I was lucky enough to be in Marrakech for a few days and while I spent most of my days in a conference hall the couple of times that I managed to escape reminded me just why this is one of my favourite cities anywhere in the world.
Heading to the old city in the early evening dusk I was determined to grab a few moments in the Djem el Fnaa – the main square. I knew roughly where I was heading however any doubts were quickly cast aside as I just needed to follow the increasing flow of people and the steadily growing hum of noise. Emerging into the square the assault on my ears and eyes was immediate with the bands of musicians, drummers and toy salesmen with the rows of restaurant tables with their strip lighting shining through the smoke from the grills and fires. I had forgotten how good the fresh orange juice tasted, how delicious the grilled meats at the stalls smelt, how quickly you can get lost after the first couple of turns in the souks and, above all, how this is, despite the numbers of visitors, still the heart of the city for its own inhabitants with the local crowds gathered tightly around the storytellers and all ages applauding and joining in with the musicians. Walking back behind the Koutoubia Mosque the din fell away instantly.
One evening I went for dinner in a remote riad. Given basic instructions how to find it I relied instead on my taxi driver who, squeezing through the narrowest of spaces finally manoeuvred into a cul de sac! Well not quite because an alley led into a lane and then into a tunnel, at the end of which was a wooden door. No sign of life and nobody around and then the door swung open to reveal the beauty of a riad within – its courtyard, fountains, palms and gallery creating a mini-oasis within the city and such a contrast to the blank exterior walls. A delicate Moroccan meal with pastilla and pies, meat balls, Tajine, pastries with almonds – all accompanied by music. What a treat.
Two real highlights, the Djem el Fnaa and a riad, that reminded me how special it is to visit Marrakech and why it is included in almost all trips to Morocco both short and long. With the wealth of flights from across the UK you can easily explore the city on a long-weekend. Alternatively combine with the nearby Atlas Mountains, perhaps either walking or escaping to a Kasbah retreat, the Sahara desert, picturesque Essaouira and the coast or the Imperial cities of Fez and Meknes. As the nearest exotic location to the UK it works well for couples, families, group tours and beach lovers for most of the year. Speak to us here at Putney Travel to find out more about visiting Marrakech, or indeed Morocco in general.
by TMS