Former US diplomat takes a trip down memory lane in Morocco

Nostalgic and affectionate, former political adviser at the U.S. embassy in Rabat (1979-1982), Robert Holliday brings back the memories of his stay in Morocco, a "special", "authentic" and "unique" country in "the wisdom it inspires."

Washington - Nostalgic and affectionate, former political adviser at the U.S. embassy in Rabat (1979-1982), Robert Holliday brings back the memories of his stay in Morocco, a "special", "authentic" and "unique" country in "the wisdom it inspires."

With quite an amazing ease, Robert Holliday, 74, goes back in time to revisit his memories in Morocco that he deeply admires.

"I love Morocco very much. It is probably the most beautiful and most original country in the Arab region. Its cuisine is also one the best in the world," the former diplomat says with a twinkle of excitement in his eyes at the thought of the country he adores.

He says Morocco is a "very special, open place. A grand country with its own identity which enables it to achieve a rare balance" in the region.

Holliday's attachment to Morocco is quite obvious through the various Arab artefacts adorning his house located near the National Zoo in Washington.

Presenting his rare rug collection including a zayani and a glaoui of the thirties that adorn the walls of his hall, Robert Holliday proved to be a connoisseur on the Moroccan handicraft. The host said he liked the colours of the Moroccan rug for their "naturalness".

Paintings representing the city of Zerhoun and the Moroccan people decorate the wall of the living room. “it was a German lady, Ushi who drew them in the 80’s,” he said.

On a glass table rests majestically a dagger “he likes very much”; as well as some pieces of Moroccan money, some of which date back to 1299 of the hejira.

At the corners of the room, engravings bought from Marrakech had pride of place across from the beautiful Moroccan pottery objects.

The former American diplomat remembers his multiple encounters in Rabat and his “very friendly relations with Moroccan officials”.

Holiday talked with enthusiasm about his trips to the south of Morocco: Marrakech, Imilchil, Erfoud, Rissani, Tinghir,Tinfou and other remote villages that are well known to Holiday, who insists on showing these places on a map of Morocco.

In a pause of meditation, he immersed himself in his memories to describe the beautiful sand dunes, hiking in the mountains or the good people encountered en route.

“This corresponded to what I read in old books. It was really nice,” the former diplomat says, before adding that “he felt at home, some regions of Morocco remind him of the areas of his hometown.”

"If I had to recommend a destination for holidays, it would be Morocco. It was so good to live in this country,” concludes Robert Holliday with the same nostalgic tone.

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