Google “what to do in Marrakech” and you will get oodles of pages advertising the same half dozen things to see. Today is our day to do exactly that.
We brace ourselves for another high step-count day. C’mon hip flexors, IT bands & feet – pull yourselves together, we have work to do!
The Saadian tombs from the 16th C, rediscovered in 1916 is an historic royal necropolis. Beautiful, ornate, and relatively small. An interesting and quick start to the day.
We head over to the Jemaa el-Fnaa market. This place is filled with music, henna artists, hair braiders and snake charmers. Lots and lots of snake charmers. I had no problem being charmed. A quintessential Moroccan experience. Can you hear the music?? Don’t get bit – those are real cobras!
A guide takes us through the market we breezed through yesterday. This time we noticed many different areas – a leather auction block, a leather goods factory, a metal working area (they were all so busy creating may of the trinkets seen in the market), textile and dye area, even an authentic herbalist.
I’m not (too) ashamed to admit it, but I definitely got sold on some snake oil. Let me know in 6 months if I look 30 and the hair on my head has doubled in thickness…PLEASE!
On the flip side, I am very proud at our negotiating skills when buying scarves. His starting point was 1800 dirham, we got him down to 500. And when I asked our guide what we should have paid he said no more than 550. Winner winner, chicken dinner!
If ever you’re in this neck of the woods, we recommend giving The Secret Garden a pass. Meh. Unless you’re really into plants…then you should totally go!
If you’ve ever wondered what a red prickly pear will do to you (other than completely coat your hands in invisible spikes of death) look no further.
We finished our day (with over 20000 steps) at a local corner restaurant. OMG. We were not expecting to love it as much as we did. Easily the least expensive meal we’ve had – by far! – and one of the tastiest.
Marrakech is absolutely a city of wonders. However, in my humble opinion, the wonder comes from experiencing the smells and sounds, not necessarily the “must-sees”.
Dust off your walking shoes and get lost. You’ll get the most out of your time here!
0 Comments