Marvellous Morocco

Travelogue Want to go somewhere for a honeymoon, a special anniversary or just a very different break, then Marrakech and/or Morocco is for you. We stayed in early January and the temperature was that of a warm summers day in the UK and wonderful after the wet chill of England.
Everything and everyone in the central Medina of Marrakech (or old town) centres around the Djema el Fna which is a central square (that isn't square)in the centre of the old town. Here, during the day, you will find snake charmers, fortune tellers, henna decorators, water sellers and a mini 'bazzar' of bits and bobs for sale, including full sets of teeth (or individual ones)- later in the evening and well into the night the square bursts with more activity including boxing fights, acrobats, story tellers, as well as a whole array of foods that are sold from kitchens that appear from nowhere and form a hot, smokey centre to the whole melee. Surrounding the square are the more mundane nut and spice sellers and orange juice sellers from carts where a full glass of freshly squeezed juice will cost you no more than a few pence.
The perfect way to while away the time is to dine at any one of several cafes that over looks this vibrant and ever changing square and just watch the world of Marrakech go by!!

You must also take a Caleche ride. These are horse drawn carriages that are a fixed tourist price and will take you out and about for up to an hour - wonderful!
No visit to Marrakech is complete without a visit to the souk, where you can buy just about everything, each section is divided into sections so that one area will be just the dyers, another clothes and shoes, another lighting, ironwork and so on - you can wander around this area for hours, and keep your wits about you - the Moroccans can be very persuasive!!
However beautiful Marrakech was the best part of the break had to be sitting at the top of the Riad as the sun went down, watching the storks diving and wheeling on the skyline - it was a sight not to be missed and not something you see often!



*By Liz Holland, UK*
Destination Marrakech, Morocco
Categories Singles, Over 50's, No kids
When Travelled January 2004
Length of Stay 4 Days
Holiday Cost £250-500
Spending Money £200
Travel Agent N/A
Tour Operator Kuoni
Airline BA
Accommodation Dar Les Cigognes. A Riad is specific to Morocco and this charming and romanctic 'boutique hotel' is situated in the central Medina of Marrakech old town and was just by the old Palace walls (there are a couple of old Palaces in Marrakech, the Royal Family move every so often!) The exterior causes concern as there is just a large door off a dusty road, but once inside you enter another world of romance, fragrant roses, flowing water and exemplary service and facilities. A Riad is best described as an 'inside out' house with nothing on the outside and all rooms, doors and windows centering around a large tiled central courtyard with galleried walkways around each side. This particular Riad only has 6 bedrooms, each one is themed and our room was decorated in a specific style that has hand painted sections of wood, that apparently took several months to do. The huge bed is covered in freshly laundered crisp white linen and scattered with red rose petals, a cavernous bathroom featured a HUGE marble bath and a beaten copper basin with personal toiletries of a very high quality. Fresh fruit picked straight from the tree is in a bowl underneath the windows and bottles of mineral water are welcome after a long journey. As a new visitor you are shown round this charming Riad and the groundfloor rooms consist of a resturant that serves breakfast (and dinner on request) there are hidden corners with deep sofas covered in white linen and scattered with vibrant coloured cushions for you to relax and enjoy the quiet and calm of the central courtyard. There is even a well stocked library with books in French, English and Morroccan that you can while away time in. Climbing around winding staircases to the top of the Riad there is a roof with deep bamboo chairs scattered with the same silk cushions found in the rest of the Riad - relaxing and looking over the rooftops of Marrakech you can also watch the storks (cignone is stork in French) nesting on the roof of the nearby palace and to see these magnificent creatures wheeling around at dusk is a sight not to be missed. You are served mint tea with tiny and delicious pastries, and the hustle and bustle of real life is miles away! You cannot fault the service, the cleanliness or location of this fantastic Riad, we were lucky to see all the rooms and each one is as beautiful and charming as the other - there is a 'silver room' consisting of silver and soft white drapes as well as a suite for longer stays. Set in the centre of the Old Town of Marrakech this is not a venue for young children, but wonderful relaxing and perfect venue for the grown up "you" to switch off from the world and enjoy each others company - even as a single traveller you could enjoy tranquility of this place and use this as a base to explore the rest of Marrakech. Website www.lescigognes.com

