Riad Saba

MINT TEA
Probably the most...

by SirRichard

MINT TEA
Probably the most popular drink in Morocco. It was introduced in the 19th century by the british (who else?). Here they use the Green Tea (Gunpowder) with mint leaves and sugar.
It is not only a drink (better than water for the thirsty moments) but a tradition and a ceremony (they prepare it pouring it from one glass to another). If you are offered tea, it's considered unpolite to say NO, so you better get used to it.
You are even supossed to accept 3 glasses of tea at least, the 4th you can refuse... They say the 1st one is full of sugar as life, the 2nd sweet as love and the 3rd bitter as death!!

On foot around Marrakesh.

by suvanki

On foot is the best way to get around Marrakesh's centre. Through the Souks, Medina, Mellah area, your walking tour will find many hidden corners and sights that you can't reach by taxi or car, or that you'd miss as you whizzed past!

So, comfy shoes on and just lose yourself in the labrynth of the many alleyways and roads of Marrakesh!

Don't forget to look up as well as straight in front- there are lots of 'hidden treasures'

Don't get worried that You'll not find your way out- theres always someone to direct you to 'the square' or the nearest landmark.

Get Djemma El Fna'd!!!

by Firestar24

Unfortunately, our first Djemma El-Fna experience wasn't so great. Weary & wet we sploshed our way up to the square in freezing cold rain in clothes that proved we weren't prepared for the change in climate. Immediately we were surroundd by hoards of children brandishing menus and inviting us to sit in Arabic, French, English, German & Spanish. We declined sourly - we'd also just eaten the largest meal in the World - and decided to return to Djemma El-Fna the next day.

Our second visit was better and the early morning sun bathed acrobats, snake charmers, monkeys, water sellers and dentists. Ladies wandered brandishing henna and my hand was decorated when I accidently stood still for five minutes! My favourite was a chipmunk on a leash - we used to keep chipmunks at home.

We returned after a visit to Ville Nouvelle to experience the night-time atmosphere when storytellers and musicians reign and incense clouds the air creating an exotic, spicy feel. This is my favourite time.

a little bit disappointing

by vtveen

El-Badi Palace was built by the Saadian Sultan Ahmed el-Mansour in the 16th century. He ordered to be built a luxurious palace, which was meant to be used mostly for receptions. It was one of the most beautiful buildings in the Muslim world and impressive for its size; just the inner court is 135 by 110 metres and had 360 rooms. It was destroyed when the Saadian dynasty fell.

El-Badia Palace is hidden behind its red coloured pisé walls. After entering through the so called Green Pavilion we came in the enormous courtyard with four sunken gardens with orange trees and a swimming pool. Going to the left we reached a staircase - just behind a nice fountain with zellij tile work - to a viewing point with views of the courtyard and the remains of the of the palace (to the other side is a view over the roofs of Marrakech to the Koutoubia Mosque, with some stork nests nearby on the ramparts).

On the right hand side of the entrance are the ruins of some rooms visible, which were used in the older days by guests of the Sultan. The ‘Koubba el Khamsiniyya’ (referring to its 50 grand marble columns) was the main hall for audiences; today hardly to believe.

It was nice to walk around (you don’t need no more than 30 à 45 minutes to get a good impression), but we were rather disappointed seeing just remnants of a former palace. To be honest we missed the minbar (pulpit) from the Koutoubia Mosque, which is displayed in another building. Nobody at the ticket office told us anything about this gem.

El-Badi Palace is open daily 8.30 - 11.45am and 2.30 - 5.45pm. Admission fee is 10 Dirhams (extra for the minbar another 10 Dirhams). Within the palace are a couple of info plaques, so there is no need to get a guide for your visit.

My love for Marrakesh

by annie412

"The wonder of my first visit"

We arrived late at night at our hotel, tired after a long journey. We knew that the square was a short walk away and decided to venture into the centre to see if it was anything like a lady had told us on our flight.

The short walk as advertised on the internet turned out to be 45 minute brisk journey away. Even though we were tired and frustrated at false advertising, it was all forgotten when we walked into the magical place they call La place Jemaa el Fnaa. I have never witnessed anything like it, the noise, the smells, the entire atmosphere just cannot be put into words.