Marrakesh is the most important of Morocco's four large cities. It's located close to the Sahara Desert where you can ride camels and stay overnight in a Berber tent. It also has a large shopping square located in Old Medina area.
If you come to Marrakech, staying in a Riad in Medina is a must. We found this one that is family owned and run by a wonderful Moroccan family. Check their website out at www.riadzinoun.com to book a beautiful Moroccan style room. Rooms go for around $50-60 a night here.
Moroccan food is filled with a large part of Mediterranean food influences. Their countries bread is called khoubz and is served at every meal. You will find olives are added to many Moroccan dishes. One of the local dishes served everywhere you go is Taijin, made with either chicken or beef. Not sure what kind of beef, because we didn't really see any dogs. I know horse meat is very popular in foriegn countries. But you eat and don't ask or think about it.
This dish is the Morrocan salad served before your meal, along with khoubz bread. Very light and tasty with a drizzle of olive oil added. Perfect start to a great dinner.
We got different impressions about the people of Morocco. Some can be very aggressive towards you when they are trying to get you to buy something from them. The market places are the worst to be harassed. But when you realize these people only make around .60 cents a day, you begin to understand that this is what they have to do to survive here. We did meet many friendly Moroccans on our trip here. I think knowing a little about the culture is important in understanding the people here.
Moroccan mint tea is served at every meal and is offered to you as a friendly gester here. In fact it is considered rude if you do not except tea that is offered to you by the locals.
There is no denying it, the buildings here are amazing. With perfect details added to every aspect of the palaces and Mosques. Great pride was taking in building these great houses for the kings of Morocco to live in. I loved photographing this beautiful palace we went to that is located in Old Medina.
Old Medina is where the action really happens. From snake charmers, restaurants, huge market square with hundreds of stores to shop in, beautiful Riads to stay in and great people watching as you sip on some Moroccan mint tea. Everything you want to see is located here in this maze of tunnels and dark alleys.
The Souk market of Medina is the Meca of Marrakech. This place is built on tourism and would not survive without it. These people depend on visitors coming here to spend their money to get a taste of Morocco.
You will find real leather bags, colorful shoes, Moroccan dresses, jasmine oil, and Taijin pottery around every corner here in the Souk market. Bring your wallet and a big bag to carry all the amazing stuff you will want to take home.
It's very cliche, but riding a camel in the desert is a must while you are here. They are not that comfortable and some camels aren't that happy to have you on their backs, but it's an experience you shouldn't miss out on.
In the end we will have to say we had a great time here in this exotic place. Next time we will know what to expect and not be overly shocked culture wise. Infact we would love to return to see more of Marrakech. Anyone up for a Moroccan shopping spree?
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