Journey’s end Marrakech
“Morocco as it is is a very fine place spoiled by civilization.”— Richard Harding Davis
Alas our journey to Morocco was nearing its end. More bittersweet for me was the conflict between ready to return home and saying goodbye to all my travels through the past 6 weeks.
We left Fez and journeyed through the Middle Atlas Mountains where we spent one night at Bin El Ouidane.
On our way into Marrakech, we stopped in Ozoud where we visited with a Berber family and were shown the right way to make Mint tea. Over cups of tea, we got to chat with the gentleman whose home we were visiting.
It is so enterprising that these folks get to share their culture and exchange ideas with tourists while also making some money to sustain their lifestyle.
Since I had visited the falls on my previous trip in this area and actually hiked all the way to the bottom of the ravine and admired the falls up close and personal and barely survived to tell the tale I absolutely declined the tour with the local guide this time around.
On our way into the city, we stopped at a local oasis for a camel ride where we were given authentic robes to wear, and scarves were tied Berber style to protect our head and noses from the desert sand.
After a long full day, we finally made into the city and to our hotel in the more modern part of Marrakesh.
The hotel was very interesting, most particularly the bathroom design which was very open and a challenge for folks sharing rooms who were not a couple. At least it made for interesting conversation over dinner.
One of the things that is not talked about a whole lot is the differences between facilities and how the taps and showers work in every place you visit. The first person to take a shower often gave tips and guidelines about how the taps worked to their roommate.
Another joy of traveling broadening one’s palate. I got to experience a variety of flavors and dishes enjoying and celebrating the differences.
Back in Marrakech, back in the Jardin Majorelle. This time we took a shorter stroll around the garden but still a great experience enjoying the beauty and color on display.
The Boutique at the Jardin Majorelle is a direct homage to Yves Saint Laurent whose work was profoundly inspired by the colors of Marrakech. All the products offered here are locally designed and made. The earnings from the boutique are used to fund social and cultural initiatives in Morocco.
The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech. Its style is inspired by the Giralda Tower in Seville and the Hassan Tour in Rabat. The mosque also known as the Booksellers Mosque reflects the bookselling trade practiced in the nearby souk. At one time as many as 100 book vendors worked in the streets at the base of the mosque.
Dar El Bacha which had been on our initial itinerary was still closed due to damage sustained in the earthquake. Instead, we got to visit the beautiful Bahia Palace which was designed by a vizier for his favorite concubine and modeled after the Alhambra Palace in Granada.
As I walked through the palace on this second visit, I couldn’t help but compare it to my earlier visit with all the girls darting around looking for the best background for photos and calls to join the group for group photos.
One of the things that is notable about this beautiful palace is that the ceilings in every room are different. One almost wants to walk with one’s head craned upwards and hang the consequences of bumping into others.
There was almost no conversation about the recent earthquake in Morocco and little signs of damage other than some closed attractions, we did come across this rare sight of a building propped up post what I assume is damage sustained in the earthquake.
No visit to a Moroccan city is complete without a stop in the medina and a walk through the souks. I had thoroughly investigated and wandered through the Marrakech medina and the souks on my first visit. So as many of my companions were busily finishing their shopping, I got to enjoy a delicious pomegranate juice from the local juice sellers gathered in the square.
The Dar El Fanaa square with its chaos of people milling around, snake charmers and henna ladies, and donkey carts. You’ve got to visit it at least once.
As if to totally change the ambiance of the old towns, medinas and souqs that we had gotten in plenty our farewell dinner was at a fancy French restaurant in the newer part of Marrakech.
All good things must come to an end and so it was. Many of us including me were heading home the next morning while others were staying on or venturing to other parts. Goodbyes are hard but memories of new friendships linger.