Marrakech

Unbelievably hot!!!! What an amazing city, beautiful, noisy, colourful and so much to see! Our guide, Abdou, Bruce and Gayle's hiking guide was lots of fun. We experienced the beauty of the city, lush green gardens contrasted against the salmon pink buildings. The main square was a riot of noise and action, from the rows of orange juice sellers, the snake charmers and then the souks with masses of handicrafts.



Our Riad in Marrakech was lovely, we were the only ones staying there. Each day when we returned, we really appreciated the air conditioner, it was so hot outside, each morning we were served delicious fresh orange juice, coffee and toast. Friendly staff, but with no English and our poor French, we were not able to communicate well.


The main square at night, busy, noisy and very colourful.


Part of the five days with Abdou was a trip to Imlil, up in the high Atlas mountains where we stayed overnight. The trip up into the Atlas Mountains was extraordinary, with long winding road, through barren mountains with the occasional lush oasis to break up the landscape. We stayed in a gite with a local family, their terrace had a magnificent view of the mountains.



View from the terrace


The next morning we went for a walk up through the village and a track to the river, waterfall and swimming hole. Perched on top of the rocks was a cafe, serving orange juice and tanjine. Very resourceful people to drag up all their supplies through very rough terrain, helped always by the obligatory donkey!


We returned home this day exhausted, the heat was unbearable, it was a rush to the Riad, bottle of coke to settle the stomach and a very early night!

The next day it was a trip out to Ourika Valley, a less challenging drive as not so mountainous as the previous day. First stop at an Argon oil cooperative where we watched the nuts being processed. Mint tea in a private room with a girl explaining to us all the health benefits of the oil. Interesting visit, with us ending up buying a few magical products!



The fruit stands are beautiful, full range of colour and different fruits. At the end of each meal, a large platter of fruit arrives at the table. All so very fresh and full of flavour, delicious!



The valley was such a relief from the heat of Marrakech. It was a Saturday so it was very crowded. Cafes lined the river, with tables and chairs actually set up in the river so that you could eat in comfort with cold refreshing water on your feet. We enjoyed a delicious salad and tanjine with a large fruit bowl to follow. It was lovely to paddle in the river, finally enjoying an escape from the heat.



The traffic was impossible, total traffic jam, so we just had to give up and go and have another cool drink by the river as our poor taxi driver had to try and manoeuvre his car out of the mess!




The camel ride, I suppose every tourist has to! Maybe the 2 minute ride was enough for me, but at least I can say now that I have finally ridden a camel!



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