Marrakech, Morocco 2025

 

                                                        Morocco trip with Travis 2025

This years annual trip with the Travman is to.....Morocco!!! This is my second trip (the first was 20+ years ago), Travis' first so it is an experience for both of us. So far, the trip and Morocco has not dissappointed although we did have our normal 'adventure' when arriving yesterday...honestly, the hotel site said .7 miles from the airport!! Based on the absolute lack of wifi at the airport so no phone, and the belief in the closeness of the hotel, we decided to walk it at 7pm. Well, 90+ minutes later we arrived.

Traveller Tip #1: Check your cell phone provider to make sure you are covered. Many countries outside of Europe or the USA come under Zone 3 which is prohibatively expensive.

Traveller Tip #2: Download maps in case Internet access is not available.

The first real day was planned to be an ad hoc day as we have an all day excursion scheduled for day 2 (4th November). The day started early, left the hotel at 8:30 and headed the 2.5 kilometers to the main mosque in the old town. FYI, Marrakech is divided into two halves. The half we are staying in is the new town. The old town has all the main attractions such as the souks and main mosque.

The two haves are seperated by a pretty impressive wall (see photo above) which has 12 gates. The medina encompasses 19 square kilometers so not small.

Fortunately, I managed to book a place that was pretty central. Turing left out of the hotel and follow Avenue Mohammad V for 2.5kms, about 45 minutes walk. It took us  little while to get to the main mosque but it was worth it. Not nearly as nice as the blue mosque or Sofia in Istanbul but nothing really does compare to those.

...from the maain mosque we made our way to the main souk(s) but in a bit of a round-about way. By round about I mean lets get lost mode. We followed Avenue Houmman and ended up in Mellah which a separate area of the Medina with a number of nice placaes.

Interesting fact-Morocco still has a monarchy, led by a King who is the final say in government decisions, a bit different than Charles in England (The Magna Carta and civil war assured that to be the case).

 Now, if you've never been to the Middle East or North Africa, a souk is a market. Actually, it is chaos on a new level totally alien to anyone from Europe and the USA. That being said, Borough Market in London can be mad but, it is more organised and you don't get people aggressively trying to get you to buy stuff. However, compared to other North African countries, Morocco is fairly tame...just don't stop to look for more than a few seconds and ry not to engage. There are, also, a shed load of cats!!!

Tomorrow is our excursion into the 5 valleys and the Atlas mountains. 😀

Well, Day 2 was a loooonnnnnggggg day! Up early to catch the van at 0750 and just got back at nearly 5pm. I have to say it was a pretty good trip out. I, personally, think it is worthwhile leaving the local, more touristy, areas to go and see what the real country you are visiting is like. I've done this on a number of occassions, most recently Jordan but have done the same in Bulgaria, Romania, Germany, Austria, France, Holland and a few other places. I would definitely recommend it.

Today's trip was to the Atlas Mountains and a few of the local valleys. Whilst the scenary was stunning it was the chance to interact with berber families that made it special. The group ate breakfast (Freshly made bread, Berber nutella, honey and mint tea) with a local family but the extra special touch was having lunch with another Berber family with stunning views of the mountains.

Interesting fact: The highest mountain in Morocco (and North Africa) is Mt Toubkal at 4167m. In comparison, the highest point in the UK is Ben Nevis at a measly 1345m.

The lunch was delicious! We had Chicken Tangine and cous cous with homemade bread. Everything was fresh and organic, it was an amazing experience!

I've just attached a few pictures following. I will work on a better description when back home.

Sunrise in Morocco, on our way to the Atlas Mountains.

Dry river bed in one of he valleys. It will remain this way, probably, until February.

Mount Toubkal (4167m)

It is fitting that, after a very nice trip, I have the moon watching over me...she's stunning as always.

Until next time all ✌😊