MARRAKECH, INCOMPARABLE SENSATIONS (Journal of Morocco #2)

Nov 11, 2017
2 min read

Marrakech has a mixture of traditional and contemporary. Bathed in the pink flow of its adobe walls, the lovely Marrakech throws open its doors to all culture lovers.

Stroll through the city, walk through a gate into the media and advance into the old district. This is where you willlfind the beating heart of the former royal capital and the famous 250 feet minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque. It is said the minaret the Koutoubia Mosque is to Marrakech as the Eiffel tower is to Paris. It is also a signature of Islamic art, for its design and proportions inspired Hassan tower in Rabat. The minaret is visible from Gueliz which is connected to the Medina by Avenue Mohammed V. At night, the mosque is beautifully lit.

The minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque which is beautifully lighted at night.

Stroll through the Jemaa El Fna square (a UNESCO site) and the bazaars with their bright colour merchandise and oriental scent. You will be whisked into another world in the blink of eyes. The horse-drawn carriages, sun soaked terraces, story tellers, snake charmers, musicians, dancers, street artists, food/sweet stalls, the hustle and bustle both day and night.

The old city gate.

Beautiful carving on the ancient city gate.

So many stories behind the old wooden door.

Spices and minerals.

Moroccan ceramics.

Horse cart to carry goods.

Spices.

Beautiful handcrafted straw bags with Moroccan design.

Handmade leather sleepers.

Colourful rugs.

More spices at roadside stall.

Collectibles.

Horse carriage.

The butcher with old fashion weighing scale.

Argan oil and essential oil outlet.

Bees swamped around the sweet pastries.

The man and his spices.

The other part of contemporary Morocco is just outside the wall with up to date infrastructure, international brands, themed venues and trendy pubs.

We enjoyed an authentic dinner with spectacular Chez Ali fantasia Show: Ancient military c combat demonstration with rifles, horseback acrobatics, flying carpets, belly dancing with musician playing the Moroccan tune and songs. The show ended with fireworks display. The evening reminds me of Aladin and 1001 nights!