Travelogue Want to go somewhere for a honeymoon, a special anniversary or just a very different break, then Marrakech and/or Morocco is for you. We stayed in early January and the temperature was that of a warm summers day in the UK and wonderful after the wet chill of England. Everything and everyone in the central Medina of Marrakech (or old town) centres around the Djema el Fna which is a central square (that isn't square)in the centre of the old town. Here, during the day, you will find snake charmers, fortune tellers, henna decorators, water sellers and a mini 'bazzar' of bits and bobs for sale, including full sets of teeth (or individual ones)- later in the evening and well into the night the square bursts with more activity including boxing fights, acrobats, story tellers, as well as a whole array of foods that are sold from kitchens that appear from nowhere and form a hot, smokey centre to the whole melee. Surrounding the square are the more mundane nut and spice sellers and orange juice sellers from carts where a full glass of freshly squeezed juice will cost you no more than a few pence. The perfect way to while away the time is to dine at any one of several cafes that over looks this vibrant and ever changing square and just watch the world of Marrakech go by!! You must also take a Caleche ride. These are horse drawn carriages that are a fixed tourist price and will take you out and about for up to an hour - wonderful! No visit to Marrakech is complete without a visit to the souk, where you can buy just about everything, each section is divided into sections so that one area will be just the dyers, another clothes and shoes, another lighting, ironwork and so on - you can wander around this area for hours, and keep your wits about you - the Moroccans can be very persuasive!! However beautiful Marrakech was the best part of the break had to be sitting at the top of the Riad as the sun went down, watching the storks diving and wheeling on the skyline - it was a sight not to be missed and not something you see often!

Must See Attractions Djema el Fna, 'Square of the Dead' - Everything happens here see above for more information. Caleche Ride - A tour around the old town - negotiate price beforehand!! Jardin Majorelle - Gardens designed by Pierre Cardin. Souk - each part of the souk is divided into different catogories.

Eating Out Dar Moha, Central Medina - Superb 'designer' restaurant of the highest standard we have EVER experienced!! Any 'cafe' around Djeme el Fna.

Fab Tips Whilst in the Medina (Old Town) it is not acceptable for ladies to expose too much flesh!! Also take very good shoes - there is a lot of walking and the roads/paths are not good. The central Medina is 'dry' and you cannot get drinks easily and these are not sold within the Medina, so it is a good idea to take your favourite tipple with you. The more expensive restaurants (such as the Dar Moha) sell reasonable priced wine etc., and the Peach Brandy is a dream, but accept the fact that drinking is not part of the way of life over here. The more modern hotels outside the Medina have bars but staying within the Medina is a wonderful experience and the freshly squeezed orange juice is to die for!! French is commonly spoken so a good French phrase book is worth taking (or preferably a good Frech speaker!! There is nowhere else in the world like Marrakech and I would love to go back there, the place is just so different, so vibrant that I never really wanted to leave!!

Useful Websites Riad Dar Les Cigognes - www.lescigognes.com. Best of Morocco - www.realmorocco.com

Recommended Lonely Planet Travel Guide
	Discover ancient and exotic cities, experience the stark beauty of the desert and cool down at the beach. This insider's guide will show you the warmth and colour of Morocco. eat well and shop smart - our food and arts & crafts sections will show you how escape to the hills with our trekking chapter mix with the locals - here's how in French, Arabic and Berber bivouac in the desert or luxuriate in a Kasbah: you'll find all the accommodation options here 70 detailed maps, plus colour country map
© Fabulous Holidays 2004. Photographs courtesy of "Dar Les Cigognes" and "Best of Morocco".