By Nadia Eckhardt
When Ilse and I flew into Marrakech, after our overnight flight from the Island of Zanzibar, memories came flooding back of the last time I was in Morocco! I remembered all the adventures from the first Zegrahm Expeditions’ Cape-to-Casablanca fly program nearly 15 years ago.
Ilse and I were warmly welcomed on arrival by our tour agents, Ben and Toufik, and from that moment on – I knew our trip was going to be magical.
We spent much of our time sightseeing in Marrakech, and then I went on with Toufik to Meknes, Fez, Rabat, and finally my last day was spent in Casablanca. I was delighted to see that Rick’s Bar is still going strong in Casablanca!
Ilse and I were treated royally during our scout and I look forward to going back in October with a group of Africa Easy explorers. Our Guides were superior as were our Riad (accommodations). I simply thrived living like a queen in a palace each night; enjoying gourmet meals and fine wine after amazing sightseeing and touring, and, oh yes the irresistible shopping is a entertaining experience.
We loved being within the two-meter-thick city walls, which run about 15 kilometers long around the souk, the vital heart of the medina in Marrakech. Our Riad was centrally located and had numerous lounges, a few restaurants and outdoor patios. We ran around like kids photographing everything from doors to carpets and beautiful artwork, artifacts all over the walls, and hand crafted cabinets.
We toured around looking up a lot of the time…just so much to take in. We visited the Jardin Majorelle, as well as the Koutoubia Mosque, and were fascinated by all we saw in the Djamaa El-Fna Square.
But then Ilse and I decided we should experience the Souk (just so that we could advise our clients of what there was available for purchase). First we got ‘lost’ in an antique store, then meandered on to the bakery (such good bread!) and trotted two steps behind our guide, Agmed, and marveled as he showed us artisans at work from wood workers to tailors and jewelers.
And then we turned the corner and our guide said, “Do you want to meet my friend in a Moroccan special shoe store?” Yes, we would love to, we both said, and off we dashed…one hour later, with two pairs of shoes on each arm, and after enjoying some fine Moroccan tea, we left the shoe store and headed to the tannery. It was so interesting watching the entire process and then on our way out, it caught my eye….a red leather jacket. Then I turned hard and fast, and ran down the stairs and off I went. Well that night at dinner, I decided maybe we should go back tomorrow and if it was still there, I would treat myself. We went back and would you believe it – it was already packaged and ready with my name on it – the store owner said he saw the glint in my eye and knew I would be back!
Now, I am not going to tell you about our Moroccan carpet experience. You would think after the amount of traveling I have done, I would know better. All I can tell you is that Ilse and I now both own superb Moroccan carpets proudly on display in our homes in Seattle.
We were so exhausted after our medina day visit, we stopped off at La Mamounia Hotel for a cup of tea out on the balcony overlooking that exquisite garden.
The following day our terrific driver/guide Toufik drove us out into the countryside and to the Middle Atlas range with its marvelous landscapes and scenic Berber villages.
I also got to see and experience Fez; I think Fez is the heart of Morocco. The Medina of Fez is said to be the largest living medieval city in the world. I toured the world’s oldest university, founded in 859 by Fatima Fihriya, and also Borj Nord Fort built in 1582. I took hundreds of photographs of more doors and entrance ways, and then more doors and incredible buildings with some of the finest architecture I have ever seen. We toured the old Jewish Quarters and the Dar Betha Museum before checking in to yet another Riad (a restored traditional Moroccan house). The interior courtyard and garden was beautiful.
Morocco is really one of the most exhilarating places ever. Your senses are overloaded with delight, from history and architecture, to wandering markets full of must-haves, to the famous Atlas Mountains, and a favorite highlight – it’s always tea time!
Upcoming Morocco Departures:
Treasures of Morocco with Nadia Eckhardt – October 2015
Contact Nadia at Africa Easy to learn more about Morocco travel and how you can visit!
