A thousand rose petals lay fresh and drying in shallow wicker baskets. There were several of them, on both sides of the alleyway, randomly spaced among stalls. The pink color was bright and very attractive!

We were being good tourists! Listening to our tour guide’s advise was well-taken. Walking in single file helped with navigating the narrow passageways. It was also helping with avoiding too much attention from the hawkers. However, it was really difficult ignoring all the colorful and interesting products around us.

The pink rose, in particular, caught our attention. It was usual for us seeing rose flowers sold at supermarkets or flower shops. It was not usual seeing only the petals being sold in wicker baskets.

The selling of petals were for a variety of reason: cosmetic, culinary, and cultural.

Hair and face mask can be created by mixing Moroccan clay with dried rose buds. Petals are used to produce rose water as facial toner, skin cleanser, and wrinkle control. Baths become more relaxing with petals mixed with sea salt.

The culinary applications of the flower include incorporating it with spice mixes, decorating pastries and sweets, and adding it to Moroccan mint tea for its aromatic property.

Medicinal and household uses include remedy for stomach ailments and as household scent.

Random photographs of our travels. Memories found and captured in a photograph.