Marrakesh

Storyline: Highlights of Morocco

Jan 26

Marrakesh was our final stop on this tour and this is our final tour post: it’s only two and a half months behind us, but it feels so far in the past now. Jan 27 we were on our own and you may remember from our earlier post that we then took a train to Casablanca and two days later flew home. And so, this is our last post on Morocco.

After breakfast on the breakfast terrace which was flooded due to the previous day’s downpour in Essaouira, we were taken by a new minibus and driver for a short ride to Marrakesh.

The minibus was newer but not as comfortable as Larbi’s, nor was the driver as smooth as Larbi. Even though we only drove the strait highway I got motion sick. This just reminded me how lucky I was with Larbi. Had it been this driver I would not have survived the trip.

We arrived before noon. Our room was ready so we checked in and managed to have a bite in the hotel’s restaurant. We then join the group and our Marrakesh tour guide for a visit to the famous Medina.

We were supposed to visit the historical Koutoubia Minaret and gardens, Bahia Palace, the Mellah, and the Saadian Tombs. But we drove by the gardens, then visited the Mellah gate and the Bahia Palace after which we were hustled through the Medina with the guide walking fast and the group trying to follow him.

All we heard from him was stay to the right or watch the bikes, as numerous motor bikes were zooming around us. He was the worst city guide we had.

We were left at Djemaa el Fna square, just outside the medina.

Alex and I walked around this busy place and found a coffee and ice-cream shop with a terrace that overlooked the square. With a bit of waiting we secured a table on the terrace with a view, ordered our treats and took some photos before heading home.

At the market I had to try the snails. I love snails. Years ago in Bulgaria I used to gather them in the spring and cook them in soups, rice, or just boiled with salt and butter. They are delicious. The snails here were much smaller. I had a bowls of little snails with water, which I left. But all the local women were buying only a bowl of water and drinking it. Apparently, we’ve learned later, this was the thing for women – drinking the snail water.

We walked for about an hour to the hotel. In the afternoon we walked to the train station to buy our tickets to Casablanca.

After breakfast the next day Alex and I decided to walk to the famous Dar El Bacha café and give it a try. We first visited Dar El Bacha Museum of Confluences, an interesting exhibition of African, Islamic, Jewish and pre-Colombian art.

Despite the high expectations or perhaps because of it we found the coffee not so good. However, Alex ordered a strawberry rhubarb soup with was out of this world. Fantastic, exceptionally delicious! Despite the high price tag, we had to order a second one. After that great experience we were ready to walk back and pack for our next morning’s departure before the farewell dinner at the restaurant of the Hôtel Le Caspien.

We managed to walk to the Jardins Majorelle, just to find out that it was closing soon (and expensive!) and we had no time to fit yet another attraction in our travel pockets.

At dinner we met Mark, Justine’s husband who flew from Australia to join her for another 2 weeks in Morocco. We also met Rebecca’s new Moroccan boyfriend who came from the desert to join her for the free day and at dinner time. We still don’t know where all this ended, but there was a what’s app text that they are in love. Good luck to them.

We had an absolutely delicious decadent western style and price dinner. Alas everything has an end and this was the end of our fantastic trip. Stay safe Morocco, Australia, US, Canada (the origins of the people in our group) and everyone around the world!

Marrakesh