Marrakech

You might have heard rumors about Moroccan women being extremely beautiful.

It’s True.

Marrakech is a fantastic place to visit. The whole experience was unlike anything I’d ever witnessed before. It was a huge culture shock to me as wherever you go people are trying to sell you items in a really “hands on” way. The nightlife is just as vibrant as it is in the daytime with dancers, musicians and many other forms of entertainment everywhere to be seen. I would recommend this city to nearly everyone, just watch your valuables.

I did not like it very much because the culture is not woman alone friendly and very in your face, but if you like exotism maybe this is a place for you to go as a couple or in a group.

Ever since the movie Almost Famous where Penny Lane keeps talking about going to Morocco, I’ve been fascinated with the idea of the place. So when I realized that I only had 2 continents left on my list, Africa and Australia, I decided that it was time for Morocco.

I never had any desire to go on safari but I did always have this need to see the Sahara someday. Didn’t need to walk through it or do anything there. I just wanted to see it just so I could say that I saw it. I knew Marrakech would be the perfect starting point to experience the exotic and old school flavors of Morocco as well take a side trip to the Sahara. Beyond that, I didn’t know a whole lot about the place.

Now that I’m back, I still don’t know that I’ve been able wrap my head around the place. It was like I was in a time/reality warp. The most bizarre place I’ve ever been in my life. Totally mystical and frustrating and breathtaking and uncomfortable. It wasn’t anything like a resort vaca for sure.

I had too many different types of experiences to sum up here but I can say that I learned more and absorbed more foreign culture than any other trip I’ve ever been on.

I’ve gotten into the habit of trying to sum up my trips in a string of words. It won’t do the trip justice but here goes: pink stucco, rugged landscape, no systems to speak of, hustlers everywhere, ancient times square, Djemma el Fna, dark alleyways, schwarma, Hotel Scherazade, Yasue, terraces, mint tea, freezing rooms, cats everywhere, labrynth of souks, tagine, olive trees, minarets, “konichiwa”, veiled women, animal carcasses, doors, moroccan lamps, stinky leather, the local hammam, a scrubbing to remember, Islam, Essouira, crepes with honey, getting ripped off, juice de banane, fresh squeezed OJ, my trusty hoodie, 20 hours in a van crossing Morocco, Todra Gorge, millions and millions of stars, male and female date palms, cute country donkeys, the Todra valley, the carpet hard sell, Berber villages, beggars – mostly women and children, Moustapha the camel, The Sahara, mountains of sand, camel poop, berber tents, Bara the frisky nomad, berber drums, Pan&Sophie, Marcus, Maria&that other girl, sand toilets, listening to “End of the World” while crossing the Sahara, argan oil, fresh figs and dates, Jafar, pad see ew at Nawarma, Riad Celia, view of the moon and stars from the terrace, Rachel in Gueliz, final meal of veggie couscous, the final glass of fresh oj at dawn.

well having been to marrakech loads of times, i almost know what it would be like to live there.. especially with THE people . i would suggest visitors going to marrakech or anywhere else in morocco to dress modestly. if you go for really ‘flashy’ looks, than its guaranteed there will b so many perves out there droolin (jus so u know, this onli applies for the women)haha but umm things could get dangerous wen you have stalkers especially when things can get out of hand.. bcos seriously u wouldnt wanna hear my thrillin stories
oh yes, i’ve been through it myself..

An awesome place to visit.. reviberating the trade that must have been going on here for as long as people have been travelling throught this part of the world.

The souks or open market is really an eye opener to any foreigh traveller. But do stay in a group.

it’s more than a decade ago. all the buildings are red. it’s set on the mountains. very hot! the olive gardens smelt great!

I’d love to wander through the labyrinthine souks, go for a camel trek, sleep in a nomad tent in the desert, drink mint tea with the locals, etc …

The first time I went to this place I was simply amazed. The Souks, the Market Square. It is, unexpectedly, very oriental.

try to get out of town and go to some of the Berber villages or small towns on a market day. It is a very different experience. Warning: not good for those who are especially sensitive to the sight of dead animals.