Monday 20 Jan 2014

Looks like we’ve finally escaped the rain, so spent a short morning with a few domestics and an early lunch. We’ve booked the site minibus to take us into Marrakesh for the afternoon and evening.

Mosque

 Dropped off outside the mosque, where all the tourist buses go, we joined forces with 2 other couples and ventured into the main square. Initially we were a little disappointed as it appeared to be quite empty, with only a few stalls and entertainers about, including a couple of snake charmers!

However round the edges there were plenty of cafes and restaurants, and little streets lined with stalls and shops selling everything under the sun. Fruit and veg, spices and meats sat side-by-side with carpets, clothing, silver and pottery ware. Hardware, electronics and roaming cigarette sellers. Stop to look and you’re instantly welcomed and invited to look around – just like the films! Restaurant touts were everywhere and one guy kept popping up directing us to “the animal market – no smell, very clean today”. I’m afraid being the cynic I am we declined him several times, but later learned that it was the tannery area he meant and another couple later told us it was fascinating.

In fact the only thing missing was Daniel Craig on his motorbike (for James Bond buffs)!

In need of refreshment we chose “The Square” café/restaurant with tables out onto the square, offering square meals! The others went for paninis but Terry tried a local dish, charwarma which turned out to be spicy chicken with a salad, plus the inevitable chips. Cold drinks all round too.

Then back to investigating the souks. There were several alleys leading off but, despite never once feeling threatened, we were a little nervous about venturing too far in. In fact we were actually discouraged from going down one – wonder what was there? There is a public toilet in the square; the males of our group needing a comfort stop investigated. Very basic but clean- and when you had finished there was a foot wash provided???

Sign for Public Toilet - Look carefully, says WC

Still circulating we noticed a number of carts being brought in that looked like piles of old iron. In fact these were the “instant restaurants” we had heard about and teams of men quickly erected them and set about cooking and serving quite substantial meals. Soon smoke from the cooking was rising above the hubbub. We retired to a restaurant someone had visited the previous evening which overlooked the square and joined others of our group for coffee/hot (well warm) chocolate.

We took very few pictures in the square for good reason – as soon as you got your camera out someone would pounce and demand money “you take my picture, you pay me”. But anyway here is a view from the café balcony.

Main Square

In summary; we very much enjoyed our visit but it was all too obviously tourist orientated and coupled with the continuous pressure to spend, very tiring. From comments we heard and other photos we could see that the night-time atmosphere was quite different. Perhaps next time.

But it was now time to meet the minibus back to the campsite. We had been going to stay and meet up with another couple for a meal but by this time we were “Marrakeshed out” so contacted them then returned to the van.

And had a party! Ours and the party leaders vans were parked next to each other and made an excellent gathering point. Nibbles were produced, a music player was set up and everyone congregated for a good chat, even though it wasn’t particularly warm. Must get one of those hooded djalabi things! We were also joined by other UK “Funsters” staying on the site. A great evening.