It was a long night train from Tangier. So much excitement along the way because I was finally going to see Marrakech. I have seen so many nice photos and heard many stories about this place. Time to see it myself.
Got out of the train station, I took a taxi to the Riad. The train station is located in the new area of Marrakech so everything seems very modern around here. However, you will see a huge difference when you enter the old town. I arrived very early in the morning but it was already lively in the square Jemaa El Fna. The market was already opened, people was up working. Horses and donkeys started working hard transporting goods.
Jemaa El Fna is the main square of Marrakech and it the main door to entree Medina. My first day here was definitely a shock. It might not sound so pleasant but it drove me insane. Many people on the street that lure you to buy stuff. One moment you are walking then you got a snake on you and you have to pay 100 dirhams for that. Any photo taken has a price tag. At that moment, I understood what they said about tourist scams. Okay, that sounds scary and bad but I hope I didn’t scare you off. You could actually get a hang of it. What you should do is do not show your interest because when they see your eyes sparkling with full of curiosity, they will come to you. Sometimes you have to swallow your lust of taking photos or try to sneak one fast.
The most popular activity you do in Marrakech is visiting the Souk. It’s the place where you can find clothings, jewellery, spices and other stuff. It’s simply a big bazaar. During the day, it is a perfect escape plan from the heat by wandering around the Souk. The place is huge and alike a maze. If you try to look up the street on the maps, you probably will never find the way. However, it’s a great fun to just get lost in this place. The Souk is full of products, from clothing to decors, food, etc. The exciting aspect must be the colour. It’s so colourful and lively here.
During the day, it is very hot. In mid August, it’s the madness. The temperature could reach over 40 degrees. Therefore, most local people would rather staying inside to stay away from the intense heat. However, after 7pm, this is the real life of Marrakech started. People come out from every direction to the main square. Jemaa El Fna becomes a big food market with different food tents. There are so many shops that offer you from street food to big meal, like kebabs or tajin. The funniest thing must be the way they promote the shop – ‘No diarrhoea, guarantee!’. Seems fair, right?
To me, Marrakech is very different from wherever I have been. It has something mysterious but wild. The local people are very friendly, even though I was driven insane but some of them. I just only spent 2 days here so I didn’t have a chance to visit everything. But I see that it’s a great place to visit. Full of surprises, adventures and madness. I will definitely visit Marrakech another time to understand better the culture and have a closer look at its beauty.
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Great post! I would have freaked out about the snakes … I don’t blame you for being in a little bit of shock! Your photos are great too 🙂
Thank you!! 🙂 It was quite an experience. Even though I lived in Vietnam before and I thought Hanoi would be crazy already, Marrakech is crazier (in both good and bad ways). But its culture, must say, is very interesting. A bit shock is something we always have when we enter a new culture, right?
Hi Angela,
Very interesting. I hope you snuck all these pics without having to pay the touts.
John
Hi John, hope you are doing fine. I feel like I failed my mission because my trip was quite intense so that I couldn’t really get the best shot. But I will be back and show you another 😀
Hi Angela,
I look forward to seeing the shots of your return visit and hope to get there myself at some stage. As for this visit, I think you’re being too tough on yourself. For example, the close-up of the Camel used in your header is terrific and definitely not a failure. Be nice to yourself.
John
Fantastic post Angela, and the photos too!! It looks like an amazing place and it is definitely on my list! I loved the way to promote the street food… very nice advertisement idea hahaha 😀
Beautiful pictures from Marrakech. Make me miss back to this colourful and amazing city! Seeing the photos from the market and the spices, I felt the smell of the city!
Thanks for sharing! Also thanks for stopping by my blog! I look forward to follow yours!
It makes me smile when I read ‘felt the smell of the city’. Something so particular 🙂
Thanks for following and I would love to read more post from you too. You have a really nice blog and great stories there.
Best,
Angela
oh beautiful Marrakech!!
Great photos! I miss Morocco. I agree with you Morocco’s very different from anywhere I have been to. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I see you are going to India soon, looking forward to your post 😉
Great post and beautiful photos! I love Marrakech and all its madness, it still is a shock every time 🙂