I think my perception of North Africa has been unkind. Either that or Morrocco is completely different to Tunisia in its culture.
Today has, on the whole been a lazy day. We got up at a decent hour with very little hurkle durkling. Took breakfast on the roof terrace before setting out into the presumed chaos of the Medina and soukes. It was busy with tourists but not uncomfortably so. There were no huge crowds and no problems strolling through the narrow streets.
It's an amazing place. Street after street of shops and alleyways full of stalls selling the usual tourist goods. It works on specific areas. For example a street or collection of alleys selling Leather goods. Another selling lamps. Yet more specialising in metal wok or spices. It's vibrant, exciting and colourful but feels safe and sedate. The people are very friendly and welcoming. There was not a single aggressive camel seller anywhere in sight. At least not that we found. There was no hard sell and it was a pleasure to stroll around the narrow soukes enjoying the sights and sounds. We never buy anything as the years of acquiring souveniers are well past. Besides our meagre matildas aren't big enough to accommodate any additional items other than what we have brought as essentials. We were given a small cedarwood ornament that we watched a craftsman make using a hand turned foot laithe. He explained and demonstrated the process and did not even hint at payment, which was very nice. We shall treasure it as a gift.
Crispy insisted I get a haircut and shave at a little side street barbers. I have got lazy in my appearance since retiring and she put her foot down. I must admit that I do like a cut throat shave and have one when the chance occurs. It takes ages and plays havoc with my short attention span but it feels amazing once done.
After a few hours we left the Soukes and found a roof top restaurant for lunch and a cheeky drink. Alcohol is not readily available here due to the government not being keen on it's general sale. As such it is taxed exorbitantly and is expensive. Although we dont mind the odd tipple we aren't huge drinkers so this is not an issue for us but I don't think Marrakech is going to be the stag party capital anytime soon.
We returned to our Riad oasis around 5ish to shower and relax on the roof before heading out for dinner.
Tomorrow I have arranged a day's trekking in the high Atlas mountains. I'm not sure what it will entail but I know we get to an altitude of 6000 feet. I think this will be the highest Crispy has ever been with her feet still connected to the planet. The highest altitude I have climbed to is the Annapurna sanctuary at an elevation of 13000 feet but that was many years ago in the Himalaya. Whatever the day holds It will be nice to see some of the country outside of the Medina.
Crispy is excited and no doubt dreaming of the adventure to come.
The riad
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