Blogs from Marrakech, Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz, Morocco, Africa - page 39

Roman Ruins and Medina Blues As they seem to say in show-biz, “The Show Must Go On.” Despite our love of Fes with its gigantic medina, its friendly cultured population and views of the Arabian/Berber lifestyle of yore, it was time to go. It was sad to move on after a beautiful day exploring, but the time had come for us to move on to new sights and sounds. Volubilis: Roman Border Town Only a few hours drive between Fes and Meknes lies the ruins of one of ancient Rome’s garrison border towns. Situated in a fertile valley between mountains, Volubilis seems an idyllic place for a successful town on the edge of a gigantic empire. For over 400 years, Romans lived here at the edge of “civilization” living off the food grown in the ... read more

After a 48 hour stop over in Ipswich (home) we were back on the road, this time headed for Africa and the exotic city of Marrakesh. On our arrival we went straight to the hotel and found ourselves a guide to take us around the souks for an afternoon of shopping, and a look around the medina. Our first impression of Marrakesh was how polluted and expensive it is, we were warned that it was likely to cost more than we expected but nothing prepared us for the UK prices combined with second world standards. But not to worry as we were there for the experience, and where else in the world can you find yourself holding a rose from a stranger whilst there´s a cobra at your feet. We remained in Marrakesh for three nights ... read more

So...Where do I begin?!?! I looooooved Morocco (Brian's not so sure yet)! Morocco was how I thought India would be before I first went-it's exotic and a little crazy, but if you need to, you can find the comforts of home. In India, some comforts of home just could not be had. Maybe it's all the tourism. While I didn't see any other Americans in Moroccco, there were tons of European tourists, including families with young children. I don't know why, but somehow Morocco has developed the perfect blend of the exotic and the familiar. All of the things that Brian and I craved in India we could find in Morocco. There was lots of meat, and I mean lots (see photos for further explanation). There was air conditioning. And hot water. And sit toilets (although ... read more

I finally arrived in Marrakesh after spending 3 days at the airports in Buenos Aires and Madrid! I was utterly frustrated and disappointed that 3 days had been wasted. But my anger soon began to fade as I was taken to the riad and offered mint tea and a hot shower. That first night, I spent some time in Jamaa El Fna square, which is the main bazaar (and tourist destination) in Marrakesh. It’s a chaotic and mesmerizing mix of artisans, musicians, snake charmers, fortune tellers, shops, fruit vendors, henna stands, jewelry stalls, and restaurants. The square is packed all through the day and night with Moroccans on vacation, foreigners soaking in the mystical ambiance, nomadic Berberans selling their wares, as well as the local Marrakeshis enjoying a night out. The souks (Moroccan markets) are just ... read more

Pra lá de Marrakech!!!!!!!!!!!... read more