Venturing into Marrakech

Day two of our trip was scheduled as a Marrakech day. We had big plans – see the architecture, buy things in the souks, eat good food. It didn’t turn out exactly as planned, unfortunately.

Entering the main square in the medina

There were a few reasons for the change of plans, I think mostly due to my own issues.

Jen in the souks

1. It was hot. So hot. By the time we were met by our driver, my clothes were nearly dripping with sweat. England has spoiled my ability to cope with the heat.

2. The photo above is of the Djemaa el Fna. I’ve never been to a market so bustling and had a hard time dealing with the tight corridors and aggressive vendors. Having been assaulted two days prior, I have a feeling that my anxiety levels were already rather high. I had a very difficult time dealing with this.

To give you a bit of background, I’ve provided some information from Wiki:

Marrakech has the largest traditional market (souk) in Morocco and also has one of the busiest squares in Africa and the world, Djemaa el Fna.[2] The square bustles with acrobats, story-tellers, water sellers, dancers and musicians. By night food stalls open in the square turning it into a huge busy open-air restaurant.

I’m disappointed that I let my apprehension rule over the experience of being in the city, but it gives me reason to return – perhaps at a cooler time of year. I would bring different clothing as well – even though I was wearing long shirts and a tshirt, I still felt extremely conspicuous in this Muslim city.

The oldest mosque in Africa

The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech, Morocco. The minaret was completed under the reign of the AlmohadCaliphYaqub al-Mansur (1184-1199) and was used as the model for the Giralda of Seville and for the Hassan Tower of Rabat.

The oldest mosque in Africa

Entering the main square in the medina

One of the shops in the souks

Jen in the souks

Chicken, veggies and cous cous at a restaurant across from the mosque

This brave little kitten knew who to approach for food. “En plus, en plus?” He said.

More of the Palais Mehdi

The next day we went to Marrakech, which was an experience in itself that I will write about later.

In the meantime, take a few moments to view more photos of our hotel, including the fresh-squeezed orange juice that we had for breakfast. Imagine – orange juice that tastes like oranges. And no pulp!

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Palais Mehdi

Palais Mehdi and the Pool

Reprieve from the sun next to a birdbath at the pool

Months ago Jen and I had seen a deal on KGB Deals for a three night stay in a five star hotel in Marrakech. Bed and breakfast, free shuttle to and from the airport, and a 30 minute massage in the spa.

Nice.

We arrived on September 4 – the flight was 3.5 hours – and it was hot! Luckily, the hotel – the Palais Mehdi – had a pool, at which we spent most of our time. It was my first relax-style holiday without an All-Inclusive package, which took some time to adjust to. Breakfast was included but if we wanted to eat at the hotel for other meals, it came with a hefty price. You can see some of the meals we had in the gallery below.

Our Spanish-Moorish inspired bathroom facilities.

Because the hotel is outside the town of Marrakech and located in the Palmeries, we had to drive into town to get food from a supermarket. Lucky for us the hotel had two drivers that cost the same as taking a taxi. Unluckily, they only spoke French so I did a lot of translating.

One thing to note in Marrakech – the primary language is Arabic, however we were told by our driver Abdul (both drivers were named Abdul!) that they learn French from a young age, thus most people speak this language. We had a few staff at the hotel who spoke English, but it would have been difficult to order meals and give directions to the driver without some French. Something to keep in mind if you plan to go. On the other hand, the French that is spoken uses a clean French accent (no mixed-up Quebecois) and because it’s not their first language, it is spoken very slowly and in my view is easier to understand than even the accents of those in France.

Moon behind the palms

Before leaving for Morocco, I was really excited by the prospects of the delicious fruit that we would be eating, but what I found upon arrival was that the only fruit available at the hotel was the fresh-squeezed orange juice (delicious!) or the fruit salad which was primarily apples. I felt a bit fruit-and-veg-deprived and our meals at the hotel were very meaty. I don’t recommend the ‘Moroccan Salads’. Not good.

More photos and descriptions below…

Palais Medhi and the Pool

Cooling off next to the pool

With only three or four rooms occupied, we had the pool nearly to ourselves. Once we had to share with the female actress from the TV series ‘Sirens’

Oppulent bedspread and suite.

Our Spanish-Moorish inspired bathroom facilities.

Attention to detail – and Jennifer’s feet

Too hot to wear these outside, but we couldn’t resist the photo op

Traditional Moroccan meal cooked in the clay dishes. This was chicken, lemon and olive.

I was so disappointed with the salads that I couldn’t finish the meal; and you know how I hate to waste food.

Unfortunately these weren’t ripe – otherwise I’d not complain about lack of fresh fruit. Pommegranate

These weren’t ready yet either – unripe olives taste like burning

Moon behind the palms

The hot wind blows

I know they take siestas in Mexico and spain, but are they commonplace in morocco as well?

Its just us at the pool right now; no guests, no staff- everyone seems to be hiding from the heat. But today is my last day with guaranteed sunshine so I want to make the most of it. And after a leisurely hour in the hammam followed by a massage, relaxing in the shade of The palms with periodic pool dips sounds just about right.

Le Palais Mehdi

The last hoorah, for Jennifer at least. Here we are in morocco, lounging poolside in the sun. It’s 41• Celsius and our bodies, which seem to have adapted to the British version of summer (which apparently is none) are in shock. Heat? What’s that?
We went to town earlier today (photos later) and I couldn’t wait to change out of my clothes. How the women of morocco can handle the heat whilst dressed in full length tunics and burkas is beyond me. But modesty reins here, and even in my knee length shorts and T-shirt I felt very exposed. I bought a hat to make up for it.

At our hotel/resort we can walk around in whatever suits our moods. I have opted for swimsuit at this moment. Jennifer, a towel.

Morocco is beautiful, even in all it’s chaos. It’s been the perfectly-timed escape from my own chaos storm in london, which I will write about later in a dedicated blog entry. Lets just say that tomorrow’s hammam and massage are going to help ease the tension caused by an unexpected event that occurred on Thursday.
For now, though, I am sitting back and enjoying the sunshine.

Xoxo

JR