Marrakesh

1st June - 4th June

Marrakesh at night

On our last day in Marrakesh, we decide to sit and pass the hours in a favourite cafe, Chez Chegrouni located in the central square, Djeema al Fna. People pass to and fro the souks, bargaining with smiles and chatting with their hands. Leather goods, jewelry, silver and clothing lines the square. This is a paradise for the ultimate consumer!
In the center of the square, men sell fresh squeezed orange juice while women sit underneath umbrellas and paint henna in brown and black ink. It’s 5:30 p.m. and the mosque will once again call to her faithful listeners while the camera-snapping begins as the sun starts to set.

The delicious tajines at Chez Chegrouni had Zhenia cleaning her plate spotless.


Djeema al Fna at night


Morocco has taught us to be more open, decisive in our stride while we walk the streets. As travellers we have seen many layers of this country and it has been interesting to watch people wherever we go. Greetings take many forms and tones, not just a simple hello or a hand shake: kissing each other’s hand, kissing each other’s cheek 2, 3, and sometimes 4 times and my favourite, putting one’s hand on your heart after a handshake for honesty and trust. Morocco isn’t a wealthy country by any means but there is a wealth in people’s lives, faces and especially their hospitality to complete strangers. I only hope that many of you who are reading our weblog to consider visiting this beautiful country for yourself.