The Morocco I saw

Marrakech is a strikingly beautiful city that is at once noticeable by its impressive buildings all painted in monochrome red which lends it the nickname, ‘the ochre city’.

In fact, it would be completely out of place for anybody to say they have visited Morocco but did not visit Marrakech.

To say the city is beautiful is an understatement; it is marvelous. We set off mid-morning to travel by road to Marrakech from Casablanca, a distance of about 240 kilometers, relishing the scenic landscape of the Morocco countryside along the way.

We did some stops on the way and arrived in Marrakech in the evening.

Marrakech has a population of about two million people and is the third largest city in Morocco. It exudes art and the happiness of living and is home to mosques, palaces, gardens and beautiful architecture, both ancient and modern, thus meeting the desires of modern travelers without losing its traditional and cultural soul, which is why it is referred to as the cultural capital of Morocco.

It is no wonder therefore that the city is frequented by many people from all parts of the world and across professions including writers, filmmakers, fashion icons, movie stars and modern-day princes.

Jemaa el Fna

We checked in at the magnificent Hotel Les Jardins de L’Agdal and were whisked right off in a horse-drawn carriage to feel the sights and sounds of the city.

The team ended the first day on arrival with a fun dinner at the Chez Ali Restaurant and were in addition treated to spectacular horse riding antics and belly dancing.

On day two, the team headed out to Jemaa el Fna Square in the heart of Marrakech which is also a marketplace. Here one finds body artists, traditional medicine sellers and snake charmers.

The party begins in the late afternoon when people come from all corners of the city to converge on the square to listen to storytellers and feel the characteristic taste, flavour and smell that has made the square so popular.

I could never in my life imagine having a live snake hung around my neck, but I did! I had my adrenalin pumping and my teeth chattering from fear but in the end I left the square with a memory I will never forget.

Once in Marrakech, a visit to the famous Jardin Marjorelle is a must. The garden, a living work of art is one of the most visited places in the city. The garden contains exotic and rare species of plants. At the end of a walk past refreshing pools of water with floating water lilies amid light breeze that cools your face, the guest is left relaxed and de-stressed.

Dream fulfilled

I had my dream of riding on camel back fulfilled in Marrakech when I had opportunity to ride on one.

In fact, not only was the dream fulfilled but I had also the added glory of riding a quad bike unattended, something I had seen in films and could only fantasise about.

I was overcome with delight zigzagging across the sandy outback of the city with cool fresh air blowing across my face.

Being my first time, I had the shakes at the start but quickly got into my rhythm after some coaching. Marrakech was indeed a marvel.

Another well known site the team visited was the Khoutoubia, an ancient mosque considered the emblem of Marrakech. Its minaret is said to be one of the two oldest to be built in Morocco can be seen for miles from all corners of the city.

It is grand and impressive in appearance with a large open space and well-manicured gardens behind where visitors could sit and relax as they took in the view of the beautiful surroundings.

A visit also to the 100,000 Spice Shop must be included in the visitor’s itinerary.

The shop is situated in a traditional building (riad) in the ancient quarter of the city (Medina). This shop sells all kinds of Moroccan spices, traditional cosmetics, essential oils, aromatic plants and medicinal herbs.

Quite an interesting place especially for people who are health conscious.

Saadian tombs

The Saadian tombs was also a remarkable place to see. The tombs were discovered in 1917 and have been given a make-over. The tombs are said to contain the remains of about 60 members of the Saadi dynasty that ruled in Marrakech at the time.

Marrakech at night is a sight to behold. Not only are there lights everywhere but the blend and assortment of colours is simply amazing. It is possible to go all round the city without noticing that it is late in the day.

Food, beverage and entertainment offered in hotels and restaurants in the city is one of a kind; from exotic to traditional leaving guests spoilt for choice.
It was sad leaving Marrakech but then we had to move on.

Agadir

Our next stop and the last leg of the Moroccan escapade was to Agadir located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the most modern of the country’s cities but still retains a sense of its past. The city has a reputation for sunshine 340 days a year and is thus a favourite beach resort city. Agadir has a population of about one million inhabitants made up predominantly of the Berber people who live mainly from tourism, fishing and farming and handicrafts.

Once in Agadir, hike to the Kasbah an ancient city fortress that was built on a hill overlooking the present-day Agadir by the Portuguese in 1505 and named Santa Cruz.
The fortress was razed down by a huge earthquake in 1960 and was rebuilt by King Mohammed V three kilometres south of the original site damaged by the quake.

Visitors may want to hike up the hill to see ruins of the ancient city with its medieval Arabic architecture and the magnificent view it afford of the modern city of Agadir below.

Excitement

Agadir is a beautiful city of nice boulevards, gardens, a harbour and features magnificent ultra-modern hotels, spas, nautical clubs and a marina.

It is currently a destination frequented by tourists from Europe, particularly from the Scandinavian countries who come to soak up some sunshine.

In fact, visitors to this city of allure, would have everything to make their stay extremely pleasant, thanks to the collection of spectacularly impressive world class hotels with impressive array of beautiful pools, tennis courts, spa and fitness centres and private beach fronts.

I love Agadir, particularly for the boat trip out to sea, my first ever, and the palatable food and scintillating music that were served on board.

Another attraction is the Crocopark situated on the outskirts of the city. It is the first crocodile park in Morocco and the only one existing now.

The park has 300 crocodiles at different stages of maturity. No matter one’s age, whether old or young there is something educational and fun to get from the place.

There are wooden climbing frames for visitors to walk on round the park. Interestingly, there’s even a nursery for baby crocodiles.

The park also has paintings on display, crocodile toys on sale and a playground for children in addition to descriptive boards throughout with key facts on the crocs as well as an array of botanical plants. If leaving Marrakech was sad, leaving Agadir was heartbreaking.

That notwithstanding, I had a great time wherever I visited in Morocco and would obviously want to go back again one day.

Writer’s email: annansam_gh@yahoo.com