Destination: Marrakech, Morocco
When we visited: March, 2007
Why to go:
After visiting a number of European destinations both as a backpacker and with my family, I truly felt like we’d stepped into an exotic and breathtaking city when we entered Marrakech. We were fortunate to have a guide, Youssef, to show us around and share its fascinating history with us.
What to see:
Marrakech is a cornucopia of sights, sounds and aromas. Among the moments I’ll never forget: the scent of orange blossoms at the ruins of Palais el-Badi; the cacophony of merchants and onlookers at any of the city’s incredible souks, or markets; the hissing snakes (tended carefully by their owners) in the central square, Jemaa el Fna; and the fresh beauty of the pools, flowers and greenery at the gorgeous Jardin Majorelle.
Where to stay:
We stayed three nights at the lovely Dar Karma. A “dar” is a house built around a courtyard. Dar Karma was simply but beautifully appointed, from the painted ceilings to the orange trees and fountain in the lobby. The final night we stayed in Marrakech, we enjoyed dinner at the dar. Sitting in a candlelit room off the courtyard, we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful final evening.
Where to eat:
We had a lovely lunch at the Café des epices, overlooking the spice souk. And we enjoyed refreshments in the Jemaa el Fna. But our splurge meal was at the gorgeous Dar Moha. Tables were arranged both inside and outside around a pool, and rose petals were scattered across our table. Small courtyards with trees, fountains and flowers enhanced some of the most delicious food I’ve ever eaten.
28 comments:
Beth love the pictures, gloria
Yet another place on my places-to-go-someday, list.
Looking at your photos and reading your descriptions, I can almost smell the wonderful spices!
The table looks pretty, but I have to say that the food doesn't look all that delicious to me!!! ;)
The pictures are lovely, Beth - but your account of this exotic city really invites us in.
I have to be honest, Ruth. I don't remember exactly what we ate. But I promise, it was delicious!
The snakes on the ground kind of got me there. SO unexpected and yet so logical.
Wow, Beth, you have been everywhere! Morocco is one my list of places to visit soon...
I love your travel posts Beth. Marrakech is one place I would dearly love to visit. And when I do, I would love to visit Dar Moha, it looks absolutely indulgent.
Loved visiting Morocco; have never been there before; thank you.
Rita
My word that looks fabulous! I especially like how you said you could smell the orange blossoms...if my nose could "water", it would :D
Thank you for sharing another lovely adventure!
ps please tell me you didn't get close to those snakes!
Morocco sounds fabulous!
It sounds like a great place to visit! :)
Those snakes in the picture were a surprise.
Very exotic place to visit. Could live without the snakes for sure, but the Spice market and that delicious table looks fantastic! Sounds like a wonderful visit.
An awesome travel destination! I would love to visit there some day.
Marrakesh is high on my list of places to visit & I've been trying for years to get my husband to agree on going. If I close my eyes, your descriptive passages almost take me there. Thanks for the visit!
I totally want to go someday!
Beautiful! I spent about four days in Fez, back when I was in college. It was a beautiful and exotic city. Your photos reminded me of that trip. Thanks!
Beautiful pictures, this sounds wonderful!
It does look very exotic, that's for sure! My husband has a snake phobia...even looking at this photo will give him the creeps! What an adventure!
This is definitely on my list.
Eek! Look at those snakes! Funny, I was just talking to someone from Morocco yesterday, about how he got homesick one time and "bought his ticket on Tuesday, packed on Wednesday and flew out on Thursday" for ten days back home.
The famed market of Marrakech is definitely on my list of places to see. I'd have to give those cobras a very wide berth, though! Blech!
Looks like such a magical place to vacation. The food sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing.
One day...it has always been my dream to visit Morocco. Ryan and I are slowly saving up money for our trip! When we finally accumulate the funds, I will most certainly be turning to you for advice. Your pictures and words only increase my excitement. Thank you for sharing!
Marrakech is steadily climbing my destinations list. I'm hearing more and more about it all the time and it's beginning to pique my interest.
I've always wanted to see Greece though so that will probably come first!
Wow! An eye-opener!
Thanks, Beth! ;D
Oh, Marrakech was amazing (and delicious!).
Such an assault on the senses, from the whiff of the dying yards to the perfume of the orange blossoms.
Beth, you have been everywhere! I wish I was adventurous as you.
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