Morocco

One of the only countries in the world to be bordered by two oceans and a desert. This, taken with the fact it has a major mountain range gives Morocco a really varied topography. The madness of Marrakesh contrasts with the awsome silence of the Sahara and the tranquillity of the coastal towns.

The world's interior style magazines that have only relatively recently discovered Moroccan riads contrasts with most of the locals who really just don't care about fashion statements like that. A local summed things up by quoting a magazine that said Fes was the new Marrakesh. "Why?" he said, "Fes has been here for 100s of years and we've all known that here!"

The mint tea is addictive as are the tagines and couscous dishes, although both are a little monotonous after a while.