Chaotic Marrakech. My Introduction to Morocco
Everybody said I’d struggle in Marrakech. Even I arrived a little apprehensive of what lay in store for me. After all, Marrakech is everything I usually dislike in a city – it’s large, crowded, noisy, polluted, chaotic and intense. I had a feeling that it wouldn’t be long before I was huddled up in a corner of my riad, trembling and refusing to go outside. I’m pleased to announce, however, that the complete opposite occurred. Within a few hours of arriving, I had discovered a side to Marrakech that I wasn’t aware existed. Much to my surprise, I found myself taking a liking to this city. The medina in Marrakech is unbelievable. Terracotta houses and shops line a claustrophobic labyrinth of streets filled with tourists, vendors, cars, scooters, donkeys, camels and just about anything you can think of. Within seconds of entering, expect your senses, and your sanity, to be overwhelmed
On my way to the souks, we first stopped off at the Bahia Palace, a 19th century palace and gardens with some amazing architecture – it’s worth a visit just for the incredibly intricate artwork and ceilings.