Blogs from Marrakech, Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz, Morocco, Africa - page 38

It’s a fragile thing, my relationship with Marrakech. Classic love-hate. I am here for the third time in less than a month, this time with my mother and sister in our last few days together before my mother returns to the states. The first time I was here was over two weeks ago. My sister and Elizabeth and I arrived from Fez, and in 24 hours I was sure I was thoroughly charmed, if not quite fully in love. After the three of us left the city for a few days in the mountains we returned, and that first feeling of enchantment was no longer there. On that second visit to the city we had one day and we wandered the souks. We were with a friend from Sacramento who happened to be visiting Marrakech, and ... read more

Marrakech seemed to blur together. We spent six nights in our hotel, which was probably modeled after a castle rather than an actual hotel. Its staircases, courtyards, and turrets, all reminded us of this as we dragged our suitcases through its seemingly endless corridors. It was very apparent that we were among thousands of tourists as well. While French tourists made up the majority, we’d see the occasional Italian, Spanish, German, and English tourist. After living for four weeks totally immersed in a medieval medina and with a Moroccan host family, this was just too much for me. Everything seemed to be a tourist trap, everything was expensive, and everything I had already seen before. We ended up spending some time at a girls’ boarding school where we ate meals with them, played games, did homework, ... read more

To be honest, our first impression of Morocco was not inspiring. The drive from Tangiers to Casablanca was a sad sight - fields and fields littered with garbage and plastic bags (mind you, we were warned). However, it did not take long for us to forget this image as, starting with our visit to the Hassan II Mosque, things improved dramatically. It seems like so much time has passed since we left Fez, but really it has only been 6 days. The diversity of the landscape has been amazing. Just when we think we have had the ultimate experience something else catches our attention. Martin, the answer to your question is YES. Don did buy a fossil - a very large one!! I made the mistake of letting him go to the Erfoud Fossil Factory by ... read more

This was our second day in Morocco. We went back to the market for the morning. Same things, just as great the second time. Only now we knew what was coming, and we were veterans at bargaining. I got all my gifts today for everyone back home. I’m shocked all over again at where I am. This is amazing. After some shopping, me Ryan and Jamie sit down at a café and have some more mint tea. This time it has full mint leaves in them. It is so good. I can’t wait to bring some home for my Mudd Puddlers  We have a long drive today, and are heading more inland. I’m not sure exactly where we’re going, but it’s far. At least six hours of traveling. The roads are on the sides of ... read more

Until this point we had been in Tanzania where we were completely taken care of and London which was essentially like being back home. Sure they talk funny but at least we could understand them! Just kidding British friends! Entering Morocco was a bit like running into a cultural brick wall! The minute we walked out of the airport we were surrounded by AT LEAST 10 taxi drivers yelling prices at us in a currency that we hadn’t even bothered to convert yet! Luckily there was another tourist there to save our butts and told us that it would be best to take the bus! We stayed in Marrakech for most of our time in Morocco. Marrakech is known for its huge market of everything from fresh squeezed orange juice to televisions! My dad and sister ... read more