. MARRAKECH .
Warning! This post is heavily loaded with pictures. But in all fairness, I did promise you a sneak peak into my trip to Marrakech. Following from Tuesdays outfit post (here) today’s blog is all about my trip in the Medina and a glimpse at the amazing vibrancy that is Marrakech.
I think my pictures sum up Marrakech quite well … the Media (the main walled centre) is full of hustle and bustle. It’s a cultural world away from the UK and it did take a little adjusting too – especially the locals wanting you to buy or look at their produce. There’s a lot of competition for tourist attention but overall it adds to the atmosphere. The media is full of colours and people, it’s busy and over crowded but buzzing as a result. We walked quite far into the more ‘local’ souks which was really interesting, seeing the more poverty stricken parts of the Medina. Overall it’s a brilliant experience, full of colour and vibrancy and definitely an eye opener to see snakes and monkeys roaming the streets.
What I have noticed about Marrakech is the contrast of rich and poor, as tourists we’re staying in a beautiful golf and spa hotel just outside of the centre of Marrakech in an area called Palmeraie. This area is largely full of French and British holiday makers looking for a golf or spa vacation (i’m with my dad) and for the rich Moroccans who make their weekend trips from Casablanca down to Marrakech for a little sun & golf. Even within the Medina there’s an obvious divide of wealthy areas and the more slum like souk areas.
It’s definitely an interesting city to visit and I’m looking forward to going back to the Medina on friday and hopefully picking myself up some gorgeous candles and bowls from the Souks. if you’re after a bargain, the Souks are the place to hit :)
Have you been to Marrakech? What did you think of the city and where would you recommend checking out?
Sally says
These pictures are absolutely beautiful! xxx
daniella-r says
Beautiful pics! These make me miss Marrakesh even more!
Daniella x
Dominica C says
these are blogposts I’m looking for ! AMAZING !
But then again, you had a fabulous setting ; Morocco is such a beautiful country !!
Nica
http://seeyouatnine.blogspot.com
Anita Vignes says
I cannot even begin to describe how amazing Marrakech looks in these pictures, let alone imagine how it actually was out there. You must have also found cool hidden gems in the Souks!
The pictures say it all; Marrakech is the place to be!
Emma says
Wow it really does look like a beautiful place in these photos.
I can imagine the stark reality between the rich and the poor though.
Hmm maybe…
lebellebow says
omg pea this looks lushh!!! perfect inspiration for all my textiles :) love youu xxx!
holliexapples says
I love this! Not only are your photography skills amazing but the colours are beautiful definitely a different to what i’m used to!
holllieee.blogspot.com
RuBee says
These photos are amazing! They look so professional. It’s somewhere I’ve always wanted to go but we have a baby due in January and its probably not the best place to take a baby or young child! X
Harry Lagman says
We’re constantly being encouraged (by certain news sources in the West) to feel guilty for being sort-of well off, but the rich people who visit provide a lot of business for the poor. Would they really prefer it if we didn’t go there and buy their goods?
There used to be this strange dynamic in Morocco, where they bully you and tell you you’re rich so you deserve it. Problem is, you’re unlikely to go back if you’re being treated like that. Neither will you feel quite so generous. I saw the good side of that wonderful country but also a silly side – for example I was threatened in Fez, also my girlfriend was handled in a slightly unpleasant way…
But having mint tea in the evening in Marracech – with the muezzins calling and smoke rising from the square – was definitely one of the things I’d advise people to “do before you die”. There was this drink and cake that you could buy in that square. We always went to the same guy (who sold it) every evening, and he would recognize me and give me this beautiful smile – perhaps you may have met him..
And last but not least, Morroccan food is utterly sensational