Marrakech
After a 3 day trek and 2 nights in Berber houses we were really looking forward to spending our final three nights in a riad in Marrakech, and Riad el Solar did not let us down. Like the one in Fes, this riad, home to an artist and writer, had been lovingly restored, keeping original features such as the intricately painted living room ceiling, the balconied rooms and the central patio and swimming pool. On the roof terrace with sundeck you could watch the sun set over the snow capped Atlas mountains.
We decided to eat in the riad at night, but before that we decided to wander around Djemaa el Fna, the huge square in the medina and focal point of Marrakech. We were not disappointed- rows upon rows of open-air food stalls smoking the immediate area with mouth-watering aromas. Jugglers, snake charmers, dancers, performing monkees, 'everybody' filled the square. So much to look at and enjoy, a MUST to see at dusk.
The following morning we had our half day sightseeing tour which was great. We were shown other areas of interest in Marrakech, but the special intensity of the city resides not so much in its physical appearance, but in the activity and colour of its famous souqs, renowned for their quality crafts. The great labyrinth extends from the north side of the square and ends at the main mosque, making the main area of interest comparatively compact.
We were lucky in that we could have another day and a half to ourselves in Marrakech, where we wandered around the souqs and into the main square many times. It is so different at different times of the day, and having a coffee in one of the roof top cafes overlooking the square was also entertaining, but we couldn't wait to go back their at night.
We were sad to leave Morocco, it's a fascinating country with such variation and extremes. Even the accommodation ranged from the wonderful riads to the Berber Houses and tent- what a contrast.
