Another great riad in Marrakesh. As typical in the Medinas, we go down several cramped 6 foot wide alleyways and knock on a door. When it is opened, you never know what to expect in the central courtyard. This one didn't disappoint. Orange trees growing in the center, the side rooms and guest rooms were more modern then the other riads we stayed in, but just as comfortable. 4-star all the way.
Today, we had a local guide, Mohammed III, (our third Mohammed!) to guide us through the maze of the Medina and introduce us to the "town square". Town square defined as the second largest in the world, just behind Damascus in Syria, and with over 50,000 vendors!! We questioned Mohammed about the number and he stood by it. We didn't visit them all, but the square is huge with endless alleyways, "rabbit holes".
Our first stop of the day was the Koutoubia Mosque. Again, almost a thousand years old. Its minaret is one of the tallest at 253 feet in height.
On to Bahia Palace, a few pictures below. Mostly of tombs. Interesting footnote. The sultan at the time had 4 wives. Each had their own room. Rather large and roomy, but once betrothed, they were never allowed to leave that room for the rest of their lives. Royalty had its price.
The Jemaa el-fnaa marketplace, as mentioned above, was next. Anything Moroccan, (and cheap Chinese knockoffs) can be purchased here. Lots of entertainment as well as bargaining opportunities. This is how most of the world still lives.
Small, typical meat market. The cats knew where to hang out. My guess is to not get any "smaller cuts" of meat in Marrakesh.
(Thanks Wikipedia)
Our first stop of the day was the Koutoubia Mosque. Again, almost a thousand years old. Its minaret is one of the tallest at 253 feet in height.
On to Bahia Palace, a few pictures below. Mostly of tombs. Interesting footnote. The sultan at the time had 4 wives. Each had their own room. Rather large and roomy, but once betrothed, they were never allowed to leave that room for the rest of their lives. Royalty had its price.
Janet and Gloria in one of the wive's rooms
The Jemaa el-fnaa marketplace, as mentioned above, was next. Anything Moroccan, (and cheap Chinese knockoffs) can be purchased here. Lots of entertainment as well as bargaining opportunities. This is how most of the world still lives.
This is how one is directed to the correct restroom in a Muslin country. Men on the left, women on the right. And don't forget two things when you go. 1) your own toilet paper, no guarantees commode-side. And 2) some coins (10-20 cents) to pay the female attendant, who is very attentive.
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