During the 21st Century Marrakech has become the hub for both economic growth and tourism. Although it is only the fourth largest city in Morocco it seems to have become the most popular destination for many to visit. The souks are an obvious draw, where shyness is a no-no and…
After a day walking around the dusty souks, relaxing in luxury is the perfect way to unwind. Calming colours, scented oils and water features provide a tranquil setting in which to enjoy a refreshing mint tea away from the afternoon heat. This delightful little Riad is just north of the…
Traditional home cooked Moroccan food can be found, lovingly prepared in many of the Riads surrounding the city so if you are after a tasty tagine this should be your starting point. Being smaller in size than many of the larger hotel chains now springing up around the outskirts of…
Covered head to toe in dust and shaking like a leaf I finally come to a stop on the small incline of a hill beside the shop front. Quad biking had always been something I feared and even though I agreed to whizz around the deserted countryside with friends it…
Visiting Djemaa El Fna At night is a truly unique experience, the transformation from day to night is truly remarkable. Whilst standing in the middle of Djemaa El Fna enjoying a large glass of ice cold fresh orange juice from one of the many juice counters spread across the square…
The slight breeze is welcoming after a day of intense heat. Sitting on the terrace, sipping mint tea and looking out over the serene vista of the Oasis I knew we had landed in a peaceful paradise. The earthy, terracotta Kasbah is only a few miles away from the large…
Michael Palin classes this book by Peter Mayne as one of his top ten books so you would assume it would be a natural pick before travelling to Marrakesh. Why is Peter Mayne’s Marrakesh Worth Reading This is more than just a novel, it’s a journal of Peter Mayne’s time…
“’This city is all about emotion,’…’Following an old man in a djellaba down an alley, with everything close and dark, wondering where you’re going. Then you enter a house, a courtyard, and see something jaw-dropping… I never come to the Medina without discovering something new.’” Moving home, whilst staying in…
“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar…” The muezzin in the minaret closest to our Riad started the melodic ‘isha call to prayer, shortly followed by another somewhere else in the Medina. Within a few minutes six or seven different muezzins were calling their followers. Whilst not harmonic it definitely grabbed our attention…
Feeling like intrepid explorers, about to take steps into the unknown, we jump out of the vehicle we have been confined to for most of the day and stare out at petulant camels waiting for us to head out into the desert. Taking just an overnight bag each with essentials…