Marrakech Impressions
Marrakech lived up to the magical image I had in my mind.
Sure, it has its historic buildings...
...but what I liked the most was walking around and seeing that the city, while extremely crowded with tourists, was still a city for the locals.
The main square Jemaa el Fna came alive at night...
...and was entertainment central for all, including storytellers and music and fishing for soda!
And it's amazing, just a short jump over the Mediterranean, and the fashion is already different. The one piece hooded djellaba is universal - both men and women wear it. I liked how this old man used the hood like a pocket, carrying vegetables in it!
And of course wandering the souks, getting lost (fun only half of the time), and shopping is part of the experience.
Then there's the Moroccan mint tea, which I learned is a fusion food that speaks to the international culture of the place. The mint is local, and the green tea is Chinese, being introduced to Morocco in the 19th century by a British merchant.
Sure, some guys could be annoying and try to trick you into following them, giving them money, etc. But for the most part I found the people warm and friendly and full of character.
