Relaxing in Marrakesh

  Marrakech, Morocco
Tuesday, May 27, 2008

May 23rd 2008 to 27th 2008 - Marrakesh, Morocco

After completing what is hopefully his last exam (TOPCIMA) ever, Fraser was quite keen to relax and enjoy a weekend away.

It was our first time in Morocco, and Fraser's first time in Africa (Andrea has only been to Egypt once before). While we had heard plenty of things about it, we wanted to see if for ourselves.

Plaza Jemaa El Fna

We spent the first couple of days exploring the city and doing A LOT of walking around and as a result were very tired at night. The Souks (markets) of Marrakesh are a major attraction of the city for tourists and locals alike. The Souks, just on the main 'Plaza Jemaa El Fna', consist of a series of small shops on narrow walkways (which doesn't stop people driving their motorbikes through) with each area specialising on selling one type of good generally (babouches/slippers, jewelery, metal work, dried fruit, leather goods, food, carpets, fabrics).

Fraser of Arabia

Although very interesting to walk through, we never actually ever bought anything there. In fact about the only thing we bought was a hat for Fraser from a rather Western-like store.

We visited the tanneries, where leather hides are treated and dyed. Pigeon poo is used to treat the hides, so you can imagine there was quite a stench about. While interesting, it didn't seem to be as impressive as the photos we have seen of the tanneries in Fez, which are much larger and more colourful.

Tanneries

  After our tour around, the local who was very keen to show us around the tanneries, tried to get a ridiculous amount of money off us for about 5 minutes of work, but we weren't having any of it, and only gave a reasonable tip.

On Sunday we did a day trip out to the waterfalls at Setti Fatma. After a long bus trip, bartering for a taxi, and trying to fight off the numerous "expert" guides harassing us to lead us up the trail, we made it to the waterfall. A nice fall, but we have seen more impressive, and certainly ones where it is was not so congested (lots of cafes, and stalls around)

Waterfall from a distance

On our last day (Monday) we simply relaxed at the pool during the day and gave our legs a welcome rest from all the walking ... although we did visit the market at night. It was quite an experience with lots of food stalls and the workers all trying to attract us to eat at their stall ... quite chaotic.