WHAT DOES A PERFECT DAY IN MARRAKECH LOOK LIKE?

For myself, the perfect day in Marrakech begins by waking up early to watch the sunrise from the rooftop of my riad.

Listening to the birds chirping and the sound of the medina waking up.

Watching cats prowling along the rooftops and hearing the clatter of plates as staff in the riad prepare for breakfast.

The first glass of freshly squeezed orange juice hits the spot perfectly.

I enjoy a breakfast of pancakes with homemade jam and honey, bread, yoghurt, and fresh fruit.

After a refreshing shower, I head out into the medina for a nice coffee in a cafe on the main square.

Sat outside, I observe the vendors setting up for the day. The entertainers get ready to entice the crowds of tourists and the local ladies on their way to the market for fresh spices.

My next destination is the souks for a browse around before they get too busy.

I suggest just after 9.00 am. is the perfect time to go.

Vendors are eager for their first sale of the day, and bargaining is much easier.

The colourful array of beautiful things on offer is a sight to behold.

The cats gather for a few morsels off the butcher.

I check out the wonderful Amazigh jewellery, the argan oil, and the beautiful ceramics and mirrors.

I buy one or two keepsakes and then decide it’s time for a snack.

A colourful outdoor cafe calls out to me, and I choose some delicious pastries with a mint tea.

It’s magical watching the world of Marrakech go by.

The motorcycles, the donkeys, all competing for space in the narrow streets.

Tourists wandering about, looking in awe at the beautiful colours around the medina.

After recharging my batteries, it’s time for some sightseeing.

I head towards Madrasa Ben Youssef and get some amazing photos of the stunning architecture.

The medina is beginning to get rather busy, so I make my way to the gardens of the Koutoubia Mosque to sit quietly for a while.

Afterwards, I treat myself to a sugarcane juice from a vendor outside.

The heat is now quite intense, so I return to the riad for a rest.

I head upstairs onto the rooftop for a rest from the busy medina and a spot of sunbathing.

The call to prayer echos across the medina.

I read a book and order myself a glass of mint tea and a dish of olives.

Soon, it’s time to get ready for the evening.

I decide to go to La Pergola rooftop bar for a couple of cocktails.

It’s a lively atmosphere, and there’s a jazz band playing downstairs in the courtyard of  Le Bistro Arabe.

I stop and listen for a while before heading towards Jamaa El Fna.

The energy is electric, food vendors touting for business, dancing, drumming, and crowds of people everywhere.

The smell of food makes me hungry, so I decide to find a nice place to dine.

I choose a place overlooking the square and observe the action from above, sat on the rooftop.

I enjoy a traditional tagine, flavourful and aromatic. I’m tempted by the exotic sounding smoothies on the menu and treat myself to one containing dried fruit.

I watch the beautiful sunset and everywhere has a golden glow.

Once dinner is finished, I nip into The Clock, situated in the square to listen to some traditional storytelling.

After an interesting time immersing myself in the culture of Morrocco, I decide to head back to my riad.

I pick up a few souvenirs along the way.

Back at the riad, I sit in the courtyard reflecting on my day.

The staff in the riad are happy to help me decide where to go the following day.

We chat about possibilities, and they help me put together the perfect plan for another day sightseeing.

I have had a perfect day…

I have experienced a different culture, tasted delicious food, watched a magnificent sunset, chatted with the locals, and navigated the maze of the souks successfully.

I have made a mental note of some of the things I want to buy to take home with me, and I look forward to haggling for a fair price before the end of my trip.

I fall asleep, happy and content, ready to do it all again tomorrow..