Described as the beating heart of Marrakech the Jemaa el-Fnaa is a mish mash of snake charmers, buzzing market stalls, performing monkeys and horse carriages mixed amongst a sea of people.
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Marrakech’s most iconic building/symbol |
We smirked as we left, finding humour in the situation as opposed to bitterness. We wandered down a small side street, oblivious to the labyrinth of the souks that we were about to enter.
We found our way out an hour later. We passed craftsmen shaping ironwares, a corridor of rainbow-like lamps and bulbs, and shoemakers pounding leather. It was sensory overload, yet it was unique and captivating.
Day 2
For our second day in Marrakech, we learnt to embrace the experience, but in small doses. After our walking tour, we took a breather in Foucault Square and Cyber Park, sitting amongst greenery away from the chaos of the square for re-energising.
“Hi, I’m a lifeguard and we do aqua gym classes, which hotel are you staying at?” and I’m going to sit here and leer at you very indiscreetly.
The park was a welcome break despite the odd occurrence here and there, as detailed above. There was a characteristic buzz of Moroccan youths singing, playing guitar and hanging out with friends.
We soon descended back into the square, strolling down a quieter street and browsing through stalls. Abi brought some Henna paint after some light negotiation and I brought some Jasmine. On our way back, the shopkeeper yelled after us: “I have tea!! Come have some free tea with me!!” At first, we walked on then we glanced at each other, contemplating the offer. I nodded at Abi, as we headed back towards the shop, hoping that we made the right choice.
He introduced himself as Yousef whilst boiling some mint tea on a portable gas stove. We conversed about family, Marrakech and about our hike in Mount Toubkal. He handed us tea in a small glass each, using the opportunity to show us his wares. He massaged rose oil and argan cream onto our forearms and hands, soothing our weather-beaten skin from the mountains. He dropped a small shard of eucalyptus in our tea: transforming the taste from minty to a strong vicks-like liquid which completely cleared the airways.
Yousef proceeded to pull up a chair, asking us to sit on the same side as him. He gave us each a shoulder/arm/facial massage skillfully.
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Free gifts 🙂 |
Overall, Marrakech was a crazy yet truly unique experience. Your senses go into overdrive and everything is of the unexpected. Take everything on board, descend into Marrakech with an open approach, take a breather now and then and embrace the city!
Trip Tips
- Basically, do everything I didn’t do haha. Do a little research, bring a Lonely Planet/guidebook as a basis for the city before going.
- It can get tiresome very quickly with the combination of heat/chaos and people hassling you. Take a breather: go to a park or a rooftop cafe, have some orange juice and renew yourself so you’re not too hot and bothered.
- HAGGLE! The shopkeepers always start the price high with the expectation of haggling. Make it friendly/informal, aggression never gets you anywhere.
- The fresh orange juice is lovely, sweet and plentiful! At 4DH (30p) a glass its something not to miss.
- Don’t take anything personally. The men can be quite annoying.
- In essence, the locals are friendly and approachable. Alot of them want your money for everything from directions to guiding you. Be weary, trust your instincts and a firm ‘No’ should stop any excessive hassling.
- We picked up a map for 10 DH (90p) from a Newsagents which was useful for navigating Marrakech: