Enchanting Marrakesh, Morocco

Winston Churchill once call Marrakesh “the most lovely spot in the whole world”. We could not agree more. This desert oasis in Morocco is one of a kind. Lindsay and I started our Marrakesh journey by catching a train in Casablanca. We shared a cabin with some local Moroccans who were very polite. We watched out the window of the train as the landscape changed from green shorelines in Casablanca to the red deserts near Marrakesh. We pulled into the train station and simply walked the few miles to the “old city.” Like many old cities in this part of the world you enter through ancient walls. Once inside the ancient walls of Marrakesh I was immediately in love. There are numerous narrow streets, little stalls selling food, animals, people, and hundreds of motorcycles that come flying by honking their horn. The sights, smells and overall scene is one of a kind. Throughout the old city are old guesthouses known as “riads.” A typical Riad will have a courtyard with fountain, beautiful guestrooms and a rooftop area will pillows and tents for relaxing day and night. Our Riad did not disappoint and had all of the above and more. However, our first challenge was finding the riad. I had rough instructions that I took off the web but navigating through the alleys and streets of old town was incredibly tough. Luckily a teenager showed us the way and walked us right to the front door (he was not happy with the tip “baksheesh” I gave him and I thought for sure he was going to be waiting for me later..ha ha). Once inside we were greeted by a very gracious host who made us some mint/herbal tea. To this day Lindsay and I are searching for this tea as it was INCREDIBLE! After dropping off the bags we hit the old city again to explorer. Our destination was Djemaa el Fna square which is home to the world famous food stalls of Marrakesh. The journey from our riad to this square was fantastic. Eventually the narrow alleys make way to a giant bazaar (market) filled with colorful stores selling anything you can imagine. The bazaar eventually gives way to Djemaa el Fna square which is one of the coolest places we have ever been! The square is an absolute assault on the senses. There are snake charmers (yes), musicians, street performers, fight clubs (yes people fighting), etc, etc, etc,. The sounds, sights and smell are overwhelming to say the least. The snake charmers like to charge for pictures and they are VERY good at catching you. I secretly took a picture of one and I thought there was no way he saw. Within seconds he was in my face saying “you take picture…you pay.” At night there are hundreds of food vendors that set up shop right in the middle of the square. We decided on one (just because the guy smiled at us) and had some of the most amazing food ever. They bring you little clay ovens that are full of chicken, coos-coos, etc. We ate the food and were amazed at how good it tasted. Sure enough we were back the next night for more. :) Over the next few days we continued to explore Marrakesh and fell more and more in love with the city. We eventually caught a night train to Tangier and had to say goodbye. We will never forget Marrakesh, Morocco!