Away in Morocco
I whisked myself off to Morocco about a week ago (week ago).
After what seemed to have been the busiest month of my life, and an even busier week, I woke up at 3 am on Saturday the 20th to pack for my trip and 90 minutes later I was on my way to Gatwick.
My first impression on arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport was niceeeeeeeee. It was sunny and warm, It took me all of 40 seconds to get rid of my jacket, jumper and scarf.
I was staying at Riad Alnais, a small riad just behind the Royal Palace with 5 rooms, 2 sitting areas and a roof terrace. Booking this riad was the best decision I made. The staff, Hanane and Houssam, were very helpful and friendly. They gave me the warmest welcome, showed me around and while I was on the tour, Hanane sent me a text every day checking up on me. If that is not excellent service, I don't know what is.
Spot the three cats lounging
There are lots of cats in Morocco, and in the riad. The owner of the riad makes sure they are vaccinated regularly and they always stayed out of the way. Well, except the one evening when it was their bed time and one gently nudged me off the sofa to stretch out and sleep.
Day 1:
After settling in my room, Hanane and I took a walk to the Djemaa el fna square for lunch. I stopped off to get a sim card, the Maroc Telecom sim cost me 30MAD and came preloaded with 1GB data, 1000 text messages and 30MAD worth of calls. Amazing!
Had a quick lunch at the terrace of Taj'in Darna and went back to the riad to read a book and then sleep. It had been a long week and I wanted to have a holiday with lots of sleep and rest.
Left is the wall of the palace, right are petty stores.
I could not wrap my head around the palace being right in the middle of so much impoverishment. The walls were higher than every the storey buildings around it.
Day 2 to 4:
Took a 3 day trip to Erg Chebbi and everywhere in between. You can read all about it here
Day 5:
Very tired from the journey, I didn't get out of bed until noon.
After days of wearing layers and scarf, it felt good playing dress up.
Went to the Saadian Tombs but then decided I wasn't up to doing museums and monuments really.
Was going to do the cooking class at Maison Arabe but I was too lazy to lift a finger, much less cook for 3 hours. Opted for lunch there and it was good (however, more expensive than all my lunches for the last 4 days put together).
After lunch I took a taxi to Les Jardins Majorelles Yves Saint Laurent.
Spent a bit of time walking around the garden, then settled in a corner to read a book after my battery died and I couldn't take any more photos.
On my way to the square for dinner, I decided to facetime my family and make them a little jealous. At some point, people started putting their faces in front of the camera and waving at them, from kids to elderly people. By the time I had settled into a food stall, I did have quite a following and all eyes were on me.
It was a beautiful experience and by the time I hung up the video, I had 5 of the people on the other side asking me to put together a trip to Morocco for them as soon as I returned.
I ate some amazing lamb chops at stall 97 and calamari at 14. Both are very highly recommended.
Took in some entertainment in the square: dancing, storytelling, acrobatics, tricks with monkeys and snakes and belly dancing.
Walking back to the riad I saw these two beautiful girls who followed me for a while, giggling and admiring my dress, before saying the magic phrase "donnez moi dirham".
Who could say no to such pretty faces? I was rewarded with lots of hugs and kisses.
Spent the rest of the night before bedtime drinking talking to Houssam. When the language barrier got a bit tricky we used google translate to bridge the gap.
Day 6 a.k.a Christmas Day:
It was a day of chill and pamper. Full details here.
Day 7:
Last full day in Morocco. Didn't get out of bed until afternoon.
The sky was always blue and beautiful.
Another lunch at Taj'in Darna
And this little devil wouldn't let me eat. Check out that mean mug.
After lunch, I stop to get some oud and perfume. Got 3 bottles for myself, mum and sister. They smelt so good I decided to keep them all to myself.
Bought some kaftans too because my sister threatened to take my peach one after she saw a picture of me.
For the night, I went to Le Bar Italien at La Mamounia.
The service wasn't great, I had to walk to a table myself and it took a good five minutes or more for someone to bring me the menu.
However, the cocktails were really good (and strong).
and the band was excellent
So I drank and listened to live music.
After a while, I took a walk around the famous garden. Got to the pool and it took everything in me not to jump in. It looked so beautiful with the steam floating over it.
After being spoilt at Royal Mansour, I was greatly underwhelmed here.
Day 8:
Got up early enough to pack. Houssam arranged a taxi for me and helped me with my luggage to the main road. I was sad to leave the peace and slow pace of the holiday.
The airport was a bit of a mad house, there was a long queue at passport control which took about 40 minute to get through.
I hope to be back in Morocco one day, and maybe visit Rabat, Fes, Chefchaouen and Essaouira.
