Marrakesh- Manic Markets and Luxury Lounging.

For several months before we departed on our trip, Sue diligently checked about a dozen groupon websites for cities/countries we’d be visiting during our travels. When a great deal on a resort in Morocco appeared on the Italian website, we decided a quick jaunt into North Africa would be an interesting addition to our itinerary..

We spent 3 nights in Marrakesh, one of the ancient cultural and trade hubs of Morocco. While the area has seen a boom in tourists in recent years, with the addition of many resort complexes on the outskirts, the city center remains a whirlwind market awash in street vendors, Arabic writing, veiled women, and Mosques giving the city a very Middle Eastern appearance. We wandered the streets in the 105 degree heat before retreating to our oasis resort for massages and buffet meals. It was quite a mix.

Our Groupon sponsored resort.  The opulent oasis was a stark contrast to the busy and sweltering streets of Marrakesh

Sue relaxing in one of the many posh areas of the resort

Koutoubia Mosque, served as a point of orientation when emerging from the winding narrow market streets

The one Arabic word we knew how to read

We bought fresh squeezed orange juice in Dhenaa el-Fna Square  for 4 Durhams, or about $0.50

The rows and rows of stalls selling everything from fruits and nuts to henna tattoos and local Moroccan oils

The streets branching out from the square were a winding hub of souqs, little hole in the wall stalls, aggressively selling clothes, touristy souvenirs and as well as local painting, spices and leather goods. Most streets were fairly crowded with pedestrians but motor scooters and bicycles would regularly speed by withing inches of you. No such thing as a sidewalk.  

Dhenaa el-Fna Square also had a wide variety of entertaining acts including snake charmers

At dusk carts flow into the square full of metal scaffolding and grills which are used to erect temporary restaurants. All serve a wide mix of local favorites including roast lamb (a variety of parts including the 

head) couscous and tajines and grilled vegetables

Our dinner at one of the street restaurants. So tasty (and we didn’t get sick, yay!)

We're currently in Barcelona spending 10 days with Graham's family who flew in for a visit. Might be a little while before the next post.