Music soothes the savage traveller

Song was the universal constant as I travelled this last year. Here are a few video clips to hold you over as I take a brief hiatus.

Argentinian musician Alan Olivo was one of my roommates at my Marrakech hostel over the Christmas holidays.

I have to admit, it feels a little strange to be writing my travel column from my home in Montréal. I’m not sure how long I am back for, but there are still lots of tales left to tell from my 10 months on the road, so my posts will carry on while, in the real world, I may actually be standing still.

But I am feeling the need for a slight vacation from my travel writing, so please forgive me if this week’s post is a little skimpy. I have quite frankly run out of gas for now and need some time off to recharge.

I’m hoping to be back at it by next week. Meanwhile, here are a few select video clips that are highlights of my visits to a few dozen European and Moroccan cities.

This free concert at the La Banda Rooftop Hostel in Sevilla, Spain, featured singer/dancer/actress Ángeles Rusó. Her Instagram is @angelesruso.

One of my roommates at my Riad Dia hostel in Marrakech was Alan Olivo, an Argentinian musician, and we had a few impromptu jam sessions on the roof of the hostel. You can find him at https://www.instagram.com/stories/jukeboxalan.

Carnaval on Easter weekend in Toulouse, France. This troupe consisted almost exclusively of women drummers.

More music, different hostel. This was in Essaouira, Morocco, at the Essaouira Beach Hostel, just before New Year’s.

A little New Orlean’s-style celebration of a civil marriage (known as PACS in France) winds its way through the centre of Toulouse. No hostel connection this time, I was tipped off to this by the host of my Airbnb (see if you can spot him).

Sunset, surf and sails; what more do you need to cap a wonderful day on the beaches of Essaouira?

Okay, that’s it for today. See you once I’ve recharged.