Marrakech

I love Marrakech. Everything is so intoxicating – the sounds, the history, the food, the bustle of life and the rituals. We were staying at the beautiful Riad Kheirredine – a traditional riad in the Medina fiercely proud of its award- winning service record. With their own argon oil infused products in the bathroom, mint tea and homemade pasties on demand and a peaceful rooftop swimming pool, it was the perfect oasis in the city.

Unusually for us, but on the advice of several well-travelled friends, we hired a guide for a walking tour around the Medina. I’m so pleased that we pursued the recommendation.

Our guide was keen to share his extensive knowledge of the city, the country, its past and future – Morocco not only plans to be energy independent but also to sell solar generated electricity to the UK – and the investment was evident from the restoration of the Medina, and even disguising telecom poles as palm trees: our guide’s explanation was simple: “A king owns the country, and wants to preserve it for his children. Presidents are tenants who don’t really care what state the country is in when they leave”.

Having managed to persuade Anthony to join us, we spent an afternoon at one of Marrakech’s wonderful hammams and spas. Not quite sure what to expect, I was scrubbed and polished from head to toe and have never felt quite so clean. Sophia and I stayed on to enjoy a mother-daughter facial and massage. Blissful.

What Marrakech lacks in museums, palaces and accessible places of worship, it more than compensates in its rich culture. Of course, we wandered though the Medina but off the beaten track though the salt market in the Jewish Quarter was an interesting detour – with sacks of brightly coloured spices, huge pomegranates and tropical fruit, not to mention the live chickens.

We finished our trip to this fabulous City, and its rich cultural heritage….. with the ultimate tourist experience – dinner and a show: belly dancers, fire eaters, and traditional (but rather ordinary) Moroccan plates. Wanderlust on the lighter side.