Page 58 - PANAMA MAG N°1

Did you know...
There is a city in Morocco (called “CHAOUEN” for short) is a bewitchingly BLUE-washed dreamland. Viewing it from above is like looking at a city under water visiting on the ground is a transcendent full-immersion experience where the color wraps around you on every winding street.
Yet​ it's not the mountains or the "Game of Thrones" architecture that travelers come in their thousands to see.
When Hitler’s growing power drove JEWS from their homes in the 1930s, many refugees once again fled to safety in Chefchaouen. It was these people that painted the town the vivid shade of blue it is known for today.
Until 1948, most of the Jewish families remained living here happily amongst their neighbors, Muslim and native Berber families. But in 1948, most of the Jewish families left for Israel.
Nowadays not only do locals enjoy the symbolism behind the blue, but they also say that it helps keep their homes cooler. Tourists are welcomed with open arms, as locals love to show off their amazing village and all that it has to offer.
It's the color -- a gorgeous BLUE rinse that covers not only Chaouen's houses but its mosques, government buildings, public squares and even its lampposts and trash cans.
IN JUDAISM, BLUE REPRESENTS THE SKY AS WELL AS THE HEAVENS, REMINDING EVERYONE TO LIVE A LIFE FULL OF SPIRITUAL AWARENESS.
BACK IN THE LATE 1400’S JEWS THAT FLED TO SFED ALSO PAINTED THEIR HOMES BLUE AS A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION
WHEN THE BLUE GROUND BECOMES WET IT SERIOUSLY STARTS TO LOOK LIKE A WONDROUS WATER WORLD.