Looks like we’ll need to do several posts from Morocco, as just in the first few days we have collected so many photo’s and experiences. This place is amazing! We are in Marrakech now, but headed out tomorrow for the next week around the country to various places, and then back here for a couple more nights.

Marrakech (and I see it spelled both “ch” and “sh”) sets you on sensory overload - the sights, colors, smells, sounds, culture - it is just all incredible. Our first few nights were spent at a hotel near the airport, but also within walking distance of the old city. Spent some time by the pool, and having our first tastes of Moroccan tea and breads - the pancakes are amazing! We took a cab into the old city to a Hammam for a spa experience, which was amazing. It was a “couples” Hammam, and they put you in a hot sauna, and wash you down with black soap; scrub you with loofah; rinse and repeat - then a massage and facial (I must look 5 days younger). It was an excellent experience, and having gone into city that way let us know we could walk into town the next morning on our own.

So, Saturday morning we headed off to the old city. We of course read everything about not letting someone try to be your guide for the day, or take you to a restaurant, and not to get pulled in by the snake charmers, so of course...

First, I thought I was “safe” taking a picture of the snake charmers from about 100 ft away - nope! They were on me in a flash, taking my hand and wanting some money - I only had a 200 bill (about $20), and so I asked if I could get change. “Of course”, as he dragged me closer to the snakes. “Here - I’ll take your picture”...and he took many. (Don’t worry, I was not as close as it appears...but still within striking distance). Then, 2 seconds later there is a Moroccan water snake around my neck. “Don’t worry” he says. I’m ready to run! Well, at least a couple good photos, and another adventure. (I also added a video from YouTube on the snake charmers)

We do some walking through the souks - the shopping center of the city. Much of this is like other places in the world, but you can still find some areas where the craftsmen still are making what they sell (in addition to “Prata” bags and “Roy Ban” sunglasses). Beautiful streets, and fun to see, but after an hour or so you can get lost in the maze of alleyways. We think we will just go into a cafe and get something to drink (not tea), but as we look around to see where we might go, a very nice young man comes up and tells us - “you can’t get alcohol in that one - come with me just over there is a good place”. Of course we start to follow, and 10 minutes later and about half a mile...we realized we had been tuk-tuk. But no problem - just gave him $2 for his time, and finally walked away. Phew! Time to head back to the hotel pool before it really gets crowded!

Sunday was the day we moved from the hotel to our Riad in the center of the Medina, to start our 10 day “Moroccan Tour”. But first we had booked another AirBNB Experience - Cooking with a Local Family. We had a fabulous time with Brahim, and his brother Imad, and 4 other guests. We went to their home where the entire family lives - and if not all in the same house, some in the house next door, and next to that one, etc.. We had breakfast (tea and breads) first, and then headed to the local souk (market) to buy ingredients for the day. Vegetables, spices and meats were all on the menu, and everything was very fresh (still alive in one case).

Anyway, back from the market, and time to take bread over to the community oven. It seems each little neighborhood has 4 key things: a Mosque; a Hammam; a souk; and an oven. In the mornings, everyone brings their dough to the oven, and it is baked for them - you can wait, or come back and pick it up later. You know who’s is who’s by the towel covering it. In the afternoon, you can even bring food to bake in the oven. A huge wood fired oven, and the baker is working non-stop.

Back home we go, and we start working in todays menu - Couscous with lamb, Chicken Tagine and Lamb Tagine. Imad was always giving us instruction - he was wonderful, and at 16 the youngest son. But if anyone had a question - he always consulted with “the boss” - mom! She and her sister worked non-stop in the small kitchen, and kept all of us busy. The spices were amazing, and watching (participating in) the preparation really gave you a better idea of just what it takes to make this all happen.

After a short break for tea (maybe the third time), it was time to eat, and the meal was unbelievable. The couscous was the best ever, and you could tell mom was proud - the boys say her cooking is why they decided to start this little AirBNB venture, and it has really changed the entire family’s lives. The tagines were also amazing - and we learned - you must eat bread with the tagines and use it to soak up the sauces. Wish this thing had “smell a vision” for you!

After cooking class we head to Riad Dar Justo, inside the Medina walls and just off one of the souk areas. The Riads are old homes - many (if not most) of which have been converted to boutique-type hotels. This one has maybe 20 rooms, with several open courtyards, a small pool, a rooftop restaurant, and a Hammam next door. A beautiful oasis in the middle of the city - very quiet and green. And it is wonderful to listen to the “call to prayer” which happens 5 times a day. Every Mosque plays this through loudspeakers, and it lasts for only a few minutes, but is very beautiful to listen to.

Our final day in Marrakech was spent with our guide Mohammed, taking us through the old city and into the Kasbah area as well. More of the same generally - small market areas, but he gave us much more information and showed us areas we would not have seen. We visited the Bahia Palace which was built in the early 1900’s (relatively new by their standards), and the workmanship and architecture is incredible.

We finished the day on a rooftop cafe (of our choice - no tuk-tuk today), listening to the call to prayer and watching the many people coming to the Mosque. Quite an incredible thing to see and hear, and Marrakech is a place to waken all of your senses.

Check out the rest of the pictures in the album - there are quite a few. I will also see if I can find a good YouTube on snake charming.

Headed to the Sahara tomorrow. More later.

Cheers!