Like ice cubes thrown into a cup of warm tea, we quickly melted to the charms of Morocco. Chilled by the Iceland winds and rain, we were ready for a climate change, and we couldn't have done better than Morocco. We landed to bright sunshine, palm trees and we could feel our blood circulating once again. But more than just the temperature change, we had to shift our perspectives to a radically different culture in a completely different part of the world. We started in Marrakesh, a city which oozes history while it clearly has an eye to the future. Preparations were underway for a November 2-week global conference on climate change occurring during 2 weeks in November.
After nearly 15 hours of travel, we were blurry-eyed
. Thankfully, we had pre-arranged an airport pick-up to get us to our accommodations, or we would still be looking for it! We were staying in a Riad, which is an historic residence converted to a B&B. The city has hundreds of these, which can vary from the luxurious to the basic. We chose one somewhere in the middle, but came highly rated in Trip Advisor. It was in the older part of the city called the medina, a large, walled tangle of narrow streets, blind alleys, with all sorts of ways to get very, very lost. And sure enough, we did get lost a few times. Luckily, Moroccans are particularly friendly and more than willing to help. One night, we spent a full hour trying to find our Riad, Bonnie’s fluent French was a lifesaver in this Francophone country.While in Marrakesh, we spent long days divided between sightseeing and power shopping. One day, we walked 13 km, according to Bonnie’s FItbit. Sites included many former palaces, schools, and mosques. Some sites were in fairly rough shape with only hints of their former glory days. The mosaic tile, marble work, and wood-carving were intricate and in ornate patterns, all very impressive. We even visited an ancient synagogue that is still in use, but there is no signage marking its location.
Think that you’re a savvy shopper? You have never shopped until you’ve hit the souks here (market areas)
. Narrow streets, with shops chock-a-block. They are a jumble of chaotic activity, between aggressive shopkeepers, donkey carts, hordes of local and tourist shoppers, speeding motorbikes, droves of stray cats, kids afoot, restaurants, food kiosks, and everything imaginable for sale. Having experienced souks before, we were pros at navigating and haggling, but even we were challenged by the souks of Marrakesh. There are so many sellers of the same items; the competition is fierce. Even the slightest interest shown in any item will have the shopkeepers working on you until they make the sale. They don’t give up. Eventually, you settle on a price, and all is well. Nonetheless, you always wonder if they haven’t gotten the better of you. It is a game that is played between you and them, and it can wear you down. But it can also be fun, if your head is in the right place. And as I have described in previous blogs, Bonnie is a master of the deal. I simply stand in awe as she uses her charm and persistence to get what she wants. She’s no pushover, and it’s common for her to walk out on a deal, only to have the shopkeeper chase her down the road to complete the sale
. You can bet this would never happen at Macy’s.One of the things we so enjoyed about Morocco was the food. We went into a nondescript restaurant and had a magnificent meal. Total bill: $12 including tip. The food was nicely spiced and delicious. Another night, we happened upon a beautifully-decorated restaurant called Dar Es Salem. It featured traditional Moroccan fare, African music, and belly dancers. It was a feast of sight and sounds. In fact, Hitchcock’s "The Man Who Knew Too Much" was filmed there in 1956. Of course, we were picked to join the band, and Bonnie, the intrepid traveller wound up dancing as part of the show (I have the video to prove it). It was a trip highlight— you had to be there.
Anyone who has been to Marrakesh will probably tell you that the craziest place in the city is its central square called Jemaa El Fna. Day and night, it’s filled with snake-charmers, monkey-handlers, drumming/dancing groups, games of chance, Moroccan fast food stands, beggars, orange juice stands, Africans selling knock-offs of all types, and tons of others trying to earn some cash selling various and sundry chachkas
. The sound levels can be high, but it has a carnival-like atmosphere that is infectious and great fun. We went there every night.After 3 days in the madness of Marrakesh, it was time for a little R&R, so we bussed it to a resort town on the Atlantic coast called Agadir. My friend, Joe, had suggested it, and it proved to be exactly what we wanted. We stayed at an all-inclusive resort that was beautiful and offered a full range of activities, a beach, a freeform pool, etc. We soon learned that it was very popular with Europeans, with few N. Americans evident, While there, Bonnie sharpened her archery skills, while I sampled the scotch. Mostly, though, we vegged, relaxing to the sound of the waves and the seagulls. It was a perfect prelude to the next part of our trip, a leisurely cruise across the Atlantic.As you can probably tell, this trip is living up to our expectations, if not surpassing them. Thus far, it’s been all good, and we’ve managed to avoid any adversity, but for the head cold which I seem to be developing. Perhaps, another scotch is in order…..
MAGICAL MOROCCO
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Marrakech, Morocco
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2025-02-10
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cissie.retired
2016-10-17
Love your photos! Especially your dress-up ones. What a stark change from Iceland to Marrakesh,in temperatures, culture, language and comfort. As seasoned travelers, you have a great advantage: choosing great places to stay and eat. I wish you happy days and no colds for the rest of your journey.
melissagquest
2016-10-17
So, I see Ali Baba but where are the thieves??? LOL. It sounds *lovely*.
Atiq
2016-10-20
we def want to see the vid proof of Bonnie's belly dancing moves. I hope you bought the traditional clothing (you look like a badass merchant and Bonnie, is that really you?) - halloween is around the corner:(
Hope Springman
2016-10-21
Loved this entry, and the photos are amazing! Loved your new look as Ali and Mrs. Baba. Marrakech sounds like the most interesting and mysterious city, and of course you had unforgettable adventures there. Bonnie's shopping skills continue to be legendary! ✈️