Yes indeed, desert temperature is unpredictable. We had to wear layers in the morning yet a T-shirt was just right in the afternoon. We were actually sweating when we were having skewers for lunch sitting under the sun. But no complaints here, I welcome the heat with all my heart (especially when Torino is freezing: 1C :().
Today we explored on our own. We finally went to tourists' spots: Saadian Princes' Tombs, Palace el-Badi, and Palace de la Bahia. What impressed me the most was the tile work. Beautiful complicated flowery designs seem to be the favorite and the specialty.
We had lunch at a small restaurant near the big square. Its name is Chez Chegrouni, located at the upper right corner of the square. The food there was the best we have ever eaten (besides the riad) and the price is unbeatable. We had chicken couscous and beef tajine with raisins & almonds... mmmmm, I'm going to organize a group trip to a Moroccan restaurant in the bay area when I come back! Who wants to sign up?? :)
Marrakesh is certainly an interesting city to visit but one has to be prepared for it. It is a mixed bag of European, African, and Muslim cultures. Arab and French are spoken everywhere. Cars, mopeds, bikes, buses, horse carriages, donkey pull-carts, and people fight for the right of the way on the streets. The smell of sweets, dirt, Moroccan honey pancakes, sweat, grilled sausages, and sewers compete to reach one's nasal sense. Marrakesh is not a place to rest but an experience to challenge one's senses and finding a way appreciating it.
1 comment:
nice report on Marakesh. Yes, we will definitely sign up for a Morocco trip if you put one together. 8)
We want a night or two in the Sahara so plan for that. See ya.
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