Marrekesh

So.. I didn't take this picture, I took more of the hike than Marrakesh. Oops. But here is what I saw briefly before exiting the city...

This weekend began after couscous Friday when I packed up and left for the train station with some friends from the program. Off to Marrakesh we go. After getting on the wrong train, where we made our entry and then an awkwardly quick exit, we got on the right train and were off. The train was packed and we didn’t have seats for a while until finally settling into the very hot and steamy un-air-conditioned cabs. There were 8 to a cab and it was laid out like the train on Anastasia where they almost die? Do you know what I mean? Anyway, four and a half hours later we were in Marrakesh, about 930ish. P.s., this was the prophets birthday weekend in case you didn't know, and so festivities were sure to be extensive.

We arrived at Marrakesh and were struck by the stark difference from anywhere else we’ve seen in Morocco. Marrakesh is a sort of Moroccan playplace, with snake charmers (I was approached persistently by a snake charmer where I actually ran away.), monkeys, music, and dancing. They have this central square where tented restaurants are set up that smoke from the grilling. They also have lots of stands with dates, figs and tasties such as these red sugar peanuts, plus lots of fresh orange juice and grapefruit juice stands. They are extremely pushy and will legitimately grab your arm and drag you to their stand. It was very intimidating. I feel bad for anyone who would come to Morocco and only see Marrakesh. It is so unlike anywhere else and only really suited for tourists. There were lush and exotic hotels and resorts that harshly contrasted the shanty towns we passed just hours before in Casablanca. It is a red city, where the architecture all has a red tint to it, something in the building material they used from the area. I heard something about orc? whatever that may be. With the lights it sort of glows, creating an otherworld feel combined with the exotic music.

After the chaos of Friday night, the group split up for Saturday’s plans. I decided to climb a mountain for waterfalls instead of site-seeing in Marrakesh. We wondered around the city and then sketchily found a couple grand taxis to take us to the cascades, getting the price almost cut in half, about 2 hours outside of the city. We figured out we were going to the wrong falls in the middle of the drive, but just sort of went with it. Once there we wandered and then hired this little persistent kid to take us through the mountain to the falls. I, unfortunately was wearing flip flops and a skirt, was not suited for the walk, but went anyway. Despite a couple of close calls with clothing, extremely steep climbs where we assumed death or severe injury was coming, (We definitely didn’t sign any waivers for the walk) we found the falls. They were beautiful, as well as some of the views we found climbing up the mountain. We had a relaxing tanjiya that was pretty much tajjine(meat and vegetables sort of like a potroast in a special ceramic tp- esque thing.. i'll take pictures don't worry) but grilled over coals for dinner and couldn’t stop commenting on how beautiful and perfect the day was. We sat at a little outdoor restaurant that was right next to a calm river. This was such a needed break from the busy city life and constant on edge-ness I have been experiencing. It never ceases to amaze me how wonderful and vast God’s creation is. The tranquility was broken when we were affronted by our now angry taxicab driver who said we were two hours late to go back… We for sure didn’t set a time, but oh well, at least he still took us back for which we were thankful.

That night we ate, walked around and just enjoyed the evening. Sunday I caught the train back and enjoyed a better ride with all women in the cab, making a much less awkward 5 hour ride. Little things really do help the trip.

Conclusion? I have no desire to go back to Marrakesh. The blatant tourist nature sort of had no charm for me. The people were pushy and put me on edge, including this little man who came right up to me, followed me saying something to me, and then pointed in my face and laughed at me. Unsettling. However, the day in the outdoors next to waterfalls and a river has replenished my spirits and given me a much needed respite, of that I am thankful. All in all a good weekend. Also, I now have a bag of dates of which I can’t stop eating. They are so cheap here and soooo excellent. I will miss the dates and figs when I go home as they are much more expensive in the states.


(I also didn't take this picture since they charge for photos with the snakes and monkeys... but you get the idea)

ooh, side note... I totally stumbled upon a moroccan wedding procession on the street last night. I was walking around with my host sisters and heard the music and saw the bride being put up on the gold riding chair where she is actually carried around the city to the beat of the drums and the music. Very cool. I didn't have my camera. :( But, my host sister said that sometimes their family hosts weddings at her house and that I might be able to go to one if they do! That is all my friends. :) Much love.