My last trip of the semester was this last weekend to Marrakech, Morocco in Northern Africa. It was absolutely incredible. It is a completely different world than that of the U.S. and Europe.
Most of the city of Marrakech centers around the Place Djemaa el Fna, the largest plaza on the African continent. This square is filled with snake charmers, story tellers, henna artists, monkeys on leashes, and much more during the day. At sunset, the square is transformed into a giant eatery, with various food stalls set up. Hungry for snails?
Just off of the Place Djemaa el Fna are the Souks. The Souks comprise of a maze like pattern of shops. The shops are literally overflowing with Moroccan goods such as leather bags, shoes, ottomans, etc. All shopping is done through bargaining and each store owner is very ambitious about making sales.
Friday and much of Sunday were spent exploring the city of Marrakech including the Place Djemaa el Fna, the Souks, the Saadian Tombs, etc.
Saturday, however, we went on a day excursion outside of the city into the desert. The day started off with a hot air balloon ride at sunset over the city and surrounding desert. We then rode in a land rover through the desert to a Berber home, where we were served a traditional Berber breakfast of various flat cakes, honey, olive oil, olives, and mint tea. After the breakfast, we set out for a camel ride through the Palmerie, the forest of palm trees that surrounds Marrakech.
All in all, it was an extremely successful trip with lots of shopping.
Here are some pictures. Enjoy!
love.
ry.
Place Djemaa el Fna by night.
Part of Place Djemaa el Fna by day.
The Palmerie, palm tree forest.
Outside the Saadian Tombs.
Inside the Saadian Tombs.
Entrance into the old city.
The Koutoubia Mosque.
Dawn in the desert of Morocco.
Setting up the hot air balloon.
Sunrise over Atlas mountains.
Sunrise over Atlas mountains.
Traditional Moroccan garb.
Outside of Berber home.
Camels in the desert.
Me and my camel.
