Marrakech

We departed Essaouira at 6.45am on another Supa bus only taking 2-3 hours to reach Marrakech. This time we made our way through the narrow alleys of the old town by ourselves to our accomodation Riad Maud. I have perhaps the best room of the group, it being spacious but it unfortunately only has windows into the internal courtyard - great for sleeping but very dark and hopeless for getting washing dry.  It is however  on the ground floor, a major bonus. Some others in the group have to negotiate narrow spiral staircases for several floors needing to return to floor level and taking other steps up to the roof top for breakfast or reception - yes - the reception is on the roof. Now we know why it took them so long to answer the door when we arrived. We had plenty of time to wander yesterday afternoon returning to the nearby square of Djemaa el-Fna to dine at one of many restaurants set up at stalls there in the evening.  It was all very frantic with what seemed like hundreds of them all wanting our custom. When we had made our choice the appreciative staff clapped and sang to the amusement of all around. After dining we wandered to another part of the square to enjoy the entertainment. Here I wanted to photograph the snake charmer so having paid a few dirhams I was horrified when the snake was placed around my neck - not what I wanted at all.  Some photos I'd liked to have taken but unfortunately a payment was expected and my small change ran out far too quickly.
This morning breakfast was enjoyed on the roof of our building before being met by our local guide Mustafa.  He met us at 8am to begin a walking tour of the area which included visiting the Palace El-Badi, the Saadin Tombs and the manufacturing area at the back of the Souks (markets). This kept us busy until 2pm so a rather good work out. This evening we headed back to the square and dined at another stall. Some just ate the Moroccan soup again tonight at a cost of only 5 dirhams (getting about 11.15 dirhams to €1). I had some very boney fish which did cost me 75 dirhams- still extremely cheap. Also saving on wine with it just not being around although I must admit I am rather looking forward to one soon. Tomorrow we begin travelling with our own transport which comes with a driver and local guide, Mustafa.
Koutoubia Mosque

Waiting,waiting outside Riad Maud

Jemaa El Fan - Square

Hardin Majorrelle Gardens


Beverley and I with snakes

Street Musican

Inside the Palace - beautiful cedar ceilings

A fellow tourist

Solar panels in a park - plugs at base to charge phones etc

Artificial palms disguising communication equipment

Inside Saadin Tombs

Inside the Palace

Visiting the Souks with guide Mustafa

Comments

  1. Unknown22 April 2018 at 20:41

    You've got is working well now. Look forward to each post.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unknown22 April 2018 at 21:15

    We’ve now both held snakes 🐍. Loving the solar power station.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown22 April 2018 at 22:24

    OMG I would have died having the snake put on me😲. Sounds like you are having a great trip and photos are great x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Unknown23 April 2018 at 01:48

    Thanks Gael. All very foreign eh. Have friends who spent 20 years in various places in Morocco so have their word pictures to put with your actual photographs. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Unknown23 April 2018 at 01:49

    Not sure how to get my name onto it so you will know all your unknown comments are from your sister!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gael Morroco and Spain23 April 2018 at 13:13

      You appear to have it sussed now Sis. This is my first reply so not sure either xxx

      Delete

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