(UPBEAT INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC)
After a short ride from Menara Airport, we arrived in central Marrakesh, the fourth largest city
in Morocco. Our first 2 nights would be spent in the Riad Zaid, and we used some time to
settle in and make ourselves comfortable, being offered the traditional mint tea and
pastries on arrival. Looking for any accommodation in this area, you will notice that almost
all hotel names have the word Riad attached. The term Riad actually means gardens but nowadays
typically refers to cosy Moroccan styled home with modern amenities, usually built around
a courtyard, but always containing a garden of some sorts. For the Riad Zaid, this located
on the roof, where we took in the views before heading out to the Medina to explore those
famous narrow streets. (MUSIC)
The Medina Quarter in Marrakesh is a densely packed, busy area. Home to a large souk or
marketplace it contains hundreds of maze like streets where it is almost impossible NOT
to get lost at some point. Here you can find, rugs, spices, clothes, paintings, pottery
and haggling. The word Medina simply means city or town but they are typically walled
in areas found in North African.
Whilst we always felt safe in the Medina, even at night, the only thing to watch out
for are people taking advantage of those who look lost. I’ve heard numerous anecdotal
stories of being guided down numerous streets only to be firmly asked for money either once
at your destination or to find your way back. So be lost. But look like you’re having
a good time!
It can all be very daunting at first but the colours and people and scents bring the whole
area to life magnificently. (MUSIC)
Back at the hotel we had a small cooking class where we got the chance to practice our culinary
skills with a 3 course menu. First we started with the Tagine, using this classic pottery
dish. The dome shaped top keeps all the moisture contained, making it the original slow cooker.
Numerous spices, chicken and vegetables were added and cooked over 90 minutes, giving us
time to prepare a fresh salad and fruit dessert to bookend the meal. Once cooked, we enjoyed
our efforts as the sun set on our first evening, allowing us to explore the Medina once again
only now shrouded in a romantic dusk and bright lights. (MUSIC)
After breakfast, we took a scenic drive of around an hour to explore a bit further afield.
Our destination was Ourika Valley and in particular Setti Fatma. This is a small town which has
become a popular scenic stop for its 7 waterfalls treck. The walk to the top is not for the
faint hearted but is a lot of fun. Along the way, are a few sprinklings of shops
some of which feature this low powered fridge to keep refreshments cool. Ingenious!
Although it starts out easy, this journey quickly becomes manoeuvring over large boulders and across
man made bridges, sometimes with no hand rails in sight.
All is worth is worth it however, since the higher the climb, the greater the view. It’s
called the 7 Waterfalls but its really all about the finale which is your reward after
some more physical exhaustion and what a reward it turned out to be. (MUSIC)
(SLOW GUITAR MUSIC)
(FASTER GUITAR MUSIC)
(CALM MUSIC)
Back in Marrakesh, we spent our last few hours here on a guided walking tour, learning more
about the history, the locals, their lives and religion. One interesting point made was
that for Muslims, respect for others’s feelings are of the upmost importance. This is one
of the reasons why the outside of buildings are often not as decorative as they are on
the inside. The result is that the rich wouldn’t show off their wealth so as not to upset the
poor. Which is how the inside of Bahia Palace really shows off some amazing Moroccan styled
craftsmanship - intricately detailed tiles, mosaics and carvings. (MUSIC)
After checking out, we took about an hours drive south west to reach our final accommodation
for the trip. We would be spending the evening away from the bustling city, in the middle
of the Agafay desert, a rocky, open stretch of land. As we arrived, we knew we would be in for
a very unique experience as we would be staying what they
call lodges or very upmarket tents. I have linked below for details.(MUSIC)
(GUITAR STRUMMING)
We are walking towards some camels. For a bit of camel riding! (MUSIC)
(INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC)
(FASTER TEMPO)
(UPBEAT TEMPO)
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