Morocco
Read MoreA Jewish cemetery in Marrakech Morocco with a mosque in the background. Unlike many places in North Africa, there is little or no tension between the Arabic and Jewish population; when I asked about it, the locals don't even seem to get the question. Custom requires that you wash your hands after leaving the cemetery to prevent angry spirits from following you out.
This is a leather tannery, and it is not for the fain of heart. It is off the tourist beaten path. The area is strewn with animal hides in various states of processing, with chunks of hair and debris all around. We were given what was called by the local who showed us around a "Moroccan Gas Mask" which amounted to a fist full of mint leaves to make the smell bearable.
The magic formula is 7 days in lye, 1 day in pigeon poop, 7 days in a wheat solution, and 30 days in a dye vat for color, and voila! your handbag is ready...