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marrakeshminibus · 2 months

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Unveiling the Enchantment: Top 10 Must-See Gems of Marrakesh

Marrakesh, the captivating "Red City," is a vibrant tapestry where history whispers from ancient walls, and vibrant culture bursts forth in bustling squares. Beyond the iconic rose-hued ramparts lies a world waiting to be explored. From bustling souks to serene gardens, here's your guide to the top 10 must-visit attractions in Marrakesh, with links to help you plan your Moroccan adventure:

Djemaa el-Fnaa: A Sensory Symphony: Immerse yourself in the heart of Marrakesh at Djemaa el-Fnaa, the city's main square. This UNESCO World Heritage Site pulsates with life from sunrise to sunset. Snake charmers weave their magic, acrobats defy gravity, and food stalls tantalize your taste buds with the aroma of sizzling spices. Explore the labyrinthine alleyways of the surrounding souks, where vibrant displays of hand-woven rugs and intricate jewelry beckon you to bargain for treasures.

Jardin Majorelle: A Surreal Oasis: Escape the frenetic energy of the medina and discover a haven of serenity at Jardin Majorelle. This botanical masterpiece, meticulously designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle, boasts vibrant cobalt blue walls that contrast dramatically with lush green cacti, palms, and bougainvillea. Explore the serene lily pond, lose yourself amongst the captivating Berber Museum's collection, and find solace in the beauty of this artistic haven.

Bahia Palace: A Journey Through Opulence: Step back in time to the 19th century and witness the grandeur of Moroccan architecture at Bahia Palace. Intricate cedar wood carvings adorn the ceilings, colorful zellige tiles create mesmerizing geometric patterns, and sprawling courtyards adorned with fountains showcase the opulence of the Saadian dynasty. Immerse yourself in the rich history and marvel at the intricate details that whisper tales of a bygone era.

Koutoubia Mosque: A Towering Icon: A prominent landmark on the Marrakesh skyline, the Koutoubia Mosque is a masterpiece of Almohad architecture. While non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque itself, its towering 70-meter minaret dominates the city's panorama. At sunset, the call to prayer echoes across the city, creating a truly magical experience.

Saadian Tombs: A Hidden Treasure: Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Kasbah lies a hidden jewel – the Saadian Tombs. Rediscovered in the 1920s, these ornate mausoleums house the remains of Saadian sultans and their families. Intricate stucco work, cedar wood ceilings, and colorful marble create a mesmerizing atmosphere. Be prepared for potential queues, as the tombs are a popular attraction.

Le Jardin Secret: A Tranquil Escape: In the heart of the bustling medina lies a secret haven – Le Jardin Secret. This enchanting riad (traditional Moroccan house) boasts a tranquil courtyard garden featuring cascading bougainvillea, fragrant orange trees, and a cooling pool. Escape the crowds and savor a cup of mint tea or a delicious Moroccan meal in this peaceful oasis.

Maison de la Photographie: A Glimpse Through the Lens: Explore the rich tapestry of Moroccan history through the lens of photography at the Maison de la Photographie. This vibrant museum showcases a diverse collection of photographs, capturing everything from traditional Berber life to the evolution of Marrakesh itself. Gain a deeper appreciation for Moroccan culture through this unique visual journey.

Souks of Marrakesh: A Shopping Adventure: Embrace your inner explorer and unleash your bargaining skills in the labyrinthine alleyways of the Marrakesh souks. Each souk specializes in different wares, with vibrant displays of spices that tantalize your senses, textiles woven in intricate patterns, and handcrafted treasures begging to be discovered. Immerse yourself in the cacophony of bartering and haggling – a traditional part of the Moroccan shopping experience.

Ben Youssef Madrasa: Architectural Grandeur: Step back in time to a center of Islamic learning at the Ben Youssef Madrasa. This former Islamic college, built in the 16th century, boasts intricate stucco work, intricate cedar wood carvings, and a central courtyard adorned with a large pool. Wander through the student dormitories and marvel at the architectural details that showcase the golden age of Islamic art.

