Ciao Amici, or Bonjour!
In the Fall when I returned to Italy with one of my best friends and 2 cousins we decided and planned long and hard that while they were in Italy we would go away for the weekend. We scored great tickets to another continent AFRICA! We were so pumped. Even though it was Morocco and not deep in Ghana or Zimbabwe we still felt very fortunate to make it there. Marrakech, Morocco during the first week in September felt like AFRICA (for real)! It was all you expect from Morocco with a little more. I was happy to be sharing this experience with my girls.
We did all our planning before hand, which was smart. 1. Unlike other big tourist locations here it was as if you could not tell who the tourists were there but we all blended in or you stood out. Even though it was not as strict as other locations in Morocco we still wanted to make sure we wore proper attire and did not disrespect their culture. 2. We were there for a short visit and Marrakech has so much to offer plan your time wisely if this is the case and you are unfamiliar about the highlights of the locations you are going to see.
So let me set the stage for you: Marrakech is inland city of Morocco the most Northwest country of Africa. Bordering countries are Algeria and Mauritania. About 99% of Moroccans are Muslims. Main languages are Arabic, Berber, and French though every one we came across spoke perfect English as well as many other languages (very impressive). The original inhabitants are the Berbers and Arabs invaded at the end of the 17th century. Marrakech use to be the center of many goods during the trading days i.e. slaves, gold, ivory, and even Moroccan leather this is still evident today in todays SOUKS and the Moroccan way of life.
Highlights of the trip:
1. Conversion rate of the Dollar $ to the Moroccan Durham was great. It was easier to convert Euros since it was 1 euro : 10 durham. This means we were able to get a lot more take-aways from this trip and shop in the souks.
2. Housing – Rihad Jomana Maison - we stayed in a Rihad instead of the hotels which our located in New Medina town the original Marrakech walls. A rihad is a house built around a patio garden the French its referred to as a guesthouse. Ours was very accommodating and the service was very reliable. Marco from France who ran ours was very helpful, it was set up like a B&B so there was traditional breakfast with the famous Morrocan MINT TEA every morning and he made sure that a taxi was called for us before he left for the next day if we needed to go out side of the local area.
3. Hammams – Hammamzani - aka Spa (or something like it) Since the conversion is cheap we ended up spending about $40 on a 2 hr and 30 minute spa. Yes kinda ahmazing when you think about the price. So what is a Hammam: A Turkish style steam bath, with a succession of rooms from cool to hot, and endless supplies of hot and cold water.
4. All Day Tour – We did an all bus tour that was a great cultural experience. Even though most places I guess a tour guide would be helpful but I was say in Morocco where everything from what direction the buildings face, the clothing both men and women wear, to the loud siren that went off for times a day through out the city to remind everyone for their “call to prayer” is best explained by a local guide. There is a lot to say about a country that is able to keep its tradition in tact. I respect how everyone now is not obligated but still oblige by the rules.
- Souks is the town market place you can by clothes, carpets, ironwork, jewelry, ceramics, leather handbags, scarves. BE AWARE: they do not give you the real price they expect you to haggle with them down to a reasonable price. If you are not a great negotiator tell your friend to purchase things for you because you cannot say yes until you reach your ultimate limit or if they agree to a cheaper price.
Yes I can go on an on about Morocco just know it was a great trip and the food was great as well. I am pretty sure that I will make it back there. I was great to see a surviving traditional city work in 2011. My photography was inspired by the architecture, the people, and the colors that trace back to cultural vibe through out Marrakech. Hope you enjoy the photos check out my flickr account for more. Overall great trip!
Ciao Ciao
Enjoy some of my photos
Our room at the Rihad!
Random store during our tour of the city. Love the colors and the design.
The official Souks - Shopping time
My cousin
Enjoy some of my photos
Our room at the Rihad!
Random store during our tour of the city. Love the colors and the design.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment