Marraksh in March
Discussion
It will be warm. I've just come back from three weeks trekking, topped and tailed in Marrakech and the temps were 25C day, 12C night.
The main attraction is the Djemaa el Fna square which has everything you'd imagine the Arabian Nights to contain: water-sellers, blind beggars, snake-charmers, musicians, monkeys on chains... It is touristy, but not overwhelmingly so and the vast majority of people there were local.
At night the square transforms into a haven of street food. I wish I'd tried it but other people had plans for me and it would have been rude to refuse. Next time,eh?
The souks are amazing. Cast aside your preconceptions about being hassled and having to haggle for everything in pidgin French. Not so. Moroccan mirrors, tea glasses, leather slippers, pouffes and Berber rugs are exquisite and cheap at the quoted price, often 'fixed'. Most stallholders speak English, though watch your change lest 'mistakes' occur.
The one item you don't want to buy in the souk is a lantern. These are cheaper in the UK for something that's been far less bashed about, plus you don't have to lug a large and fragile object home.
Enjoy.
The main attraction is the Djemaa el Fna square which has everything you'd imagine the Arabian Nights to contain: water-sellers, blind beggars, snake-charmers, musicians, monkeys on chains... It is touristy, but not overwhelmingly so and the vast majority of people there were local.
At night the square transforms into a haven of street food. I wish I'd tried it but other people had plans for me and it would have been rude to refuse. Next time,eh?
The souks are amazing. Cast aside your preconceptions about being hassled and having to haggle for everything in pidgin French. Not so. Moroccan mirrors, tea glasses, leather slippers, pouffes and Berber rugs are exquisite and cheap at the quoted price, often 'fixed'. Most stallholders speak English, though watch your change lest 'mistakes' occur.
The one item you don't want to buy in the souk is a lantern. These are cheaper in the UK for something that's been far less bashed about, plus you don't have to lug a large and fragile object home.
Enjoy.
Mobile Chicane said:
The one item you don't want to buy in the souk is a lantern. These are cheaper in the UK for something that's been far less bashed about, plus you don't have to lug a large and fragile object home.
Neither of the lamps Mrs Puggit bought made it home in one piece. Both left black paint over everything that touched them 
Kids loved the mini-moroccan clothes that got bought home.
We're thinking of going in June... I've heard good and bad things but one that I've been wondering about is how acceptable it is to be an unmarried couple there?
I’m just wondering if it’s a suitable place for young couples (early 20's) to go as I'd love to visit but the others are a little hesitant.
I want to be able to say to them to stop being silly and just book!!
I’m just wondering if it’s a suitable place for young couples (early 20's) to go as I'd love to visit but the others are a little hesitant.
I want to be able to say to them to stop being silly and just book!!
lucee said:
We're thinking of going in June... I've heard good and bad things but one that I've been wondering about is how acceptable it is to be an unmarried couple there?
I’m just wondering if it’s a suitable place for young couples (early 20's) to go as I'd love to visit but the others are a little hesitant.
I want to be able to say to them to stop being silly and just book!!
I'm sure it won't be an issue.I’m just wondering if it’s a suitable place for young couples (early 20's) to go as I'd love to visit but the others are a little hesitant.
I want to be able to say to them to stop being silly and just book!!
From what I'd read on the net I'd expected to be spat at unless veiled from head to foot, and groped on every street corner. Nothing could be further from the truth.
No doubt due to the absence of the 'beer culture' people are friendly and polite. I never felt unsafe, even at night.
Moroccan women mostly cover their heads, however plenty don't. Alcohol is widely available in hotels and restaurants, but you have to ask since it won't be on the menu.
Just go. It's a fantastic place.
My only concern would be the heat: apparently it's 50C inland in the height of summer.
I concur with MC. Went last april and it was awesome. The food in Djemaa is lovely and its great seeing how it transforms over a few hours from fruit/nut and trinket stalls to mostly food stalls. Sat on the roof of cafe argana eating a lamb tagine whilst the transition occured.
Walked to the more ghetto parts with a couple of mates and found it perfectly safe. The snake charmers are quite cool, although they do they an pressure you hard into paying a hefty price for a picture with/of the snakes.
The souks were a brilliant experience, I quite enjoyed haggling with the sellers, good banter and loads of stuff on sale. The temps were also brilliant, 42c was the hottest it got and it felt awesome!
Lucee - I'm of similar age to you, went with a mate whos the same age and noticed a few couples who were also our age at the hostel I stayed in. Stop wondering and just book the trip, you'll enjoy it!
