October 18, 2023

We are off to explore Marrakesh, also known as the “Red City.” Marrakech is one of the four imperial cities, is called “the red city” because of the color of its houses, which, by city regulation, must be absolutely red ochre, like the color of the land that surrounds it. The other notable regulation is that building can not be taller than a palm tree.

Our first stop was Koutoubia Mosque, which was built in 1185-1190 CE. The minaret (the tower) was damages in the recent earthquake. on the southern side of the mosque are located the Saadian Tombs a narrow necropolis with ornate mausoleums that housed the tombs of the Saadi Dynasty. All minarets have three sets of bells for the three major religions – Islam, Jew and Christianity. In this county the people of different religions have lived together in peace for centuries.

We then headed to the marketplace with a stop at a spice shop where we got a lesson on using natural herbs and spices to manage medical issues. There were hundred of jars of natural remedies for everything from colds to puffy eyes!!!

We walked to the Bahia Palace which is a mid to late 19th-century palace. Si Musa, grand vizier of Alaouite sultan Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman, first began the palace in 1859. Each room has unique ornate ceilings.

Then it was time to explore Jemaa el-Fna the plaza where everything is available! Around 1050 AD the plaza was the site of public executions, hence its name Jemaa el-Fna, which means “assembly of the dead.” Today the market bridges the old and new sections of Marrakech, and it continues to serve the community as a vibrant hub for trade, social life, and cultural expression. The alleys are narrow and filled with people on motorcycles zipping around. We walked single file past the artisan quarters and the colorful souks. This is daily life in Marrakesh but to me it is overwhelming!

I had seen a National Geographic show on Jemaa el-Fna plaza and wanted to experience it especially the snake charmers. I am really, really, really afraid of snakes but tried to experience the snake charmers. I failed! The snakes hide under the tambourines and they wanted me to sit on the ground near the area. I lasted about 30 seconds until one of the snakes got close!!! A bit later as we were sitting at the café people watching a vendor walked by with belts he was trying to sell and for a second I thought they were snakes and I panicked. Note to self stop watching Nat Geo!!!

Back to the hotel for a quick shower and clean clothes before we headed out for dinner, music and dancing. Another 20+-hour day!   As always I am going to need a vacation to recover from my vacation.