Atlas Mountains: A Breathtaking Escape: For a change of pace, embark on a day trip to the breathtaking Atlas Mountains. Hike through valleys dotted with traditional Berber villages, explore the historic kasbahs (fortified villages), and witness panoramic views

If you are planning your trip to Marrakesh, then check Marrakesh Minibusfor Best Transport service.

#marrakesh #minibus service #travel agency #travelling #travel

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leblogdemarinaetjeanmarie · 3 months

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MERCREDI 3 JUILLET 2024 (Billet 2 / 3)

Chaque fois que nous allons à Marrakech, nous essayons de trouver de nouveaux lieux à découvrir. Et comme c’est une ville très axée sur son patrimoine (il n’y a pas que les souks et le Jardin Majorelle à visiter, de très loin s’en faut !), ce ne sont pas les propositions qui manquent dans la ville et ses alentours.

Nous étions partis avec 3 nouvelles adresses mais comme il a fait très, très chaud la première moitié de notre séjour, nous n’avons pu faire que la première (voir le Billet suivant).

Nous ne comptons pas bien sûr l’incontournable visite en fin d’après-midi à la MAMOUNIA, dont toute la déco intérieure vient d’être refaite par le studio « Jouin Manku » (Patrick Jouin et l’architecte Sanjit Manku),une pure merveille, que nous avons même trouvée plus réussie que celle de Jacques Garcia !!!

NB Il est interdit de prendre en photo les intérieurs du Palace, JM a dû ruser pour en voler quelques-unes…

Si vous voulez vous évader de tout ce que vous entendez en ce moment au sujet des EXtrêmes, conservez les 2 premières lettres et choisissez plutôt l’EXcellence en cliquant sur le lien ci-dessous, effet garanti !

La Mamounia au sommet de l’excellence : Dans le top 10 des meilleurs palaces du monde ! - La Mamounia Palace Marrakech

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zestdinfo · 4 months

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Expos, jeux, parcs… Quelles activités à faire à Nancy pour moins de 10€ ?

Visites, balades et ateliers : que faire à Nancy et aux alentours pour dix euros maximum par personne ? Voici une liste non-exhaustive de 10 activités proposées dans Nancy et son agglomération.

Nancy regorge d'activités gratuites ou à moindre prix pour passer un bon moment. Photo DR.

Jeux et quiz

La Pépinière : en plus d’être un parc accueillant divers événements, elle possède un mini golf en extérieur. Le parcours de 18 trous est adapté pour les adultes et les enfants. Il est accessible de 13h30 à 17h les lundis, mardi, jeudi et vendredi et de 13h30 à 18h les mercredis, samedi et dimanche. La partie est au prix de 6,90€.

Le kinépolis est un centre qui regroupe un cinéma, des restaurants, une salle d’arcade, mais également un bowling. Avec 24 pistes pour jouer, le bowling peut accueillir un large public. Il est ouvert de 10h à 2h du matin. Les tarifs vont de 5€ à 10€.

En plus de ces nombreuses installations, le kinépolis a mis en place PopQuiz, un jeu de question et de rapidité. Trois à douze personnes, âgées de minimum 8 ans, s’affrontent sur divers thèmes durant 8 manches. Le PopQuiz est ouvert tous les jours. La partie est à partir de 10€.

Visites et balades

Le Jardin botanique Jean-Marie Pelt se situe à Villers-lès-Nancy. Ce sont près de 12 000 espèces réunies dans 25 hectares de jardin et 2500 mètres carrés de serres tropicales. La partie extérieure du parc est accessible gratuitement. La serre est quant à elle payante au prix de 6€ en tarif normal et 3,50€ en tarif réduit. Il est ouvert de 9h à 18h.

L’hôtel particulier Bergeret se situe près de l’hôpital central. Elle est un exemple abouti de l’architecture École de Nancy. De grands noms ont collaboré à sa création : Louis Majorelle, Eugène Vallin, Victor Prouvé, Joseph Janin et Jacques Grüber. La visite est gratuite jusqu’au 31 août 2024. L’hôtel particulier est accessible de 9h à 17h.

Des expositions diverses et variées

Le Musée de l’Aquarium met en place du 13 avril au 24 novembre l’exposition “Mort”. Le musée veut dédramatiser la mort en mettant en scène des animaux face à la mort. Ouverts à tous, les enfants doivent être accompagnés d’un adulte. L’exposition est visible tous les jours sauf le lundi de 9h à 12h et de 14h à 18h. L’entrée est à 6,90€ en tarif normal, 3,50€ en tarif réduit et gratuit pour les scolaires, les étudiants, les enfants et les demandeurs d’emploi.

Le restaurant Chez Henri, rue Saint-Julien, accueille American Pacotille, une exposition de photos de Pauline Corto. Les visiteurs pourront découvrir 26 photographies : “Une parodie d’Amérique aux portes de Nancy.” Elles seront visibles jusqu’au 15 juin de 11h30 à 14h30 et de 18h30 à 21h gratuitement.

L’exposition de peinture Sous l’hégémonie du chant de blé de Camille Tsevetoukhine est visible gratuitement à l’Openspace pop-up rue Stanislas. À travers ces œuvres, l’artiste raconte à la manière d’un conte, la période pré-capitaliste et questionne le réel. L’exposition est présente tous les jours sauf le lundi et le mardi de 14h à 19h jusqu’au 16 juin.

Camille Poirson

#nancycity #z'Est #musées #kinépolis #pépinière

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maudbachotet · 8 months

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Garden-trotteuses

Ma grand-mère est une femme qui se tient toujours au même endroit. Une sédentaire qui, comme tant d’autres âmes littorales, n’a jamais vogué ni survolé la mer. Il n’y a que les pêcheurs et les marins d’assez fous pour aller se balancer dans la grande tasse.

Elle, ce qu’elle aime, c’est la terre. Celle qu’on foule, qu’on creuse, qu’on gratte et qu’on bêche. C’est une hyper-terrestre qui s’est inventé une façon bien à elle de voyager en sillonnant les allées des jardins, publics et privés. Elle visite ceux alentour à pied, un sécateur de poche à portée de main pour se tailler un souvenir de choix, et les plus lointains à l'œil devant l’émission Silence, ça pousse ! chaque samedi matin. En somme, ma grand-mère est une garden-trotteuse.

Puisqu’il est impossible de dessouder de sa terre une sédentaire, je me suis faite à l’idée que jamais je ne mettrai ma grand-mère dans un avion, un bus ou un TER. Il a donc fallu mettre au point un stratagème pour l’emmener avec moi en voyage.

Ça m’est venu un été. Au goûter, je lui ai dit « demain soir, Mamie, je passe te voir et nous allons partir en excursion toi et moi » et elle m’a semblé prendre peur de ce que nous pourrions découvrir.

Depuis vingt ans, la solution sommeillait sous mon nez. Ou plutôt sous le sien qui chaque jour renifle les effluves du jardin qu’elle cultive avec patience et passion. Ce jardin, c’est son Éden, son Majorelle, son Arcadie, son Versailles ; mais en plus beau, en plus vaste, parce qu’il la contient tout entière. Elle y fait pousser des gerbes de joie qu’elle arrose des sanglots longs d’avant-hier – autant que ça serve, la douleur.

Il était 21 heures, c’était l’été et il faisait chaud. Pourtant, lorsque je retrouvai ma grand-mère qui m’attendait sur le pas de sa porte, le vent se leva comme en quête d’un cerf-volant à projeter au pied d’un nuage. Il soufflait fort, s’égosillant dans les carillons, boursouflant sous nos jupes. J’observai ma grand-mère. Elle portait sur la tête un suroît ; c’est un chapeau en toile cirée avec un large bord à l’arrière pour protéger la nuque, un chapeau de marin. Pleuvrait-il ce soir ? Dans sa main droite, elle serrait l’anse d’un petit arrosoir ; dans sa gauche, le manche de son sécateur de poche. Moi, j’avais jeté dans mon sac à dos un spray anti-moustiques, une bouteille d’eau ainsi qu’un dictaphone pour documenter notre périple.

J’ai appuyé sur le bouton rouge de l’appareil. Ma grand-mère a rempli d’eau de pluie son arrosoir et m’a menée jusqu’à la roseraie. Elle m’a expliqué s’être petit à petit séparée des rosiers trop pénibles à ébrancher quand la vieillesse prend racine. À la place, elle a planté des pseudowintera ; des arbustes qui, comme elle, feignent d’aimer l’hiver, et il est vrai qu’ils font preuve de résilience face au froid, à l’obscurité et à la mélancolie, mais c’est du feu d’un rayon de soleil dont ils ont besoin. En les arrosant elle leur dit « merci », au bosquet de fuchsias « écoute, fais-moi seulement une seule fleur et je serais contente » et à moi « quand les gens partent, j’ai l’impression qu’il y a comme une faiblesse de courant, la lumière qui faiblit un petit peu. »

Guidées par la pomme d’arrosage qui, tel un chien pisteur, sait reconnaître les plantes aux abois, nous disparaissons derrière de grands arbres. Ma grand-mère se retourne et m’explique « faut communiquer, avec les arbres » alors je les salue un à un. De leurs branches pendouillent des bidules en verre, en zinc, en pierre, en bois. C’est elle qui les fabrique, « ça a des significations » précise-t-elle, sans m’expliquer lesquelles. Arrivées à la pompe, elle s’épanche un peu plus. Là, elle a recyclé le couvercle d’une lessiveuse de sa mère. Ici, les boîtes de lait de la mienne. Elle décrit de l’index une création plus architecturale que les autres « le tronc, c’est papy », « ça, c’est mon ventre », « il en est sorti trois enfants qui sont réunis au sommet ! » Elle ajoute qu’elle voit des choses que les autres ne voient pas. Que ses yeux entendent. Moi, je comprends que les miens se sont tus toutes ces années, qu’ils ont refusé de me dire ce qu’ils percevaient dans les siens.

On a continué de s’enfoncer dans le jardin. On a croisé un buis planté le jour de ma naissance et qui me ressemble, un leucothoe panaché, des œillets recueillis sur une tombe le jour de son mariage, deux tiges d’abélia entrelacées, des herbes folles ondulant sous le poids du vent, un osmanthus d’une vingtaine d’années. Elle a dit « les plantes, elles ne me trahissent pas » et j’ai compris que ça n’avait pas toujours été le cas des hommes. J’ai éteint le dictaphone pour enregistrer avec mes deux yeux et mes deux oreilles le récit de ses souffrances. Elle a examiné les plantes meurtries par la sécheresse, « cette année, tout souffre, c’est de la faute à personne. »

Il était temps de rentrer. Nous n’avions pas vu les heures passer. Elle me fit signe de la suivre. C’est là que j’ai compris l’utilité du suroît dont le long versant de toile cirée protégeait de mes larmes sa nuque. En passant sous les arbres, elle m’a parlé du phanelopsis hieroglyphica, une espèce d’orchidées originaire des Philippines qu’elle avait découvert à la télé et rêvait d’acquérir. Sans doute en trouverais-je une à Paris. On trouve de tout là-bas, c’est pas comme ici.

Le voyage prit fin sur le pas de sa porte. Le vent s’était éteint alors elle fit chanter le carillon de ses doigts fins de faiseuse. Elle ne quittait pas son œuvre des yeux. « Quand j’étais malade, je voyais mon jardin, je lui disais "Tu vois, t’es dans le même état que moi." J’avais pas de peine pour moi, mais j’avais de la peine pour mon jardin. » Il n’y avait pas de tristesse dans sa voix. Nous nous sommes données rendez-vous l’été prochain au même endroit et je suis rentrée à Paris, le souvenir de ses mots dans mon sac à dos.

(texte publié dans le premier numéro de la revue Flâneries fanzine sur le thème "voyager ensemble")

#écriture #texte #flâneries #fanzine #jardin #voyage

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curatedglobaltravel · 5 months

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Unwind in Nature's Paradise: Top World Garden Getaways for Mom this Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to celebrate the remarkable woman in your life than an enchanting getaway. World-renowned garden escapes offer the beauty, serenity and relaxation we know every mom deserves. From luxury accommodations to private tours, let me handle the details while you and yours savor every precious moment. And when you book through me, you’ll receive exclusive benefits — like upgrades and welcome gifts — found nowhere else.