Walked to the more ghetto parts with a couple of mates and found it perfectly safe. The snake charmers are quite cool, although they do they an pressure you hard into paying a hefty price for a picture with/of the snakes.
The souks were a brilliant experience, I quite enjoyed haggling with the sellers, good banter and loads of stuff on sale. The temps were also brilliant, 42c was the hottest it got and it felt awesome!
Lucee - I'm of similar age to you, went with a mate whos the same age and noticed a few couples who were also our age at the hostel I stayed in. Stop wondering and just book the trip, you'll enjoy it!
Went last August for a long weekend absolutly brilliant, totaly recommend it, there are only a couple of Hotels and Riads with swimming pools close to the centre try to get one of these you will need it.
You need to know two words of basic arabic
La - means No
Shukran - means Thank you
So La Shukran with a smile usualy gets rid of any one pestering you of which there are plenty. F--- Off does not work.
You need to know two words of basic arabic
La - means No
Shukran - means Thank you
So La Shukran with a smile usualy gets rid of any one pestering you of which there are plenty. F--- Off does not work.
Went to Morocco last year, spent a few days in Marrakech. Wasn't too bad, but I have to admit, it wasn't my favourite place in the world. Novel at first, but for me tiresome after a few days.
Watch your wallet, watch your camera.
Anyway, I did a write up for another forum about my Moroccan holiday, I hope you don't mind if I just paste that here. Plenty of pics and info to give you a taste for the place.
Welcome To Marrkech
Arguably the most famous city in Morocco, and the usual starting point for most holiday makers and travellers.
Typically cities in Morocco comprise two parts, a fortified old town (known as the Medina) and a newer modern city called the Gueliz or 'New Town'. It is claimed that one cannot truly appreciate Marrakech without living in the Medina experiencing the sights, the sounds and the smells! :!:
The centre piece is the market square - Djemaa El Fna. Bustling and busy all day and night. The guide books will suggest that nothing can compare to the hustle and bustle of the famous market/souk, however think Camden Market, add 15 degrees, people branishing monkeys, others charming snakes and women waving syringes of henna and you're not far off. Evenings attract more locals gathering around story tellers and the centre becomes an open air restaurant as food stalls emerge and tempt you to have a seat and sample the local cuisine.
Market Place at night
The souk is an adventure in itself. Twisting turning alleyways, hanging from any available space - clothes, lamps, carpets, pottery, scarves, shoes... It can be intimidating at first, especially given the rather aggresive nature of the arab stall keepers. Also the fact that many alleyways in the souk look identical, getting lost is an inevitability. However, putting all this aside, if you're willing to 'open up' to the experience, it can be rewarding. You certainly don't get motorcycles and donkeys walking with you in Camden!
If you look western (especially if you have a nice camera), you are going to get harassed. Beggers in every doorway is a common sight. Somewhat more upsetting are the child beggars - either selling boxes of tissues or straight out asking for cash. The mothers sell pastries and the children often run back and forth to pass on any money collected. Initially one does feel sorry for such children, but I have to admit, after about...10 minutes, it's bloody annoying and you learn to answer with a firm 'NO' and they get the message.
Speaking of people trying to get your money...bartering. Accepted and expected anywhere and everywhere. Again, if you're up it (and accept that whatever happens you'll be paying over the odds vs a local), it can be fun. Often it can be tiresome, especially as you start dismissing everyone as you assume people are constantly trying to shaft you.
The local dentist
We spent a few days in Marrakech. Saw the guidebook recommendations. Ultimately, there's not a huge amount to see and do and by the third day you've pretty much done it all. The mosques and Koranic Schools are worth a look. The Majorelle Gardens are always recommended but in all honesty weren't that impressive.
Mosque Details
The Gardens
Around Marrakech
Roads
Anarchy. But oddly controlled. Didn't see any crashes but very copious use of the horn - not aggresive but as an indication of the driver's presence. Almost seemed to work...probably wouldn't get away with it driving around London though. Scooters galore...carrying whole families, any shape and size. Crazy!
You'd get used to this view though...the majority of taxis in Marrakech (and more widely in Morocco) are Mercedes, old skool E Classes.
At least I managed to practice my panning shots!
HTH
Watch your wallet, watch your camera.
Anyway, I did a write up for another forum about my Moroccan holiday, I hope you don't mind if I just paste that here. Plenty of pics and info to give you a taste for the place.
Welcome To Marrkech
Arguably the most famous city in Morocco, and the usual starting point for most holiday makers and travellers.
