Marrekech

Saturday, December 31, 2016
Marrakesh, Marrakesh-Tensift-El Haouz, Morocco
We arrived a day early to Marrakesh through a series of mishaps with American airlines. Our Chicago flight out of Minneapolis was delayed which would've resulted in us missing our flight to Madrid and on to Marrakesh. They were unable to contact us initially and thankfully went through our emergency contact and reached Gina's father Ron, who called us. Ironically we were standing at the American gate as Tami and Dean were about to board their flight to Dallas. They found us two seats on their plane so we were able to travel together. An overnight flight with the time zone difference, made easier with the free drinks served on international flights. Upon arriving to Madrid, we expected a 12 hour layover, but quickly realized American had changed our flight again and we only had 45 minutes to catch out next flight. We're still looking forward to a 24 hour layover in Madrid on the way home.

New Year's day and we're sitting on the rooftop of our Riad by the pool, enjoying mid 60s weather . Last night we found ourselves in the Medina Square. There was a massive crowd of locals hovering around the street food vendors so we decided to eat there. We ordered several different dishes with chicken lamb and vegetable kebabs, couscous, and Tagine-covered clay pots slow cooked over an open fire. The food was delicious and the four of us ate for less than $50. We then went around the corner of the square and found a bar (not an easy feat in a Muslim country) where we went to the rooftop and ordered cocktails with various Europeans ringing in the new year with us. Particular note of this evening is the hookah that we decided to try with mint flavored tobacco. It was just after midnight when we decided to leave as we had a $2 wager if Tami could get us home through the maze of streets that honeycomb the Medina. Within minutes we realized Tami was taking us far away from where we needed to go, asked a local to point us in the right direction and started back the opposite direction. Thankfully, a taxi drove by and although overpriced, we got in and arrived close to our Riad . We proceeded to our own rooftop with our bottle of Cuban rum. By 3 AM we decided we've had enough, except Tami. We woke up this morning slightly hungover but had a plentiful breakfast provided by our Riad (fresh squeezed orange juice, yogurt with pomegranate seeds, scrambled eggs and a variety of rolls. We spent this afternoon wandering through a botanical garden full of different species of cacti of all shapes and sizes.

We are now on day three of Marrakesh staying in the Medina and getting lost several times each day as we wander the souks, markets, locals, and the hubbub of Marrakesh. Locals are more than helpful to show us the way, and we followed one right into a leathery tannery, being handed a sprig of mint to help with the smell, and learning how they use pigeon poop to scrape the fat from the hides, then soaking them in giant vats of ammonia. Of course everyone wants a bit of cash for their help. The old part of the city we are wandering is full of street vendors selling everything from spices, jewelry, scarfs, leathers, etc, but most of it looks suspiciously like what we've seen in other travels, making us believe it's all from China. It is entertaining nonetheless to get lost and practice our Arabic on the locals who we are not fooling, but they seem to appreciate our efforts nonetheless.

Tonight we will venture out for our last night in Marrakesh, again going to the main square in the Medina to enjoy more local food, experiencing the crowds, sights, sounds, smells and flavors of Marrakesh. It really is a beautiful city with intricately carved doorways, archways and a multitude of colors and tiles everywhere. There is a never ending maze of tiny cobblestone streets and alleyways, crowds of people, motorbikes and bicycles driving erratically. Tomorrow we'll wake early for a taxi to take us to the Atlantic coast, where we will be spending three nights in a little surfing town called Taghazout.

Comments

jodi
2017-01-03

Happy New Year....safe travels!

Lisa walter
2017-01-03

Amazing!!! I love the detail you provide for everyone to imagine we are right there with you. Enjoy and stay safe!

Ellie Mazzio
2017-01-04

Loved reading your blog and seeing your pictures. Glad you're having a good time.

2025-02-11

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