Marrakesh
For our anniversary we decided to go to the magical city of Marrakesh. So we packed our bags and boarded our Marrakesh Express train, which was actually an ONCF rail train. Upon our arrival we went immediately to Riad Chergui our oasis of tranquility in the midst of the bustling Marrakesh medina for the next three days.
After checking in to our room we headed for the pool for a cool dip and drink to relax from our 2 1/2 hour train trip.
it was love at first sight of Riad Chergui, the building and courtyard were quiet, serene, and peaceful with many eclectic seating nooks. Besides the pool ourtyard the roof has sunning, seating and cabana seating areas where you can relax and watch the sunset as you hear the Amams from the mosques around the city call the faithful to prayer.
We met a number of the other guests by the pool. One family was staying for 2 weeks and have lived in Morocco before and love to vacation in Marrakesh. The pool in the center courtyard is the unofficial meeting place because we also met a family from Bristol England and a young Rabbi/Lawyer and his friends from New York. Everyone were social and we all mixed well.
Mary Kay took advantage of the services of a massage, pedicure and manicure which was a treat since she has not had a massage since we left and months since she had a pedi or mani. After here spa services it was late so we dined at the Riad in the courtyard near the bar. The courtyard is transformed with the lighting at night and make a very romantic setting.
Le Jardine Secret
It means the Secret Garden, and it really is. We went right past it in the narrow street of the media and had to backtrack to find it. It is tucked away among the souks of this ancient city we found a perfect place to walk around leisurely and get away from the hustle and bustle and pretty much only hear the water from the fountains and even birds singing with the garden a feast for our eyes.
Rebuilt in the mid-Nineteenth century at the behest of an influential kaid of the Atlas Mountains, Le Jardin Secret is part of the great tradition of stately Arab-Andalusian and Moroccan palaces. It was a hot day so we rested at a cafe on the roof top overlooking the garden.
Marrakesh Old Medina
My senses were ignited as soon as I stepped foot into Marrakech’s medina or marketplace, Djemaa El Fna. It became apparent that you could easily lose yourself here - both literally and figuratively. There were so many sounds, sights, and smells vying for my attention all at once. It felt like I was immediately transported to another world.
Smacked with the overwhelming smells & sights of my surroundings, like the sound of sandals clacking against the hot pavement, donkeys pulling carts of who-knows-what, engines from speedy motorcycles, endless forms of transportation buzzing by, spices on spices on spices.
There were men giving unwarranted directions, endless honking, winding walls that made me feel like I was in a maze, the call to prayer sung in every corner, horses galloping in carriages and so much more.
My senses were on alert as I wandered through the blush alleyways unsure of what would lie around the corner.
Nothing could have fully prepared me for wandering through these winding alleyways. Exhilarating and vibrant - it’s easy to see why they call Marrakech the ‘Red City’.
Almoravid Koubba
We were able to do a little Archaeological exploration of the sole surviving Almoravid building intact in Morocco, it was built in the 12th century and had been renovated/rebuilt in the 16th century, befor being buried under an outbuilding attached to the Ben Youssef Mosque.
The building embodies all the decorative motifs reminiscent of an Arabian Nights fantasy, the small building has a ribbed dome and windows cut into ornate shapes. Inside, it has motifs of leaves, palms and pine cones and there are subterranean chambers that can be seen within the ruins running alongside.
Jemma el-Fnaa
We were told that we must go and visit Jemaa el Fna square, which is the true heart of the city of Marrakesh. There, you can gauge the pulse of a city that wears its uniqueness on its sleeve.
After winding our way through the souks and alleyways of the old medina we came to a big open square filled with people, taxis, fruit stands and chaos which was Jemaa el-Fnaa. The enormous public space is the meeting point of scores of people, both locals and foreigners, who stand goggle-eyed contemplating the lively scene.
We found snake charmers, monkey tamers, dancers, letter writers, water carriers, horse drawn carrages, and fruit stands galore on our hot midday visit.
We decided to stop at one of the cafes that are intermingled with the souks that surround the square to have a cool drink and watch the chaos of the people and vendors milling about. We could hear the hawkers trying to bring the tourists to get a photo with their monkeys, or sell their trinkets. Listening to the cacophany of sounds of music, honking horns and people could be overwhelming.