Postcards from Marrakesh - 1

To:

Ya Raqs
Grande Bretagne



Marrakesh: even the name conjurers up exotic images, and the city did not disappoint. The sounds, smells and colours will stay with me forever. Even our arrival made an impression: walking down a dark quiet alley was a bit scary. Then bending to get through the door into a dark hallway and then around the corner into a piece of heaven was amazing. Riad el Faran was all you could hope for. A central atrium, lit with candles with a central pool and the rooms leading off. All the bedrooms were large and beautiful. The upstairs sitting area quickly became a favourite hang out, and the roof terrace wonderful for breakfast and sun bathing.

It didn't take too long to get our bearings. However I would not recommend walking through a souk with eight women if you are in a hurry. By the end of the week we were all expert hagglers, or else we turned Aisha or Hebba loose on the shopkeepers. I am sure one or two were in tears when the ladies left their shops!

The central square has to be experienced to be believed. No matter what time of day or night you visit there is the sound of drums and music. There are snake charmers, belly dancers, orange stalls and fruit sellers. It is fabulous.

We did so much it would take too long to write it all down. For me the highlights were meeting the Berber women. The way the light went on behind their eyes when they realised how much we appreciated their dancing was priceless. The wonderful smell of spices, the colours, the dancing and the laughter are things I will always remember.

Kebi