MARRAKECH
I love saying Marrakech and it is everything as exotic as the name suggests. I spent one week in this beautiful city and it wasn't nearly enough but it did give me enough memories to last a lifetime. Located in the northernmost corner of Africa, it is easy to be enamored by this city that offers so many different options: the beautiful snow-capped Atlas mountains, wonderful seaside towns, bustling city center and magnificent, unique Moroccan architecture. Nothing beats the sunsets though. The pink-hued skies are purely magic. Against the red sand and buildings, it is no small wonder why Marrakech has inspired artists for centuries. I know I say this about everywhere but truly, it's a place of dreams come true. Here are some highlights from my 7 days there.
Marrakech is really a tale of two cities. The old Medina and the new city. The Medina is protected with these ancient walls. Here you can see the Koutoubia Mosque towering above the square.
The Median walls which are a UNESCO World Heritage site The walls of this city date back to the 16th century.
The Magnificent Koutoubia Mosque. The mosque was first completed in 1157. After they realized the mosque was not aligned to face Mecca, the tower at the top was built and completed in 1158.
Marrakech gave me all the doorway, archway, window glory my heart could hold. The architecture and tile work is just beyond and I have about 100 pictures of doorways and archways, windows and doorknobs but I won't inundate you too much. However, indulge me as I share some of my faves. I mean, how is this not happening in my life in DC? I need a Moroccan garden in the middle of the city, LOL.
This was me all day. Craning my neck at every ceiling or posing in front of every door. Everything is so intricate and ornate. I loved them all.
The entrance to a restaurant in the Medina. I don't remember what I ate but I know I will never forget this tile work :)
The courtyard of the Palace de Bahia. Built in the late 19th century. My tour guide said the palace was named for one of the king's wives. Listen, nothing says love like naming a palace for a woman, o-kay! :)
No, really, every single door or archway was my spot :)
There seems to be something charming to see everywhere you look in Marrakech. I couldn't get enough of restaurants that ball out with the chandelier, tiles, carpets, plush silk-covered cushions, etc. It's all so luxe and I was in love.
Prime example. I mean, this just begs the question: what is restraint anyway? LOL
The Argan oil cooperatives are outside of the city. They are run and staffed completely by women who work daily processing argan oil and argan cosmetic products. It's impressive to see them busy at work and I have a new understanding of why argan products are so expensive. The women literally crack every argan nut by hand, grind and process the oil and mix with other things to make products. It's tedious and makes sense that it costs so much.
So, as you know from my other blog posts, I am a fan of booking a tour of every city you visit. I highly recommend doing so in Marrakech. There's so much history and culture and a tour is a perfect way to learn about everything. Also, the souks and medina can be pretty busy and overwhelming. It's good to find someone who can guide you through and yes, will take you to his cousin's store to buy wares but trust me, it's still better than figuring it out on your own. The best tours were the ones I took outside of the city to the Atlas mountains, Berber villages and argan oil women's collective.
The Atlas mountains are bordered by these beautiful valleys and lakes. I didn't know the tour included a hike up the see base of the snow-capped mountains but I took it like a champ especially cause there were waterfalls along the way. It was great to see Ait Souka village and eat at the home of a Berber family.
Snow capped Atlas Mountains. I remember exhaling and just feeling so blessed to be at this very spot.
Such a beautiful country!
Me, waterfall happy :)
Life is pretty rustic in the Ait Souka village which meant it's super peaceful. Add that to the presence you feel from the Atlas mountains and it's quite the spiritual experience. These are the inexplicable joys of travel.
Mules are trusted modes of transportation here. Ehm, did I ride one? No, I hiked and it was brutal, smh. Next time, do as the villagers do and ride that mule!
Laundry is the same everywhere, m'kay :)
Included in the tour was a traditional berber lunch with a view. It was amazing! And I could sit and refuel after that surprise hike :)
The meal was prepared by a lovely family in the village. They were amazing hosts and had two teenage sons who didn't speak a lot of English but knew "selfie"
My buddies :)
There home is decorated in traditional berber colors and the carpet is hand woven right there in the village.
On the way back from the Berber village to Marrakech, we stopped at a small town where an Islamic festival was happening. It was lit! Loved seeing people gathered with their families dancing, eat and celebrating.
I have to work on my video skills but I was filming from atop a camel. Her name is Aisha.
A trip to Marrakech will not be complete without spending a lot of time at the Jemaa el Fna, the bustling city square that's home to street vendors, entertainers and surrounded by the souks. It is a dance of the senses and you have to be on high alert or get swept away with everything. Also, you have to be cautious with your camera. Every shot has a price and the entertainers see everything! I went to find the snake charmers. I chickened out when it came time to hold one of the snakes but I was happy with just these pictures.
There are so many lantern stores in the souks and you know I love me some lanterns!
It is a dance of the senses and you have to be on high alert or get swept away with everything. Also, you have to be cautious with your camera. Every shot has a price and the entertainers see everything! I went to find the snake charmers. I chickened out when it came time to hold one of the snakes but I was happy with just these pictures.
I managed to sneak in a little video before he told me my tip amount didn't cover the video :)
There were many people offering henna tattoos. I opted against getting one because I read online that some people have serious allergic reactions to henna and the way my sensitive skin is set up, I thought it better to just admire other tourists'. Here's one design I liked from a lady I met at the souk who got a henna tattoo.
Pretty huh?
Got to view the square from the rooftop of a restaurant and you can see how busy the square gets. This was early evening so it wasn't even at full capacity but already teeming with people.
Marrakech's culture is rich and vibrant. I love the spirit, people are constantly dancing and singing. Yes, they talk loudly too but everywhere you stop, someone is offering mint tea and a smile. I enjoyed the belly dancers at every restaurant. This lady was my favorite.
I'm taking over 2017 just like this :)
I got to take a day trip to the nearby seaside town, Essaouira. Just four hours from Marrakech, it's a respite in the summer from the heat and many families spend their weekends here.
Essaouira houses an old fort tower and the wharf which has all kinds of delicious fresh food. The Essaouira souks are also plentiful and they have lots of beautiful products for sale.
Panoramic of Essaouira
The fishermen docks is also the home to the fish market and the fresh seafood restaurants. There are tons of seagulls and I love that there's one in this shot.
Standing at the Medina entrance in Essaouria.
The souks in Essaouria have beautiful wares. I especially loved the pottery. It was unique and colorful and more spectacular than the already beautiful pieces I saw in Marrakech.
Of course, you have to visit a carpet seller in Marrakech. Trust me, there are tons and it's difficult not only to decide on which shop to buy from but also which carpet to decide upon. They have so many patterns from handwoven to wool knitted and machine strewn carpets. They had several Arab and Berber patterns too. I loved the colors and yes, I did get two mid-sized carpets: one for my parents and one for my house.
This is just one corner of the carpet shop. Imagine this all all the way around a 600 square ft room. That's a lot of carpets! Carpet anyone? How many times did I say carpet?
Yes, I was bribed with Moroccan mint tea but I didn't waver, this Nigerian girl can bargain anywhere, anytime :)
Oh, and about that sunset...
See what I mean?
Check out the Food page for details on scrumptious Morroccan cuisine
Until the next adventure,
XOXO
Moni