Would you know we’re riding on the Marrakesh Express?  They’re taking me to Marrakesh – All aboard the train, all aboard the train!

In this case – Youssef (our driver) is taking us south from Casablanca to Marrakesh!  Upon arrival at one’s riad, one is escorted to a very calming scene for the traditional Moroccan tea and sweets.  Relax and chill – nothing will happen fast and when the tea is done your bags will be in your room;-)

A good three days here might allow one to fully understand Morocco and the many parts to any of its cities/towns.  Each of these parts is on steroids in Marrakech!  There are the souks (shopping areas) within the walled medinas (old protected city centers), as well as mosques, plazas and riads (traditional townhouses now turned into boutique hotels) with plenty of opportunities to experience the architecture, amazing food and mint tea!

With all of this to see and do, one must hit the ground running.

First stop is the Koutoubia Mosque (No. 1 thing to do in Marrakech) with a minaret that dominates the skyline due to legislation that no building should rise above its height, which makes it a very good landmark for visitors.  This Mosque was built during the 12th century when a new sultan came to power and destroyed the 11th century sultan’s mosque (on the same spot) claiming it was not oriented properly to Mecca!! It was built to be the largest in the western Muslim world and remains the largest in Marrakech.

One thing to be wary of if traveling in a Muslim country is the timing of Ramadan.  The first few days of this visit were at the very end of Ramadan when the fast was broken, which is a VERY big holiday for Muslim’s (our Christmas and the way Easter used to be added together).  Therefore, for two days there was little open, including all the souks in the main shopping area.  This also spilled over to restaurants – but, we did not go hungry.  Just had to deal with more crowds than usual at the few places open – –

With stomachs happy, it’s off to the Mellah – the former Jewish quarter of Marrakech.  It was the largest mellah in Morocco, accommodating approximately 16,000 inhabitants, as many Jews escaped to Morocco during the Spanish inquisition in the late 1400’s and again during WWII.  The LaAzama Synagogue (Synagogue of Deportees) was built by those Jews expelled by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand in 1492 and headed by its founder – Rabbi Yitzhak Daloya.

Next up Palais Bahia.  This palace was built by two sultans – father and son.  The father began building it for his wife, but unfortunately died before the palace was completed.  So – the son took his father’s wife as one of his main wives and named it for her “Palais Bahia” – Palace of the Favourite or Beautiful.  The best craftsmen in the kingdom were hired to build and decorate this palace using the best marble, cedar and tiles.  It has several beautiful courtyards with trees and flowers and a plainer one for the concubines – –

Now – perhaps the most beautiful, calm and serene place in all of Marrakech – The Majorelle Garden (No. 5 of must sees – although much higher in my book!).  In 1923, Jacques Majorelle, an expatriate French painter, fell in love with Morocco and built himself a villa surrounded by beautiful gardens and included his studio.  After his death the property fell into disrepair until Yves Saint-Laurent bought and restored the property in 1980.  The garden is home to over 400 varieties of palm trees and 1,800 species of cactus (we felt right at home!).  Little did we know, Majorelle blue was the color of the day;-)

It is very difficult to leave the gardens, as they are so peaceful.  But, one must continue to work their way through the top 5 things to see and do in Marrakech!  So, headed to No. 4, the Ben Youssef Medersa.

This Medersa (school) was originally built in the 14th century, was once the largest Islamic school in North Africa and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It was expanded in the 16th century, abandoned and fell into disrepair in the 18th century and restored in the 19th century.  It is an incredible example of Moroccan architecture with the building made of red sandstone and decorated with intricate tile patterns and stunning carved stucco/plaster!  The detail is unbelievable – –

Another day – another lunch.  This little cafe was just the ticket today with a spot on the rooftop and very decorative chairs;-)

Two days have now been spent wandering the Jemaa el-Fna (must see No. 2), the square that is the nerve center of Marrakech and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Surrounding Jemaa el-Fna is a maze of Souks (trade stalls and No. 3 must see), where a wide range of goods are offered.  You can find everything here from olives, spices and fruit to leather and metal goods and everything in between.

Whew!  In a day and a half the 5 must sees have been experienced plus several more and lots of food has been eaten.  More to come –

E & G working our way thru Marrakech