NATURE’S SYMPHONY: SENSATIONAL WORLD GARDENS

JARDIN MAJORELLE | MARRAKESH, MOROCCO

Created over the course of 40 years, Jardin Majorelle is one of the most enchanting and mysterious gardens in Morocco. Enclosed by outer walls, this garden consists of a labyrinth of crisscrossing alleyways on several levels. Boldly colored buildings blend both Art Deco and Moorish influences, and the exotic botanicals came from the farthest corners of the world.

Where to stay: Royal Mansour Marrakech

GARDENS BY THE BAY | SINGAPORE

Singapore’s premier horticultural destination, Gardens by the Bay is a showpiece of garden artistry that presents plants seldom seen in this part of the world. Species range from those in cool, temperate climates to tropical forests and habitats. Be sure to stop by the Cloud Forest, home to one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls and a lush mountain clad.

Where to stay: Capella Singapore

THE GARDENS AT PALACE OF VERSAILLES | VERSAILLES, FRANCE

A visit to the Gardens of Versailles combines history, art and natural beauty — a glimpse into the sophistication and extravagance of the French monarchy. Work on the Gardens of Versailles began in circa 1661, when Louis XIV entrusted André Le Nôtre with the creation, considered just as important as the Palace. Travelers find a geometric flowerbed, ornate fountain or serene pathway at every turn.

Where to stay: Airelles Chateau de Versailles

KEUKENHOF | AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Often considered the most beautiful spring garden in the world, Keukenhof is about a 45-minute transfer from Amsterdam. History here dates to the 15th century, when the area served as the kitchen garden for Countess Jacoba van Beieren’s castle. Today, the garden is best known for its annual Tulip Festival, which typically runs from mid-March to mid-May; ask me about 2025 guided tours.

Where to stay: Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam

RYŌAN-JI GARDEN | KYOTO, JAPAN

Japanese rock gardens are designed to evoke a sense of calm and serenity. The most popular rock garden in Kyoto, Ryōan-ji, consists of a rectangular plot of pebbles surrounded by low earthen walls; 15 rocks are laid out in small groups on patches of moss. The garden’s meaning has not been made explicit, so it’s up to viewers to find their own meaning. I’d love to hear your theories.

Where to stay: Aman Kyoto

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SPOTLIGHT ON: Charleston, South Carolina The ultimate Mother’s Day getaway

MICHAEL SHANE STEPHENS Curated Global Travel An affiliate of Protravel [email protected] 310.691.7461 curatedglobaltravel.com

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gkathleenk · 5 months

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MOROCCO

DAY ONE

I started my journey in Africa by flying into Morocco from Minnesota. I chose to fly from MSP to RAK on Delta for a 17-hour flight costing $1,212. So, I left Minnesota at 10:30am on April 23rd and arrived in Marrakesh, Morocco at 9:30am on April 24th. The first thing I decided to do was check in at my Airbnb. I took a 16-minute cab ride to my hotel, since that is the main form of transportation for tourists. For a cab ride in Marrakesh, it's a 7 Moroccan Dirham (MAD) per kilometer. Since it was a 6.8km ride, it cost me 47.6 MAD (4.74 USD). I stayed at Riad Chamali which is a guest house located in Marrakech for 202 USD a night (2027 MAD). To be honest, I am not 100% if it's an Airbnb or if it's a hotel. All I know is that it was beautiful. After checking in, I realized I was exhausted because I just flew for 17 hours. It was time to take a nap.

When I woke up, it was 3pm, and I decided to visit the Jardin Majorelle located 15 minutes away from my hotel. I paid the 31.5 MAD (3.14 USD) fare and walked in. The Jardin Majorelle is a garden house located in Marrakesh. The ticket prices are 155 MAD (15.44 USD) for just going to the Jardin Majorelle. There are 2 different sites you can visit at this location, the Jardin Majorelle and Musée YVES SAINT LAURENT Marrakech. I chose to just go to the garden. In 1923, famous artist Jacques Majorelle bought the land that the garden sits on and began painting all the scenery he saw around him. As the years went, he built a villa and started planting the garden. The house became an attraction that Majorelle needed to keep it open so he could afford to keep living there. In 1962, he died and as did the garden. All the plants started dying, and the house started decaying. In 1980, the designer Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé decided to buy the lot and renovate it back to how it was before. Saint Laurent is still the owner of the lot and still keep up with renovations. The lot now has a museum showing off his designs and works, but I didn't buy a ticket to that exhibit.

