I had come to Marrakesh, Morocco, several times before. I remembered it as a place where a foreigner could not walk more than five minutes without being hassled by "guides" who would insist to offer their services and help you visit the city. You would inevitably end-up in a shop, and if you happened to buy something, the guide would get his commission. (Doesn't it remember you of anything? Hint: I am a company who originally sold books).

But this time, no-one would come to talk to you even when you looked at items in the bazaar. The reason? After the Casablanca bombing some months earlier, the police had made it clear that tourists should not be disturbed. Actually, I was downright scared when I thought of how this new policy might have been enforced at the beginning, to get this massive change.

About the picture:

The mellah is the Jewish district of Arabic cities. In practise, few Jews live in it anymore, but interestingly, it is the poorest area of the old city. What triggered me to take this photograph is the color of the girls'dresses: both were of a bright orange that somewhat resonates with the tones of the wall. Having them framed in the doorway added to the visual appeal, and the gate brings balance to the composition.