Typically cities in Morocco comprise two parts, a fortified old town (known as the Medina) and a newer modern city called the Gueliz or 'New Town'. It is claimed that one cannot truly appreciate Marrakech without living in the Medina experiencing the sights, the sounds and the smells! :!:
The centre piece is the market square - Djemaa El Fna. Bustling and busy all day and night. The guide books will suggest that nothing can compare to the hustle and bustle of the famous market/souk, however think Camden Market, add 15 degrees, people branishing monkeys, others charming snakes and women waving syringes of henna and you're not far off. Evenings attract more locals gathering around story tellers and the centre becomes an open air restaurant as food stalls emerge and tempt you to have a seat and sample the local cuisine.
Market Place at night
The souk is an adventure in itself. Twisting turning alleyways, hanging from any available space - clothes, lamps, carpets, pottery, scarves, shoes... It can be intimidating at first, especially given the rather aggresive nature of the arab stall keepers. Also the fact that many alleyways in the souk look identical, getting lost is an inevitability. However, putting all this aside, if you're willing to 'open up' to the experience, it can be rewarding. You certainly don't get motorcycles and donkeys walking with you in Camden!
If you look western (especially if you have a nice camera), you are going to get harassed. Beggers in every doorway is a common sight. Somewhat more upsetting are the child beggars - either selling boxes of tissues or straight out asking for cash. The mothers sell pastries and the children often run back and forth to pass on any money collected. Initially one does feel sorry for such children, but I have to admit, after about...10 minutes, it's bloody annoying and you learn to answer with a firm 'NO' and they get the message.
Speaking of people trying to get your money...bartering. Accepted and expected anywhere and everywhere. Again, if you're up it (and accept that whatever happens you'll be paying over the odds vs a local), it can be fun. Often it can be tiresome, especially as you start dismissing everyone as you assume people are constantly trying to shaft you.
The local dentist
We spent a few days in Marrakech. Saw the guidebook recommendations. Ultimately, there's not a huge amount to see and do and by the third day you've pretty much done it all. The mosques and Koranic Schools are worth a look. The Majorelle Gardens are always recommended but in all honesty weren't that impressive.
Mosque Details
The Gardens
Around Marrakech
Roads
Anarchy. But oddly controlled. Didn't see any crashes but very copious use of the horn - not aggresive but as an indication of the driver's presence. Almost seemed to work...probably wouldn't get away with it driving around London though. Scooters galore...carrying whole families, any shape and size. Crazy!
You'd get used to this view though...the majority of taxis in Marrakech (and more widely in Morocco) are Mercedes, old skool E Classes.
At least I managed to practice my panning shots!
HTH
Great pics !!!
I was there in October for a few days, staying at the Farah Kenzi hotel. Hotel was fine, not amazing, but a good bet for a few days cheap(ish) getaway. Location was good (walking distance), rooms were good, pool nice, bar expensive, food good, breakfast yummy, service good.
You will eat out most of the time. The cafes by the side of the Medina Square are ok ... but get deep in the souk and you'll find fresh cooked "stuff" ... worth a go. Also Cafe in middle of souk has great view from rooftop. The evening has to be done in the Medina a couple of times, it's an experience (and incredibly cheap). The souks are amazing, DONT get a guide !! There are a few good day trips out, and one evening one to the Morroc extraveganza, pretty good value all in all. Ate out for one "more expensive meal" at Kanyama ... food was excellent, service was s
te. Meal for 2 with Maroc vino (suprisingly good) was about 60 quid.
All in all, really nice ... but very different few days break. If you've not been, then its definately worth it.
Arf
I was there in October for a few days, staying at the Farah Kenzi hotel. Hotel was fine, not amazing, but a good bet for a few days cheap(ish) getaway. Location was good (walking distance), rooms were good, pool nice, bar expensive, food good, breakfast yummy, service good.
You will eat out most of the time. The cafes by the side of the Medina Square are ok ... but get deep in the souk and you'll find fresh cooked "stuff" ... worth a go. Also Cafe in middle of souk has great view from rooftop. The evening has to be done in the Medina a couple of times, it's an experience (and incredibly cheap). The souks are amazing, DONT get a guide !! There are a few good day trips out, and one evening one to the Morroc extraveganza, pretty good value all in all. Ate out for one "more expensive meal" at Kanyama ... food was excellent, service was s
te. Meal for 2 with Maroc vino (suprisingly good) was about 60 quid.All in all, really nice ... but very different few days break. If you've not been, then its definately worth it.
Arf
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