Africa's Secrets group posting on GLOBOsapiens

marrakesh - advice requested

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davidx Premium account Joined: Dec 04 Points: 34719 Posts: 440 Posted: 2007-07-25 17:06:00    Many will have gathered that my experience of travel outside Europe is extremely limited. However I have found recently that Marrakesh not only has a hospital with facilities for my ICD machine but that the return flight from Manchester [UK] will set me back less than £100. Hence I am going for 4 nights in November. I am NOT one of those who hopes, expects or intends to see Morocco in 4 days and I don't mean to try to get to Meknes, Fes or any number of other excellent places. However I should very much appreciate advice on where to eat [local and not ultra expensive], which sights are must-sees, trips out for a day or preferably less and what to avoid. Thanks in anticipation David --- Grieve not for that which you cannot do but rejoice in that which you can. Reply    Reply with quote    Contact davidx   ta-shy Joined: Jun 02 Points: 4110 Posts: 170 Posted: 2007-08-02 16:20:00    Good health and high spirits! So, Morocco for 4 days. Well you can just hang in Marrakesh for those days and have allot to do and see, I'm sure things haven't changed too much in the past 5 yrs. For places to stay, just make it to "Djemaa el-Fna" the notorious market square.. this is where all the action is. You can find many, many restaurants on the cheap there.. a good one if it is still around is about 2 building or less on the same side of the street where they rent bikes. You can eat out or in and the tagine there is some of the best! We ate there about 4 times. If you need cheaper accommodation's look on my tip section for the name and address of the hotel I stayed at. It is clean, very international sort of like a hostel and it is very cheap. There is also a roof top "hangout" where you can get small meals or just hang out and meet other tourists. Well worth it.. As a side trip, though I have never been, I have heard that Essaouira is a nice place to visit for a relaxing day to escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh. It is a fishing village on the ocean. I'm pretty sure you can bus it, I don't know if the train goes there now. Agadir is another place on the ocean but I found this place to be too touristy for my liking as it was totally rebuilt after an earthquake--high end. As for things to watch for.. pick pocketers are notorious there. Other than that just use your travel wits and have fun. If you stay around the market square you will see alot and be able to venture into the labyrinth of streets. Also, you will have to bargain hard... because Marrakesh is a tourist haven they will ride you for all your worth. Also, you should check to see when Ramadan is this year.. that may change things in some circumstances..I was there in Nov. and celebrated Ramadan there. If you can get an invite to join a local to break fast.. do so it's a great experience.. There is a carpet store down the road from the hotel with a really nice family there who I had the pleasure of dining with. Oh yeah before I forget... if you want fresh bread, try to find the bakery.. DON'T buy it from the corner store places.. I've seen 2 guys having a talkout and one guy waving the bread around to make a point, put the bread down, wipe his nose with the back of his hand, then continue talking and picking up the bread again to make his point. Then he tapped the bread a couple of times and gave a wave to his buddy and walked away!! Bread was still on the counter, made me think twice about buying bread anywhere!! There is an awesome bakery not too far from the Hotel.. ask around.. you can get the bread direct from the oven.. and only the baker has touched it.. anymore questions.. give me a shout.. Tashi --- LIFE IS AN ATTITUDE! ALWAYS DO WHAT YOU WISH YOU COULD! ALWAYS! Reply    Reply with quote    Contact ta-shy