27-28 March 2023, Marrakech
Basma’s room R399.50 [DH221]

We know that Marrakech has much to offer that is fine - if your budget allows. Fine accommodation and dining, wonderful gardens and architecture. We found that we had neither the money nor, more importantly, the energy, to get the most out of it.
The medina "was founded in the 11th century by the Almoravid dynasty and has since become a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Almoravids were a Berber dynasty from North Africa that conquered Marrakech in 1070."
Like all medinas, this one has its charms, but we both preferred Casablanca's virtually untouristed medina, and Essaouira's touristed but somehow less jaded medina. The snake charmers and monkey handlers, the water sellers and henna artists, did not hit quite the right note. We had been warned about the hard sell and aggressive begging, but the Moroccans aren't a patch on the Indians or Egyptians, and we found all engagements within normal bounds, so it wasn't that... Perhaps we are just tired...
We did enjoy wandering the streets, becoming known by the shopkeepers and kids in our neighborhood, and our first experience of pastilla. "Pastilla is a rustic, sweet-and-savory North African chicken pie made of a tender shredded chicken filling and shaved almonds, seasoned with warm spices, and nestled in layers of flaky phyllo pastry."
Tomorrow we begin our ascent into the High Atlas.