This is the view from the balcony of a riad we stayed at in Marrakech. The photograph was taken in 2010 before POD arrived. We decided to go to Morocco for a long weekend without really knowing what to expect.
The taxi we had from the airport dropped us off in a dusty street and pointed at an alleyway when we asked where our riad was. The sense of unease was quashed however when we located a big black door with a beautiful riad the other side. It was a place of calm, a stark contrast to the mayhem we’d just experienced. Our room was wonderful and a roof terrace provided a superb location for breakfast. The door you see to the left was where we ate dinner and chose wine from a secret menu.
Outside this place of beauty, all sense of direction departed you. Even though we knew exactly where we were heading, there are so many distractions, we soon lost our focus. It was a mistake to stare at a map like a couple of lost tourists. Within minutes we’d been approached by locals keen to show us where to go.
Totally lost it wasn’t long before we selected someone and headed through a labyrinth of alleyways. There seemed no logic to any of them. We did end up where we wanted to be.
The best way to get around the Medina is by foot. Other than scooters, that appear from all directions, it’s closed to traffic.
There was an endless maze of markets and the souks comprised of alleyways of small retail outlets. If you ventured in, it was presumed you would purchase. A mix of specialisms covering everything from carpets and textiles to spices, clothing and blankets. Not forgetting alligator skins.
The renowned Djemaa El-Fna square was home to juice vendors, henna tattoo artists, astrologers, magicians and monkey trainers. We were collared by the snake charmers when one of their ‘team’ discovered us taking a photograph from way back. Before we knew it we both had snakes round our necks.
Although real snakes they appeared dead to us. We were asked to hold each just below it’s head, presumably to show unsuspecting tourists they were alive. They resembled something you’d find in a party shop rather than a reptile enclosure!
It was a truly memorable weekend and it may have also have been where POD was conceived. She did arrive nine months later after all.
We’re linking this post up with What’s The Story? on this blog and Magic Moments at The Oliver’s Madhouse.
looks lovely – somewhere I’ve never been
Thank you Afra, it’s a mental place. The riad was so peaceful though. Complete contrast 🙂
sounds like a lovely trip
Thanks Louise, it was a great trip 🙂
Looks amazing, I’ve never been to Marrakech but my friends rave about it! x
It is the most mental place I’ve ever been to!
Ahhh sounds like a really lovely trip – besides maybe the snake bit! I went in 97 and really loved it! I think I’d like to go back one day as OH hasn’t been yet!
It’s an incredible place isn’t it. I was so thankful for the riad with everywhere so busy. You should definitely go back at some point. The snakes were tiny – I’m so sure they were dead!
How lovely to have a photo that reminds you of where your daughter was conceived. I have to admit (get ready for over share) that we took a photo too of that fateful night but it wasn’t nearly as lovely! We just had a feeling that it had happened!
I’m sure they’d probably want to know where they were conceived one day. We don’t know know for sure but we’re fairly certain 🙂
Wow it looks and sounds a lovely place.
Thank you Darren, it’s a mad place! We did pick up some rather nice leather goods though 🙂
Wow! It does look lovely!
Thank you Kim. The riad was lovely then it was mental the minute you stepped outside it. Great trip though 🙂
Looks really pretty. I love exploring new places!
Thank you Laura. You should check it out, it was good fun 🙂
Wow! I’ve always wanted to go to Marrakesh, but I suspect it is a grown child or childless couple holiday, I certainly couldn’t imagine taking The Boy into that hustle and bustle. There is no way on Earth I could have coped with a snake around my neck!
Think you’re right, it’s definitely a childless trip or waiting until they’re bigger at least. The riad is so quiet and so beautiful but outside that it’s super hectic! It’s a shame the snake photos were so rubbish, they were hilarious – and small thankfully 🙂
Looks gorgeous! Never been, though my brother has and says it’s fabulous, too. Lovely to think POD may have been conceived in such a beautiful place x
Thanks Jocelyn, its a great place to go and visit but not for a relaxing weekend 🙂
Charly this is so fab you wrote about this place today, my twin sister arrived there this morning for a birthday surprise with her boyfriend!!
