Two Nights in a Riad

Trip Start Nov 01, 2006
1
15
Trip End Nov 21, 2006


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Flag of Morocco  ,
Wednesday, November 22, 2006

For our last two nights in Marrakech, we checked ourselves into a riad for some relaxation and rest.  Moroccan cities are a blistering hive of activity.  We spent two nights behind the high walls of a riad--an oasis in the midst of the storm.  We found our riad at the end of one of the countless maze-like streets of the city.  It had a non-descript sign:  Riad 72.
 
We stepped through the large wooden doors and into a stylish Moroccan palace with a modern Italian flair.  It was absolutely beautiful.  We now understand how the locals can deal with the spinning hurricane of day to day life in Marrakech--their homes behind the high walls are zen-like enclaves of civility.  We decided not to venture out again.
 
We took two days lounging around the riad, spending hours lying in our own private cabana on the roof top patio.  From that vantage point we could see out and could witness the bustle from a safe distance.  During one of our naps we were awaken by a prankster who was playing with one of the speaker systems of a nearby mosque.  He was whispering, "Hamdullah . . . hamdullah," (thanks to God) over and over again in a creepy voice.  Very interesting way to wakeup.
 
We tried another hammam, even though our skin was still raw from our Turkish hammam over a year ago.  This time we were treated more gently in the riad's private steam room.  We also gorged on fruit, orange juice, succulent tagine and other delicious foods that the riad's small kitchen turned out in expert fashion.  The surroundings were sublime.  Our suite was a two storey private suite.  The design elements were impeccable.  Definitely one of the most memorable places we have ever stayed.
 
One of our fleeting thoughts was to buy an old riad and transform it into our own sanctuary.  We would retire and dine each night on sheep's head.  At the end of the two days, reality set back in and we packed our bags--happy and relaxed and ready to go home.
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