Taking and changing money
by Flying.Scotsman
Guidebooks, and banks advise that as a restricted currency you have to wait until you get to Morocco to acquire Moroccan currency. According to information on the landing card you are given on the plane, there is no restriction on importing or exporting Moroccan currency to the amount of 1000 Dirhams, (about 100 Euros). We even bought a small amount from a currency exchange counter at Gatwick airport. Also, in Marrakech we had no problem obtaining money at cash machines with a Visa debit card. This information applies to January 2010, and if you are reading it at a much later date, I would advise you to double check this information at the time on VT Forum. And remember to advise your bank if you are using your card abroad so they don’t stop it for security reasons. They should also be able to advise if they know of any problems using their bank’s card in that country.
Ouriki, donkeys parking
by sachara
In 2000 we visited the village Ouriki, south of Marrakesh for the weekly local market. Many villagers from the surrounding villages visit this market.
When we crossed the river, before entering the village, we saw a large parking lot, not with cars ...., but with donkeys, many many donkeys,shoulder by shoulder.
If you enlarge the picture you will see it better.
You pay for the experience
by DesertStar about Yacout
We'd been told that this palace restaurant was a "must", but in thinking about it afterwards we realised that both our friends were guests of others and wouldn't have known how much it cost! It's a fixed price menu, including wine, and it cost 1550 dh (about 155 Euros) for the two of us, including tip. The maitre d' had said we could add the tip to the bill on our credit card, but the waiter said we couldn't -- less for him I guess, after the bank's commission --- have cash for the tip if you go.
Hidden away behind an inocuous wooden door in an alleyway, the surroundings were absolutely stunning. A pre-dinner drink on the roof started things off, then dinner was elegantly served in the courtyard by the pool. Good service too, but there was just too much food. Each course could have fed four people instead of the two of us. One course was a whole chicken, and the dessert was at least 15" in diameter! That night was the only time on the trip that I was sick, and I'm sure it was just from over-eating. It seemed rude to leave so much behind.
The appetizers were truly wonderful, but the tagine and cous cous (another huge quantity) were the least tasty of our entire Morocco trip. It's hard to feel ripped off when you have so much food and unlimited wine, but somehow that's exactly how we felt. The appetizers -- six or seven small plates of various finely chopped and seasoned vegetable dishes. Exquisite. And the tiny almond-filled cakes (after the big dessert) to finish off the meal.
Take in the show
by YolandaC
Every evening, at sunset the square turns into a type of carnival. Snake charmers, acrobats, story tellers, teeth pullers, mystical doctors. Strolling through this chaos is magic enough, even if you don't want to join. We would make a round and then settle in for another mint tea at Argana, take a deep breath and jump in again.
Carpet Souk - Criee Berbere
by suvanki
At the southern end of the Souk, is this carpet Souk, which leads into Place Rahba Quedima, the apothecary square.
The carpet souk is instantly recognisable, by the many colourful carpets hanging from the walls of the buildings.
This area was originally the Slave market, until 1912, when the French banned this practice.
If you are intent on buying a carpet, you will need to have your haggling skills well honed, and know a bit about carpet making. (Materials used, dyes, knots, prices etc)
If you intend to buy a carpet or rug, do your homework first. The Ensemble Artisanale near the Koutoubia mosque is a place to visit to find the fixed prices for carpets- or ask at your hotel reception for local advise
Most tour guides/ touts will at some point try to guide you into a carpet shop, there are many of these establishments in the souk and in Gueliz.
Some can be quite entertaining, but don't make any offers if You're not serious about buying. Just sit it through and enjoy learning about the different styles of carpets etc.
Even If You're offered a mint tea and a friendly chat, make it politely clear that You're not wanting to buy.
You might be tempted with offers to pay in installments, deposit only, 'easy to carry/post home for you' etc etc.
Again, only buy if you really want to!!!
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ourika valley with www.marrakech-loisirs.com
Donna, Marrakesh
Shopping At The Jamaa El Fna
courtyard of th medersa Ali ben Youssef
