Marrakech.  Marrakesh.  Two spellings for an intense city of pink that consists of two parts: the old city or Medina and the new city.  Most of our time was spent in the Medina, where the streets are like narrow labyrinths leading to stunning palaces and the crowded Souk. Our short stay in Marrakesh was spent at a quaint little riad (like a bed and breakfast) named Maison Do (http://www.maison-do.com/en-home.html).  We were a stones-throw from one of the many mosques in Marrakesh and listened appreciatively to the call-to-prayer that sang out from the minaret, five times a day. The riad itself was like a mini-palace and between the ornate interior and wonderful service provided to us by Ali - we will most certainly return to 'Maison Do'.

One of Christer's co-workers comes from Marrakesh and this kind man has family still residing here (his sister Meyrem, her husband Hamza and their oh-so-adorable two year old son, Jonas). During our stay, we telephoned them and wow...did they show us around Marrakesh and the surrounding areas.  Our trip was instantly turned from a tourist-filled experience to one of Moroccan hosts-with-the-most. The first day, we were taken to Menara Gardens, treated to REALLY tasty, traditional Moroccan meal at Dar Moki (which I HIGHLY recommend you find, should you visit - its also a riad offering two rooms), Majorelle Gardens (which also houses one of the homes to Yves St. Laurent) and then a drive to Ourika Valley (natural park just 1 hour outside Marrakesh).

The following day Tracey (my sister) and I tried our hand at 'haggling' with the locals in the Souk, or covered markets.  Here we purchased traditional 'babouches' or slippers, some colorful artwork and even found my sister a boyfriend (although we didn't purchase him). Later that evening, we met up with our new friends, Hamza, Meyrem, and Jonas for a horse-carriage ride (known as a caleche) through the old and new parts of Marrakesh, a drive out to the Palmeries where the landscape is desert-like and many-a-camel-ride is offered, and then an incredible dinner at our hosts home. As if the family showing us around Marrakech for two entire days on their own time, paying for everything and inviting us to their home for dinner wasn't enough...they went one step further and gifted us lovely tea and glass sets, so that we may offer fresh mint tea to our guests AND two boxes of the most divine pastries I've ever tasted (yes, that includes French pastries....and that is no easy feat!).

My summary of Marrakesh is this:  I'd have enjoyed walking the twisting streets for a few days, losing myself and then finding my way once again. But the generosity, loveliness and kindness shown by our host Ali, at Maison Do, and to Hamza, Meyrem and Jonas?  Quite simply, these four people have made Marrakesh an incredibly special place to us - and gave us the gift of warm memories. For this, we are grateful.

 

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