By the time I left, it was 5:30pm, and I was feeling hungry. I went to Le Douar which is a restaurant located 10 minutes away from the garden. I chose to get the Tangia Marrakchia which Is a famous Moroccan dish that is a lamb stew with garlic and lemons. Lamb is one of the main meat sources of Morocco just because it can be easily found in the country. My meal was 220 MAD (21.91 USD) and I tipped 22 MAD since 10% is the tipping custom.

After my meal, I decided to head back to my room, and on the way there I decided to pick up a translation book because the most spoken language is Arabic. Once I got back, I went to sleep.

DAY TWO

I woke up today and decided to visit a famous religious building in Marrakesh. The Kasbah Mosque, located just a 15-minute walk away from my hotel, is a mosque built in 1185-1190. The building was commissioned by the caliph Yaqub al-Mansur for the new Marrakesh. 99% of the population in Morocco is Muslim and mostly all of them are Sunni. Sunni is the largest branch of Islam, and it differs from Shia because they believe that the Prophet did not explicitly declare a successor. The Kasbah Mosque is mainly for Sunni, but they still welcome Shia.

In the mosque, I stopped and look at the Saadian Tombs. The tombs were built in the 16th century by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur who was the third ruler of the Saadian dynasty. The tombs have two main sections that have several chambers each. They also have very intricate carving on the walls, and color all over the tiles. The carvings depict scenes from Islamic history and mythology.

After visiting the mosque and learning more about the history of Islam in Morocco, I decided to finally get something to eat. I decided to stop at ViaVia Marrakech. ViaVia Marrakech was founded by a Belgian couple who loved travelling, and as they were travelling they found Morocco and decided to stay. I chose to get the Sweet Chicken Wings for an appetizer, the ViaVia Burger for my entrée, and Pastilla Au Lait for dessert. Pastilla Au Lait is a French dish that just translate to "dough with milk." My meal ended up being 300 MAD (29.88 USD) and I tipped 30 MAD due to the custom.

After eating lunch, I decided to visit Parc Lalla Hasna which is a famous tourist attraction in Marrakech. It is a huge park mainly used for bird watching. The top 5 birds you will most likely see while visiting are the Booted Eagle, Spotless Starling, Great Grey Shrike, Little Swift, and the Common Bulbul, but you can also see 42 different species. Parc Lalla Hasna is free and open to the public. Natives usually visit the park at night, and they just talk and stroll. The park is right next door, making its most notable feature the minaret, which is a tower attached to a mosque that Muslims use to pray.

On my walk back to my hotel, I stopped by Cyber Park. Located directly in the heart of Marrakech, Cyber Park is 8 hectares and houses a museum and an institute of art. The park was built in the 18th century by the son of the Sultan, Moulay Abdelsalam. The main thing people do when visiting Cyber Park is see the telecommunication museum. They show off different pieces of furniture, photographs, and other pieces that show the advancements in society. You can also walk through the rose garden or use your computer due to the park's free internet access.

Once leaving the park, I continued on my walk back home and go to sleep after my long day of sightseeing.

DAY THREE

Today, I woke up and realized that I needed to hit the road immediately to make it to my next stay in Morocco. I was deciding to leave Marrakech and visit the countries capital, Rabat, located right on the shore and houses 1,959,000 people. I called a cab to get to my next Airbnb, located 3 hours and 41 minutes away. My cab fare ended up costing 2,303 MAD (229.39 USD). I got to my Airbnb named "Super Luigi" and I unpacked. My Airbnb was 1204 MAD (120 USD) a night.

Lucky for me, my Airbnb was located right next to a Syrian restaurant called Yamal Acham. I decided to get Mhamara which is a Middle Eastern dip made from walnuts and roasted red peppers. People usually eat this with a meze platter, but it still tastes good to eat by itself. The dip cost me 25 MAD (2.49 USD). For dessert, I got Salade de fruits, which is just a fruit salad. This also cost 25 MAD.