Thanks for linking up with #MagicMoments x
So funny Jaime that you sister arrived there today. Small world 🙂
This made me smile, we had a very different experience of Morocco, I’ll have to write about it someday. I know what you mean about having locals offering to help you, as long as you pop into their uncle’s gift shop though!
You so should Lou, it’s a mad place. Seems so long ago now. I guess a lot has happened since 🙂
Ooh, I would definitely have run away at the sight of snakes (albeit fairly docile ones by the sound of it!). Marrakech is somewhere I’ve never been but do quite fancy – stark contrast to the UK!
Very different to the UK, an interesting place to visit though. The snakes were very docile indeed, that was such a strange experience!
Lovely to look back on some pre kids times
Funny how it seems so long ago 🙂
I’ve always fancied going to Morocco. Must be so strange the contrast between somewhere calm and serene and the heaving, busy streets outside.
Such a contrast Erica, it’s really weird. You’re so thankful for the riad though, it was wonderfully peaceful there. Morocco is definitely worth a visit, I’d like to see more there one day 🙂
It sounds like utter bliss! What a wonderful oasis of calm!
#MagicMoments
The riad was just wonderful then out to the mayhem of the souks!
I would love to get to Marrakech – if only for all the hustle and bustle of the markets! 🙂 x
You will I’m sure! It’s nice to have all the hustle and bustle but also that quiet place to retreat to too 🙂
Sounds like a wonderful (and eventful!) trip 🙂 It’s not somewhere I’ve been, but I have been to similar places and have had slightly different experiences…! More along the lines of Lou 🙂 Fascinating place though, and a lovely story xx
Be interesting to see a bit more of the country potentially when POD is bigger. Although saying that I’d probably be happier sitting on a beach 🙂
I would love to go to Morocco, such a fascinating culture. What is it about holidays?! Both ours came along after trips to Seville and Paris.
Seemingly trips are a good idea LOL! It’s definitely an interesting place to visit, seriously chaotic though 🙂
Looks beautiful. i’d love to go to Morocco.
Lovely MagicMoments 🙂
Thank you Bex, it was an interesting weekend 🙂
🙂 xx
Sounds like a wonderful trip, what a beautiful place to have conceived, so lovely x
It was a great trip thanks, seems like such a long time ago though now 🙂
Beautiful picture and fantastic sounding holiday, I’d love to visit Marrakech! x
Thank you Emily. Was a fleeting visit but a good one 🙂
Fab post – would love to visit. Not sure about the snakes though!!!!!
Thank you. Teeny tiny snakes Cathie, you would have been alright. Worth a visit at some point 🙂
Ah how lovely! Sounds like it was a little haven away from all the hustle and bustle. And what a fantastic result of it all nine months later 🙂
It so was – really nice to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy streets. The markets and souks were amazing though 🙂
I would so love to go to Morrocco, many friends have been and loved it! The snake story did make me shudder a bit though! Kind of worse if they were dead in a way :-/
You’re probably right with their status – it was a weird experience! Definitely an interesting place to visit 🙂
It looks like a gorgeous place where to stay… *sigh* xx
Lovely place to stay and so calm in comparison to the outside 🙂
I just want to dive into that water… whether it is meant to be swum in or not! I love the tiles on the floor…
It did look really good it has to be said! I did resist the temptation to dip my feet in though. Thought best not to given it was next to the restaurant :))
I LOVE Marrakech. I went when I was a gleeful singleton, and am keen to go back one day. Maybe when the children are a bit older – I think it might be a bit too hectic at the moment! You were very brave with the snakes – I ran a mile from those vendors!
The thought of going with little ones is quite daunting isn’t it! I’d be quite happy just lying on a beach or something! We would have run a mile from the vendors, we got caught taking a photograph so were collared!
What a fabulous place for a weekend away. The raid looks lovely! X