Marrakesh, Morocco and its Curiosities

One of the best parts of any visit to North Africa, and most definitely of any journey to Morocco, is Marrakesh. It is the former capital of Morocco, and a lively and bustling city in the modern day. It is one of those special places that travellers will be deeply impacted by, not necessarily because of its sightseeing spots but based on all the different kinds of people and interesting characters you encounter there. I can't imagine how you could have a boring stay in Marrakesh.

One of the main attractions for travellers is "Djemma el Fna", the gigantic central souk, or market. This is unlike any market you have ever seen, being more like a circus side show or travelling carnival than a simple shopping site. It can be overwhelming, and you need to have your wits about you to resist the approaches of all sorts of people seeking your attention, and to protect your wallet. But if you can relax and simply be assertive and know your boundaries, then you can freely enjoy this massive freakshow for what it's worth. Near the gates through which you enter the marketplace, there are terrace cafes where you can sit and watch the madness unfold while sipping some coffee or tea. As the sun sets, the marketplace starts to change appear an eery mixture of blue and orange. After it gets dark, the marketplace and its surroundings are lit up with lanterns, making the unreal atmosphere seem even less real.

The city is punctuated by historical ruins and monuments, and is surrounded by old city walls. Around Marrakesh you will see various towers and fortifications, which increases the desert atmosphere and reminds you that you are in North Africa. You will be surrounded by traditional ambience, and despite being a well-known tourist destination, it is very dar from being spoiled and is a fantastic place to get to know the real Morocco with a little bit of urban chaos thrown into the mix.