Marrakesh, Mon Amour

I just finished helping some friends plan their itinerary while in Marrakesh for a few days. Granted, it's not a very difficult task, but I can't help but get tremendously excited when I talk about Morocco. The colours, smells, smiles and sights are so unique that just thinking about the place takes me away. 

After so many trips there, I've collected a few special memories and must-do's which I would like to share:

1- Exploring Jmaa Al Fnaa

Whether you're there just as a spectator, or are searching for a mystical potion to entrance the object of your affection - you're bound to see and hear unusual and exotic things in this square. 

To your left, storytellers weave together tales of magic and passion, while to your right jugglers make rings of fire look like a perpetual string of light...It's impossible to be bored here.

 

2- Wandering through the Souk

I've got more ceramic pots, tajines, dishes, and ashtrays (even though I don't smoke) than I know what to do with. It's not my fault I have a real weakness when it comes to the azure, ochre and tumeric-hued ceramics. The vendors make them look so beautiful, and just when you think you've had enough, comes a different stall with slightly different objects...and you're sure that the turquoise is just a few shades darker than the previous urn you just bought - so of course you need it. By the way, you can also buy kaftans, djelabas, babouches and beautifully crafted leather and metal objects, oh and did I mention the ceramics?

3- A stroll through the Majorelle Gardens

This is a beautiful garden designed by a French artist names Jacques Majorelle during the colonial period when Morocco was a protectorate of France. Yves St Laurent owned this garden at a certain point and it not only houses his collection of North African textiles (just in case you needed another reason to go) but is also the site of the Islamic art museum. 

Though these are only a few places amongst many, Marrakesh is a magical city which will always surprise and enchant, no matter how many times you've been.