Day 40 Marrakech

We have had a great day in Marrakech.  Doesn't it just sound so exotic.

View from our hotel

We started off with a short drive to the Ourika Valley, where we visited a Berber family, and had a look in their home.   The woman of the house showed us how they prepare the traditional mint tea, which was so interesting.  It's nearly always sweetened, though I have had it a couple of times without sugar, which I prefer.  Fortunately Hassan stopped the lady putting too much sugar in. They also served us Moroccan pancakes and bread, with honey and olive oil.

Ourika Valley

Kitchen

Tea ceremony

The woman's daughter and daughter-in-law were there and they explained how the woman arranged the marriage of her son and daughter-in-law, and also about the offers her daughter had received.  When we offered to answer any questions from them, they wanted to know why we didn't cover our hair.

From there we drove to the Medina of Marrakech and visited a berber spice shop and the harem of the Palais de la Bahia, built in the 19th century for the grand vizier of the sultan.

We then drove to the Djemaa El Fna Square where we had lunch while Hassan went to Friday prayers.  We then had a wander in the square, which I didn't enjoy all that much as the snake charmers and people with monkeys were very aggressive.  Hassan then took us into a souk where we did some souvenir shopping - Alan has turned to be an expert bargainer.

We had a chance for a rest at the hotel before we set out for dinner, which was very welcome.

Tonight we went back to the square which was packed.  It was interesting to walk around and see everything going on, and to see the food stalls, outdoor Cafes and all sorts of people selling all sorts of things.  It was much more enjoyable than during the day.We went to a restaurant where we had a traditional Moroccan meal with entertainment, which included a very attractive belly dancer.