Languages
by toonsarah
While Arabic is the first language of Morocco, French is spoken so widely it might almost be considered a dual language country, at least here in Marrakesh. Street signs are in both languages, many shop signs indeed are only in French, and café menus are always available in French (and only occasionally in English). We found that while many people working with tourists will say they speak English, this was often very limited; however their French was generally much more fluent, and by using what we knew of that language we got on very well. I think without any French (or Arabic, naturally) we would have found it much harder, especially when dealing with the various people we met as a result of my fall – the doctors, staff in the clinic and in the pharmacies where I paid for and had the injections that were prescribed for me. Our riad too, Les Lauriers Blancs, was owned and run, as so many of them are, by an ex-pat French couple who spoke only very limited English, so being able to converse with them in French was really good – both from a practical point of view and also because it meant we were able to get to know them better. So if you have a little knowledge of French from your school days, do brush it up before you go to Morocco as you’ll find it really useful.
great cushions
by globetrott about bazaar
You will find carpet-shops all over Marrakech and most of them also offer cushions made from old kilims - mostly in the old patterns od the different tribes This is one of the cushions I bought in Marakech I payed about 10 € in 1990
Food and beer in luxury surroundings
by aaaarrgh about Sheraton Hotel, Marrakesh
Well, this wasn't where I expected to spend a lazy afternoon, in a 5-star luxury hotel. But the Sheraton, on the outskirts of Marrakesh, has a bar which serves cool lager, so my friends caught a taxi there as soon as they could ;-)
The Sheraton is like an oasis of luxury for western tourists. The hotel is wrapped around an enormous swimming pool, with palm trees, deck chairs and another bar half submerged in the blue water. The food was served outside on the terrace under large umbrellas next to the sunbathers.
And the sunbathers are an attraction if you like that sort of thing. This is one of the few places where topless sunbathing is tolerated. There were more than a few local Morrocans (as well as a few lecherous Europeans) hanging around to get an eyeful :-)
This could also be a nightlife tip. We returned late on Friday evening to find an African band playing in the bar. As well as the intricately decorated bar and reception area, they Sheraton also serve a variety of European food dishes. I had a pizza for around about 90dh, which is about European prices too!
And the beer was about 40dh a glass!!
If you want a luxury setting at a fraction of the Western price and/or you are desparate for a cool alcoholic drink, then this may be the place for you.
La Koutoubia
by MM212
The Koutoubia Minaret is the uncontested symbol of Marrakech, and the highest structure in the city. At 77 metres, no building is allowed to exceed its height, even today. It was added to the original Koutoubia Mosque in the late 12th century and is the only remaining structure from the old mosque, which was torn down shortly after its completion because it was not properly aligned with Mecca. The minaret is believed to have been entirely covered in tiles in its early days. La Koutoubia's resemblance to Seville's la Giralda is no accident as it served as a model for Seville's minaret.
Mosquée & Fontaine Bab Doukkala
by MM212
Following the success of the Mouassine complex in socio-economic terms, the Bab Doukkala complex was built near Bab Doukkala. It dates back from the late 16th century and was modelled after the Mouassine Mosque and Fountain. The fountain is also known as "Lalla Aouda", after a venerable lady. Today, the fountain has been turned into an art gallery (l'Atelier de Marrakech) exhibiting paintings by local artists.
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horses in front of the Comptoir Darna
But the view across the valley was good
Telouet Kasbah, reception room
Djemaa El Fna
