From Morocco with love

I’ll start by letting you know that I’m writing today’s post from my iPhone for the first time. I’ll try not to make any typos but apologies if I do.

I’m also writing this post from a riad, Les Coulours de l’Orient, in central Marrakech. My sister and I are staying here for a week, just a few minutes walk from the famous square, Jemaa el fna. A crazy place, to say the least.

It’s a cliche but Jemaa el fna really is an assult on all your senses, from the smells of incense and spices to the sounds of Moroccan drums. The square is busy by day but truly comes alive at night. (I hope you can see a photo ive inserted of Jemaa el fna below, even though I can’t…) Come evening, local vendors set up a food market where each tries to outwit the others to gain your custom. I’ve tried a few and they’ve all been great, so it really does come down to the banter they give.

Aside from Marrakech, I’ve also taken a trip out to the nearby Atlas mountains where I visited a local village. (Again, I hope you can see a photo below?) Our local guide explained that ‘it is a problem for the people who live here’ because they have no water or electricity supplies and no school. What makes it tougher is that the river I crossed by donkey to reach the village swells to three metres in winter, cutting the village off completely. It seems unfair that the first side of the river has full water, electric and even wifi supplies.

Tomorrow I’m getting a bus to Essouira, a beach located about two hours from Marrakech. Considering the temperature reached 47C today, the Atlantic Ocean will be most welcome, believe me.

I’m also going to make sure I head out of the old town and into the new town before I leave, although I’ve seen people nearby with Zara bags so I’m not expecting huge amounts of Moroccan influence!

For now, I’m off to dine on some couscous and lamb. I’ll update you with more about Morocco soon!