Marrakech

One of my painting teachers in college told me he thought I would really enjoy Marrakech and now I can tell him that he was right. It was so nice to be able to spend so much time exploring the city, because there is so much to see and do.

The area is conducive to getting lost - even if you have a reasonable map, which often leads to some interesting places.

The Djemaa el Fna...

is where most roads lead and at night this UNESCO site really awakens with an array of characters, foods, sounds, and smells.

- One of my favorite things was sitting at the little café on the corner and watching the action down below at dusk and watching the early evening action. The light was magnificent and it steadily faded into night.

Snake Charmers

Produce Market...

it felt like we were stepping back in time to see the weights + scales that were used.

Goods Markets...

one of many places to buy tea sets, clothing, carpets, decor + household items.

Transport...

seeing donkeys, horses, carts, motorbikes, and cars sharing the roads.

Souks...

there were a large array of goods for sale, but the light beams shining through the thatched roof was especially beautiful. (Side note: Stefan had no idea this slab of meat was behind him.)

Souks at Night...

so quiet compared to the hustle and bustle of the day.

Escargot...

food may be safe, but dishware can be problematic since there aren't great washing facilities - or so we were warned.

Terrasse des Épices...

this was our favorite restaurant. The ambiance and food were both fantastic. It was recommended by Jamie Oliver. Ironically we saw signs with 'Jimmy Oliver' and 'Jimmy Holliver' painted on many restaurants at other places around the city. I read about this one on his website.

Guéliz...

Considered 'New Marrakech' and has a very European feel. It's also an easy place to go for things with marked prices instead of bartering.

Guéliz • 16 café...

Modern foods and fantastic pastries

Guéliz • Grand Café de la Poste...

another recommendation by Jamie Oliver. The food here was terrific and the restaurant was very elegant. It drew a very interesting set of characters.

Koutoubia Mosque + Gardens...

beautifully tended with orange trees, greenery and a bit of shade.

City Walls...

those little holes allowed for the expanding and contrasting of the stone as it was being built.

Tanner's District...

even as soon as we approached the area men would come up with photos of the colorful Fes market to show us in hopes of guiding us there (In Marrakech it's not as colorful). Many people and children are more than willing to offer help back in exchange for some pocket money, although it's easy to visit on your own as well, which is what we did. The children were sweet - they would start yelling 'fermé (closed)' if you ventured down a residential dead end.

Palais Bahia...

one of the most visited sites in Marrakech. There are so many beautiful patterns, textures, and architectural details.

Jardin Majorelle...

this botanical garden is really something special. It was designed in 1924 during the colonial times by a French expat.

Memorial to Yves Saint Laurent

Oasis...

it's incredible to think this is more or less in the middle of a desert, because the area is so lush and green.

Marjorelle Blue...

Not quite Yves Klein blue, but quite similar and equally as beautiful.

Train Station at dusk

Mosques

Palmerie

Camels

Lantern shop...

I wanted a bright colored lantern and there was only one shop where we saw them for sale. I tried to negotiate for one and the man told me they start at 600 dirhams, which is about 60€. I went with the approach of knowing what I'd be willing to pay and being willing to walk away, which is what I ended up doing.

- We went back another evening with a plan and had a different sales man. Stefan tried his hand and incredibly the starting price was mysteriously 400 dirhams, or 20€ less than I was initially offered. Typically giving 10-20% of their initial offer and not more than 50% is fair market value.

Spices + Tagines...

we also brought back lots of spices and this little tagine trio, which is currently home to a variety of salts on our table, because I certainly love salt - and having a useful reminder from our travels.

Moroccan Riads

Something wonderful about Marrakech, and all of Morocco, are the gorgeous riads. Each of these traditional homes provides a small oasis from the chaotic hustle and bustle of the city. They are relatively small for hotel standards with typically 5 or 6 rooms, a courtyard, and often beautiful roof top terraces.

Upon looking for hotels I have to say I was overwhelmed, because there are so many impeccably styled options. In the end, we chose Dar One during our first stay in Marrakech and Riad Awa after our return from Essaouira. Neither were exactly easy to find, which tended to be the theme of the old Medina with its winding streets and back alleyways. Behind unassuming doors are these brilliant and spacious abodes.

At Dar One, our suite even had its own private terrace overlooking the city. It was relaxing to go up and hear the nearby storks clacking as they sat perched atop the mosques. I also loved to hear the call to prayer echoing through the city.

The owner, Jean Pere, was very inviting. He told us he lives out in the country, although he stops by the riad frequently and often with his two dogs in tow, who appeared so worn out they hardly batted an eye when we pet them. The maps that we were given had many wonderful restaurants and locales marked and with those we set out to explore the city. It was a great introduction to the Medina.

At Riad Awa our room had a gorgeous headboard that was etched concrete with built in lights and beautiful intricate details everywhere you looked. Once again it was a very relaxed atmosphere... so relaxed in fact that people didn't lock their room doors when they were out in town.

Both riads had great roof terraces with quiet areas to relax in after busy days exploring the Medina.

If you're planning a trip to Morocco it's best to know the riads typically take cash payments and you'll have to get Dirhams once you arrive, so plan for that, or make sure they know you'll be paying with Euros beforehand!

creative outlet

Nearly every time I feel as if I am finished going through travel photos I see something else and feel inspired.

I love paint, watercolor, and the juxtaposition when combined with photography. Without delving too deep into art and art history (which is my background) it's the dichotomy between photographers using light to 'paint' their images and with painters creating with nature that really fascinates me. They are such different mediums, but can be united in striking ways.

There are quite a few creative projects going on for me and many more brewing... these are a small sample of some of the things I've been working on.

Art is just so therapeutic. My Mom always said people need a creative outlet and I whole heartedly agree - especially when I can combine it with my loves: art, travel, and Stefan.

Marrakech Menara

One of the prettiest airports I've ever visited.

As-Salāmu`Alaykum*

We are finally back from our Winter hiatus. Morocco is full of energy, beautiful colors, patterns, cheerful residents, and delicious foods. The warm African sun was fantastic and that glow was radiating, especially at dusk.

In addition to Marrakech we also visited the beach in sleepy sea side Essaouira. They were wonderfully different from one another, but both incredible in their own rights.

I'm really trying my best to get through editing these photos, especially because we have quite a few more trips lined up before the summer sun rolls back around. I can't wait to share the great things we saw, ate, and experienced. We even tried our hand at price negotiating... Stefan is clearly more seasoned than me.

* Peace be upon you, in Arabic.

Morocco

We are gearing up for another trip. This time we'll be heading back to North Africa for a week in Morocco. It will be a really neat trip for a variety of reasons.

We'll be fresh from trips to Lisbon - with the Moorish architecture, and in Paris we can brush up on our French. It's always nice to get a dose of sun in the middle of the cold winter, too.

All of those beautiful patterns, colors, and markets already have us very excited.

Our trip will begin in Marrakech and we're not quite sure if we'll venture to Essaouira or Chefchaouen as well, but we're open to suggestions and tips!

So far I've been checking out Hip Morocco and the beautiful Riads, like Dar One. All of the photos I see look absolutely incredible, which doesn't make decision making any easier.