After lunch, I decided to travel to take the 6-minute cab ride to the Rabat Beach. Rabat Beach is a main tourist attraction in Morocco. The beach stretches 2.5km and that includes both private and public beaches. At Rabat Beach, you can participate in many different water activities such as, kayaking, windsurfing, jet-skiing, horseback riding, and sailing. I personally chose to go horseback riding because apparently Rabat is one of the best cities to go horseback riding in! I could not find a price for how much it costs, so I just assume it was free ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

After my horseback ride on the beach, I decided to take a cab back to my Airbnb and spend the rest of the day inside.

DAY FOUR

I woke up and decided to go get something to eat. I chose to go to Hamza Food, located a 12-minute walk from my Airbnb. Hamza Food specializes in Kumpir which is a Turkey (country) dish that is a baked potato that is sliced open, and then you choose what toppings you want. I got Kumpir poulet which is just chicken added to the potato. My meal was extremely cheap, it was just 30 MAD (2.95 USD)!

After my breakfast, I decided to head over to the Théâtre National Mohammed V. This theatre has many different showings. They offer music, operas, ballet, movies, private events, and children showings. They have different showings almost every single night. Today's showing at 11:30 was Cinderella in Rabat, which is a remake of the classic Cinderella story, but instead it takes place in Rabat. This was one of the children shows.

After the showing of Cinderella in Rabat, I decided to hop across the street to Nouzhat Hassan Garden. Just like any other park, Nouzhat Hassan Garden mainly consists of nature and an informational building. I thought this would be the perfect time to sit outside and learn about the country of Morocco. In 1912, Morocco was colonized by France, and gained independence in 1956, but French influences still remain in the country. There are many things that tourists need to know before travelling to Morocco. One of the biggest ones is to dress conservatively, even if the climate is Mediterranean and the average temperature year round is 86°F. Morocco is a Muslim country, and even if you don't practice Islam, it is still respectful to follow some of their customs that come with the religion. You are also expected to use your right hand for everything, as your left hand is used for chores and bathroom hygiene. Locals would find it extremely disrespectful if you used the left hand to open a door, touch a cup, or eat food. You are also not supposed to give praise. Giving compliments can weird out the locals as it is not how they were raised, so they can get uncomfortable if you were to do so.

After my walk in the park and learning about Moroccan customs, I decided to get some dinner before heading to bed, as tomorrow I have my flight out of here and into Botswana. Close to Nouzhat Hassan Garden was a La Bamba Mexican restaurant. Here, I decided to get the Paella Bogavante which is a Paella with lobster. It cost 600 MAD (59.03 USD). After finishing my meal, I went back to my Airbnb and went to bed.

DAY FIVE

Today I left from Morocco to Botswana. While on the plane, I wanted to reflect on my time in Morocco. I really enjoyed being here. I liked seeing how much nature varies in Morocco compared to not only Minnesota, but Belize and Panama too. I like that I got a varied amount of food that wasn't all from one region of the world. I really appreciated trying Mhamara and embracing Moroccan culture. I am excited to head over to Botswana and see how Southern Africa lives.

#africa #travel #morocco #islam #marrakech #rabat

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castielyre · 9 months

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Le Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech, Morocco

#green #blue #plant #door #painter

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travelling-around-this-world · 9 months

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Marrakech Express 🇲🇦 3 Days

Marrakech known as the Pearl of the South or the red city, is a city in Morocco at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Located at the crossroads of the Sahara and the High Atlas, it is a home to nearly 1.5 million people, Marrakech is the 4th largest city in Morocco after Casablanca, Rabat and Fez.

Marrakech has given its name to the entire kingdom of Morocco. The city was established in 1062 by Youssef Ibn Tachfine, first king of the Almoravid line.

The city offers a kaleidoscope of experiences to adventurous travellers. Ancient architecture, a rich culture, delicious food and lively souks all enchant travellers. But there’s more to Morocco than just Marrakech.

WHAT TO VISIT

Jardin De Majorelle

This wonderful botanic garden took off in 1980 by becoming a blue dream, with the helps of many artists and botanists sent by the fashion designer Yves saint-Laurent, who became the new owner of this place.

