Chefchaouen riad accommodation, Morocco
How Chefchaouen riad accommodation, Morocco makes a difference
Environment
Dar Gabriel was built using building materials sourced in Chefchaouen. The tadalak finishes in some of the bathrooms were created on site, with 'yeso' or plaster from Fez, and the lime wash colours came from aross the street. All the wood work for the doors and window frames were made individually for each room - the list goes on, it was frustrating and a mission, ordering tiles in Morocco for example, there are none to see, because the craftsman cannot afford to produce goods he cannot sell, they are ordered, and fired in a huge clay oven, and arrive months later!
We do not have solar power, it is so expensive to install, but electricity is well respected and energy saving bulbs are throughout the hotel. Water comes from the Chefchaouen mountain directly, and is actually potable, this saves a massive amount of plastic and problems supplying water for our guests..
There is very little packaging in Chefchaouen, - in fact any paper or bottles are treasured and used... there is no recycling - everyone uses everything.
Community
Dar Gabriel is lived in by Bensalam and his wife, and three children - they themselves employ two women who do domestic work, and food preparation. Dar Gabriel has now become home to this family, providing a roof and security for seven people.
Everything for the restaurant is bought on the day from the souk, on monday or thursdays, or the bakery, every shop (all of them tiny) can provide most things from toiletries to gas bottles. There are no hypermarkets or supermarkets, everything comes from the street shops, so the community benefits all the time. The hotel does not have any vehicles - so walking is the main mode of transport. We use a local taxi drivers Absalam - for expeditions further afield, such as an airport pick up or to go to the trailhead of a walk. We paint the street the characteirstic blue colour of Chefcahouem .
We encourage the outward bound community using guides who are regsistered and organised, we pay taxes, and generally are respected in Chefchouen as contributers to the community.
Chefchaouen riad accommodation, Morocco
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