In Marrakech.

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Another delightful Moroccan breakfast. Well really Moroccan with the lot. Here the olives still accompany breakfast dishes but so do piles of fruit, petit tubs of slightly flavoured yoghurts, a mixture of cheese and meats more extensive than we’ve seen for a while, an array of cooked dishes again extensive but far beyond what we can even look at and then cakes, pastries and little Arabic pancakes that are great with goats cheese and strawberry jam (sort of east meets west fusion food). Additionally the juices are terrific with the stand out exception of some cucumber based concoction that no amount of doctoring could render it drinkable. Breakfast is around the pool but it’s a pool that I’ve never seen anyone in or even near. Sure they have a pool complex not far away but this one looks good. Although the temperature hit 38 degrees it’s cool and comfortable in the riad. I’m in the courtyard as Lee rests and there is no air conditioning here (or air machines as one staff referred to them) but it’s cool and comfortable. There’s running water and small fountains and the physical lay out helps keep cool and really it’s very good.

The photos let you know we did the hop on hop off bus thing again. Two routes here in Marrakesh and both interesting. Marrakesh is a very green city with heaps of gardens and lots of space. The planning is very French, with wide boulevards, ornate lighting and lots of gardens. Still the streets outside the Kasbah are named in French and they carry that flavour. There’s lots of building going on but much of that is even constructing new modern gardens. There are several mausoleums, a couple of notable minarets and a palace that draw tourists but the market is the big one. It was nudging 38 degrees when we arrived and it was noticeable that many merchants had packed up or were packing up for the day. We will go back tonight as the food vendors take over and make a point of going tomorrow morning to experience more of the atmosphere. The monkeys, snake charmers, peacocks and the like we’re still evident but much of the rest had already gone. It’s about a 15 to 20 minute walk from our place to the market so that’s doable without too much drama. I was surprised how busy the bus was and at one stage seats were at a premium. Even the comments were pretty good. Far from continuous but judiciously enough placed in keep interest and to impart information. We used the same bus as transportation so we almost make 3 complete circuits which means we get our money’s worth. The ticket is valid for tomorrow as well!

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