son's birthday today - isn't that amazing? After giving my husband the "best birthday present ever" 11 years ago, it's kind of hard to top!

This is where my friend, James Bacchi, came to the rescue. I had the pleasure of meeting James last year at the Icons of Design, Millenium Towers where his gallery, ArtHaus, provided stunning pieces for the entryway. We hit it off straight away and I feel so proud that we now have the start of a mini collection of our own.

When I was a young girl working in Mayfair, I was so intimidated by the art galleries of Bond Street and Jermyn Street, I'd peer through their windows instead. This is not the case with ArtHaus. The space is so warm and inviting. I had called James and said I wanted to purchase a small piece, I arrived the next day at the gallery and James, knowing my taste already, had pulled a number of paintings for me to view. I was made to feel like royalty and my budget wasn't laughed at!!

Just take a look at the piece I chose:

El Nino by Carolyn Meyer, 1995

Here are a few of the beautiful pieces currently on show. I have my eye on this fabulous painting by Kenney Mencher - I'm sure if the majority of us look through our parents or grandparents photo albums then we would find something similar:

Adam Kurtzman's sexy Kewpie:

Another of my favourite artists: Marc Lambrechts:

More stunning paintings by Carolyn Meyer:

Pamela Dernham's "Pink Ladies":

Currently on exhibition at ArtHaus: The Backyard by Chris Schiavo:

James and I

Fred, from the HR Dept., dealing with two young customers!

For further information please contact:
James Bacchi

ArtHaus
411 Brannan Street

San Francisco, CA 94107

Tel. 415-977-0223