Majorelle garden is a small natural paradise with thousand colors which includes several species of plants, some of are on the verge of extinction. in this paradise we also find goldfish strutting between jasmine flowers, orange trees, fuchsias and bougainvillea.

Jamâa El Fna Square

Recognized by UNESCO's Oral World Heritage of Humanity. Jamaâ el Fna is the unmissable place of Marrakech, the living heart of the city and which is for a large part a constituent of its charm and its popular identity. Jamaa el Fna Square is a place where the oral parthony of the city of Marrakech and all over the country is expressed with storytellers from all walks of life, snake charmers, groups of Berber musicians and others, acrobats and others.

Saadian Tombs

The Saadian Tombs represents one of the only remains of the Saadian dynasty that reigned over the golden age of Marrakech between 1524 to 1659, it is located next to the mosque of Kasbah.

The Sultan Moulay Ismail in the early 18th century had indeed decided to remove all traces of the magnificence of this dynasty and demanded the destruction of all remaining buildings and vestiges. Although he dared not, however, commit the sacrilege of destroying their burials.

WHAT TO DO

1) Agafay Desert

The Agafay desert is located about 1 hour drive from Marrakech and covers several hundred hectares.

For several years, it has become the place to be if you come to Marrakech.

The landscapes are impressive with rock dunes (not sand dunes!) and a breathtaking view of the mountains during the winter.

We did an amazing QUAD TOUR over there 🏍

2) Hammam

📍Les Bains D'Orient

Going to the hammam in Marrakesh is a very enjoyable tradition, no doubt about it. But what many people don’t realise is that this delightful ritual is much more about hygiene than hedonism. And, more than just something done for pleasure, it’s an obligatory weekly practice in which the majority of the population tends to take part.

In fact, Moroccans go to the hammam as a family, with men on one side and women on the other. With no need to rush, the ideal time for an effective treatment is a morning or afternoon spent in the rooms of this type of Marrakesh spa. Although we should mention that the spa is a somewhat more modern concept, as opposed to the hammam, whose origins go back thousands of years.

To understand and enjoy the hammam in Marrakesh, it’s worth going to one of the more authentic and classic ones. In other words, those not specifically designed for foreign travellers who visit the city

Because going to a traditional hammam in Marrakesh is undoubtedly one of the best ways to understand a very important part of Moroccan daily life and how their social relationships are established.

3) Day Trip to Essaouira

A former fishing village in the touristy region of Marrakech-Safi, Essaouira is now a booming tourist destination. It even enticed the production crew of Game of Thrones to film several episodes here. Rich in history, culture and music, Essaouira boasts a range of relaxing and enjoyable things to do and see.

The argan tree is native to Morocco and there are an awful lot of places wher you’ll find argan oil and argan products. In Essaouira, you can visit an argan oil cooperative, where you can witness the products that are so important to Morocco being made. In rooms adorned with argan trees, women use ancient tools to hand press oil from the kernels and complete the elaborate process of creating argan cream. It is indeed more expensive to buy the argan products from here, but it’s definitely worth seeing the process first hand in what is something like an open air museum.

WHERE TO EAT

Naima Cous Cous

Best cous cous in the Medina, it really seems to eat at somebody's place!

Dar Charifa

Elegant riad where to eat Marocco food in a fancy place

The signature dish of Marrakech is tangia, which is not to be confused with the similar sounding tagine. Slow-cooked lamb is placed in a clay urn with lemon, garlic and saffron and then cooked in charcoal until tender.

WHERE TO STAY

We stayed at Riad Dar Colline.

In general, a riad is a building with rooms and common areas around a central courtyard. Of course, riads aren’t a modern day phenomenon. They’ve existed in Morocco for centuries.

Historically, the houses in Moroccan medinas were almost always inwardly focused with a large courtyard at the center. There were two reasons for this: the weather and the culture. Small exterior windows and a central courtyard helped to keep a constant, comfortable temperature inside the home. Moroccans have always valued privacy and don’t like to show off, they prefer houses that look modest on the outside and lavishly furnish them with beauty in every detail on the inside. The ample courtyard at the center also provides a pleasant space for activities with the family.

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