Day 1 – Beautiful Marrakech!

After a wild night at the Lola lounge, we hit the sack around 12:30am (haven’t seen that in a LONG time!). I don’t think I moved an inch. Finally rolled over around 8am and decided to start our day. Breakfast was waiting downstairs so we needed to get with it.

Our hotel, 2 Ciels Hotel & Spa, was really pretty nice. Large king size bed, big bathroom and a nice deck overlooking the roof tops. We had drinks and dinner (cheese pizza & vodka / cranberry) late last night while listening to their disk jockey spin some awesome tunes, like “shake that ass, girl!” Uh huh! And before you ask, no, Collette didn’t appreciate me singing along. Well, she might not mind my singing but pointing to her lower side was really beginning to annoy her.

The pool from the 5th floor

Lola Lounge

The View

Headed down to the breakfast buffet. What a nice spread! They had so much food, simply overwhelming. I opted for an omelet, toast, and about 6-8 pastries. Had to try them, they looked delicious, but some a little odd. They had the usual, Madeline’s, cookies, almond cake, but they also had some unusual ones like cake with what looked like mince meat but was actually a fish paste. If you know how much I like fish you can imagine the reaction.

Le Breakfast

Le Pastries!!!

After a good breakfast, time to take a taxi to our Riad (hotel) for the next week, Riad dar Essalam. This is a small hotel, 6 rooms, that is more like a B&B than a hotel. But, before we can get there, we need a taxi. The bellhop at 2 Ciels said to pay the driver 30MAD (about $3.00) and no more. Over came the driver, helped put our bags in the really small car, and after I asked “how much?” he said, “50MAD”. Damn, haven’t gone 10 feet and already this guy is trying to scam us. I went back to the bellhop and asked him again how much the ride should be. Again, he said, “30MAD. No more!” Back to the taxi and this time he agreed, but grumbled about it.

Finally, on our way. Then it happened. Less than a block from the hotel, WHAM! Moped slams into the side of the cab. Fortunately, it was Collette’s side so I wasn’t hurt. She wasn’t either but I think we both needed to change our clothes. The driver got out and proceeded to point to the car and discuss how wrong the other driver was. This went on for maybe 5 minutes then both drivers got back to their vehicles and drove off. Guess they handle things differently here.

Arrived at the drop off point for the Medina (cars are not allowed in the area), found a man with a “trolley” (wagon) and off to our Riad. The trolley cost 30MAD ($3). Checked in and had our complimentary glass of mint tea (not bad but not our favorite) then off for a quick tour of the Riad. The Riad has a restaurant attached to it that must have 5 different dining areas. There is amazing tile work in every room and hallway! Tonight, we’ll have dinner here along with a traditional Moroccan show. Not sure if pictures or video are allowed so stay tuned.

Mint tea and cookies

Greeting area and elaborate tile work

Our room, Shaharazad

The stairway

Riad entrance (looking in)

Riad entrance (looking out)

First local beer

We spent the rest of the day walking around the Medina, getting familiar with our surroundings while enjoying the snake charmers and monkey dancers. Tomorrow we have an “official” tour of the “souks” (pronounced, “sooks”) so that’s when we’ll get pictures. Today was for a few casual pics for your viewing pleasure.

The square in the Medina, Jamaa El Fnna

Fruit vendor

Brass vendor

Cruising the Medina

Spice vendor

Mosque minaret

You can even bring your ass to the Medina

Pretty much wraps up today. Sitting on our patio, enjoying the beautiful weather, ~75F with a mild breeze, clear skies, and a little music from the bar terrace next door. May have to check that out after I post this.  BTW- here in this Muslim country alcohol is allowed! (Or else we wouldn’t be here!!!!)

Essalam Alaykum (Peace be upon you)