So, I’d been itching for a proper adventure, something completely different, you know? And Morocco, well, it had been on my mind for ages. Kept seeing those vibrant pictures and hearing stories. Finally, I just said, “Right, let’s do this,” and booked the whole thing.
Getting Started and First Impressions
The planning part was fun, actually. I spent evenings looking up places, figuring out a rough route. Didn’t want to overschedule, though. Best part of travel is the unexpected bits, I reckon.
Landing in Marrakech was… an experience! The moment I stepped off that plane, it was like a wave of new sounds, new smells, even the air felt different. A proper sensory hit, that was. We’d booked a riad, one of those traditional houses, deep in the Medina. Finding it was an adventure in itself. Down one tiny alley, then another, thinking, “Are we lost?” And then, boom, this beautiful, peaceful courtyard opens up. Magic.
Into the Heart of the Souks and Beyond
Marrakech’s main square, Djemaa el-Fna, is just wild. Especially as the sun starts to set. Food stalls firing up, storytellers, musicians, snake charmers – the whole nine yards. You could just sit there for hours soaking it all in.
Then, the souks. Oh, the souks! We dived in. Got completely, wonderfully lost, of course. That’s half the fun. Twisting lanes, shops packed to the rafters with spices, lanterns, leather bags, carpets. I haggled for a beautiful leather pouffe, felt quite proud of myself, even though I probably still paid too much! Came out with a few treasures and a big smile.
- Spent ages just wandering, no real plan.
- Drank so much mint tea. Seriously, it’s everywhere, and it’s delicious.
- The colors! Everything is so vibrant.
The Desert Called
One thing I absolutely had to do was see the Sahara. So, we booked a trip out to the desert. It’s a fair old drive, let me tell you, but watching the landscape change from bustling city to these vast, arid plains, then finally to sand dunes… incredible.
Riding a camel. Okay, not the most comfortable thing I’ve ever done, a bit like being on a very wobbly, lumpy horse. But as we plodded along and the sun started to dip below those massive dunes, painting everything orange and purple? Pure movie stuff. Unforgettable.
We stayed overnight in a desert camp. The silence out there, once everything settles down, is something else. And the stars! Never seen so many. Just lay on my back looking up for ages. Cold at night, though, make no mistake.
More Flavors and Faces
We also managed to squeeze in a trip to Essaouira, on the coast. Totally different vibe. More laid back, salty air, seagulls everywhere. Loved the blue and white buildings and just watching the fishing boats come in.
And the food, man, the food was consistently brilliant. Tagines, obviously. Had so many different kinds. Chicken with lemon and olives was a favourite. And the bread! Fresh, warm bread with every meal. Simple pleasures.
The people we met were, by and large, incredibly welcoming. Always ready with a smile or to help if you looked a bit lost, which I often did. Had some great chats, often using a lot of hand gestures and bits of broken French.
Wrapping it Up
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, naturally. There was that one time I nearly got on the wrong bus – classic me. And figuring out the local currency took a day or two. But that’s all part of it, isn’t it? Adds to the stories you bring back.
Overall, it was just a fantastic experience. Tiring at times, a bit chaotic, but so, so worth it. Came back with a phone full of photos, a bag full of spices and argan oil, and a real sense of having seen something truly special. If you get the chance to go, just do it. You won’t regret it. It’s a place that definitely gets under your skin, in the best possible way.
