Now that the dreary days of November are here in Boise Idaho, I spend most of my days indoors, writing, and researching. Recently, I drove to the mall for an afternoon of distraction. When I stopped for a coffee and a sweet bite I suddenly found myself in a completely different universe.

My eye caught a display of pink and orange colored macaroons in a glass jar. I smiled, in my mind I was transported back to Marrakech, as if I could feel the hot Moroccan sun on my skin.

I remembered another array of pink macaroons in a glass jar, the ones I saw at the La Mamounia hotel. Vivid memories of that afternoon spent at the fabulous La Mamounia hotel came back. A former royal palace from the 12th century, the reputation of this place, the quiet luxury it exudes, is legendary.

I remembered my husband and I walking along the grounds, we explored the buildings, let the fragrance of the blooms linger. It all felt so peaceful behind the protective pink walls.

I remember the walk in the luscious garden.

Our stop at the garden pavillion, we sat down and enjoyed some ice cold Sprite, the graciousness of our waiter was touching.

This afternoon was an escape from the crowded streets of the Medina.

Inside the pavillion the display of colorful macaroons looked stunning, chocolates, Biscottis, ice cream, Raspberry tartes, Lemon curd tarts, it was too much to take in. Impossible to choose one.

Funny, how the brightly colored macaroons at a café in Boise suddenly brought back memories of the macaroons at the La Mamounia in Marrakech.

more information. mamounia.com