Marrakech, MOROCCO

marrakech
sorry we are replying so late but we didn't have much time to be checking on our blog recently... Yes you will need to speak quite good French. Moroccans know some English phrases, however they do not speak English. Most of them are fluent in French. It is an advantage to speak French, you will find your way around much better. Bargain... oh yes! This was the most exciting part of our visit! :) This mostly applies to the market as in the supermarkets and local shops sellers tend to display prices (although we experienced a few exceptions). Bargain is like a game to Moroccans who sell their stuff in the market. They do it all the time. They start off with a ridiculous price (like some 500 dirhams for a set of cups which are worth some 50 in a supermarket) and you are expected to lower it down gradually. They will eventually agree on a very cheap deal. Remember to smile when you talk to them, they are always very friendly. Never pay the amount the say! As I said it's always surreal. It is hard to say whether it's safe or not. To be honest it's like everywhere else. You simply have to make sure that you don't wear expensive jewellery with an easy access to it :D or a stuffed wallet in your back pocket of your trousers. We avoided walking late at night as we just didn't think it was a good idea. But generally it feels safe, there are loads of tourists everywhere from all over the world what makes you feel comfortable. But remember not to walk through empty areas with a lot of poor people (we got lost once in Medina and it felt a bit scary among the poor). You will find that people will poke or touch you, but they do not mean to hurt you, it is just that you are a tourist. We gave some kids some bananas and small money (1 dirham etc.). It's good to have some coins with you as some Moroccans can follow you until you give them something. that's all I can think of now... do ask if you need more info, we are happy to help best wishes