Sunday, March 25, 2012

March in Marrakech

Have you ever wanted to travel to Africa? Marrakech, Morocco, near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, is the place to go to experience a culture rich in history and religion. I traveled with 18 ladies/friends in the American Women's Club of London and it was another trip that opened my eyes to the world!
We stayed in a beautiful hotel just off the market square, Jemaa El Fna where hundreds of locals and tourists spend the end of the day watching jugglers, dancers, fortune tellers, snake charmers and musicians. The Hotel Les Jardins de la Koutoubia was expecting us with rose petals everywhere! From our private patio we could see and hear - starting at 5:45 AM - the Koutoubla Mosque.
After checking in we took a carriage ride (glad to avoid the alternative - camel ride!) to the Menara and Majorelle gardens ...truly a contrast of busy street life and a peaceful oasis. Our guide often referred to the buzzing energy as "organised chaos".
After a refreshing cocktail - NO ICE, being careful! - in the piano bar, we enjoyed our first Moroccan meal of couscous and chicken with lemon tajine. Delicious!

1 comment:

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

Love the photos! Did you bring home one of those tangine pots?