The first day beaten down by the heat, 38 degrees + to be precise, all I could do was lie dormant on my sun lounger, dipping in and out of the pool, which at this point can only be described as heaven sent!
The next day it was time to visit the infamous souks. Visiting Marrakech without experiencing the Souks is like going ski-in and not seeing any snow. It is, however like marmite, you either love it or hate it! No prizes for what I thought of it then?! It truly is an experience you will not forget. The colours, the sounds, the smells, the shouting, and the mopeds whizzing down all the tiny side streets makes this place unbeatable.
This place is a labyrinth dedicated to retail. But not retail as we know it. This is retail stuck in medival times and is in no way therapeutic. Beggars walk the narrow passages asking for some coins. Snake charmers frightening the life out of you, by surprising you with a snake in your face. Monkey’s jumping on you and their masters demanding for money- once you have taken advantage of that photo opportunity. But as you walk around, it dawns on you that this is a way of life for the Berbers. You take a moment and appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication they have to their trade. Whilst walking around immersing yourself, you catch a glimpse of dusty mystical Aladdin’s caves full of caskets, north African carvings, Ali Baba slippers and magic carpets.
A few more afternoons of sun-bathing past, remember I was on holiday and had to work on my tan. One evening my girlfriends and I decided to go out for dinner. We ventured to African Chic. Marrakech has something of a reputation for its nightlife, which covers groovy Ibiza-style discos to belly-dancing. Music is at the heart of cultural life in Marrakech, and this was definitely evident in African Chic. A bar restaurant, with live music, where entertainment and partying are the major components in making it a One of a kind. The food service and aura, although in Africa lent itself to a very Latino Brazilian ambiance, a very enjoyable evening.
A few more days later its 6.30 am and the alarm rings, my thoughts exactly waking up that early seems almost illegal on holiday. We took a coach approximately thirty kilometres from the Imperial City of Marrakech, and spreading between the first foothills of the Atlas Mountains, to the Ourika Valley. Which is one of the most beautiful and best preserved valleys in Morocco.
With tiny villages clinging to the steep hillsides, waterfalls where brave young men were driving into what I could only describe crystal clear blue waters. With rocky landscapes merging with the ubiquitous desert, this was a wild and enticing combination on the edge of the Western Atlas.Teeming with vegetation, palmeraies and Berber hamlets, the Ourika Valley showcases the real beauty, magic and rich nature of Morocco. This fantastic day trip was most definitely worth waking up at the crack of dawn for it was truly outstanding with breathtaking scenery.
Only a few more days to go until its home time, which means back to rainy climates and reality. Therefore I had to take full advantage of the glorious sunshine, gorgeous couscous, tagines and Moroccan tea.
Before we knew it we were boarding the plane back to the UK. Well until next time Morocco; I most definitely will be back :-)
