After three weeks of traversing Morocco, it was finally time to explore and dig into Marrakech, which many consider its crown jewel. In a word, the city is amazing. Marrakech is both elegant and chaotic, beautiful and endlessly rustic. It’s fascinating to see people (mostly men) riding a donkey, with a full cart of something in tow, down an avenue, smart phone in hand, with grand hotels and parks all around. The juxtaposition illustrates that Moroccans today live in and straddle two worlds – that of ancient history and customs fused with today’s frenetic, modern pace and conveniences.

Everyone in Morocco is a merchant. If you want to buy something, you are expected to bargain, no exceptions. Berbers are the most tenacious that I’ve met; once you start down the path of inquiry about one of their goods, it is the equivalent of entering the event horizon of a black hole – there is no escape unless and until the sale is closed. In a way it’s engaging and fun, and it is all completely good natured, as Moroccans are incredibly polite and well mannered. You just need to make sure that the item you inquire about is something that you’ll be happy to buy, because walking away from a potential sale in virtually impossible.

The goods available here are mind blowing. Artisinal craftsmanship abounds and jewelry, fabrics, shoes and clothes that you just don’t see elsewhere (at least on my travels) are everywhere. Quality varies, depending on location, as each region and city specializes in goods that are related to their own natural resources, but overall, the quality of things offered is high, and the goods impressive.

So, enough chatter… Here are some photos of interesing sights taken in during the past two days in Marakkech:

Moroccan doors are intriguing and beautiful. No matter where I’ve visited, people take great pride and creativity in showing theirs to the world.

The largest mosque in Marrakech. The minaret stands over 430 feet tall. Calls to prayer occur five times a day here – at approximately 5:30 am (good luck sleeping through those); at noon, before and after sunset and around 9:30 pm. You can’t avoid them, and if your riad or hotel is close to a minaret, you’re toast – you’ll be very well aware of the plaintive wailing and song emanating from within.

La Mamounia, the first hotel in Morocco, which has repeatedly been voted best hotel in the world. It is truly a trip.

Its gardens. Stunning trees and plants from near and far mesmerize you as you stroll its grounds.

Salam, brother. Wassup?

Our riad, deep within the medina. Family owned and a very special experience.

Head on a pike. Not – just a way to market a beautiful headdress.

The fascinating dichotomy of urban life – these guys are everywhere, trotting alongside cars, buses, motor scooters and trucks. A true throwback.

After leaving Marrakech, we headed to Essaouira (pronounded Ess-wara). En route, we stopped for a bite. Amazingly delicious food, with multiple tangine pots firing up all kinds of scrumptious fare.

In the medina of Essaouira. I was here with Scott last week, and it really enchanted us. So nice to be back, as it is provides a beautiful beach town vibe that charms in so many ways.

Essaouira’s doors are perhaps the coolest I’ve seen in Morocco, each so different and interesting.

This gent was making lotar and guembri. It was fascinating to watch him.

Rugs and endless beautiful fabrics are everywhere. You almost have to take a rug or two home.

Inside a typical riad.

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An antique shop we popped into (no photos allowed…) that felt like a museum. They sold antiquities and truly remarkable furnishings.

My favorite door of the trip so far:

Well, we’re off for hamman and massage. Scott and I partook last week and the spa we went to was really great. Can’t wait to get back into the zen state and feel like a newborn again….

We shove off for Casablanca tomorrow. The last hurrah…. Deborah will return to the States and I’ll move onto Spain for eight days. It’s been really fun traveling weith her, as we’re super close, old friends and she’s been to Morocco numerous times, so she was a great tour guide in several places, including Marrakech.

I’m very excited to speak Spanish 24/7 and immerse myself in all that is so wonderful in Spain. Next blog entry will be from España…