Jo: Morocco

Happy New Year!

I am typing this whilst looking out of the window at the falling snow and enjoying looking back at some colourful images I took of Morocco last November.

I had a great trip to Marrakesh with my Mum, we spent a few days exploring the city and the nearby Atlas Mountains. We ate well and meet some wonderful people. It's a vibrant, chaotic place full of interesting and friendly people. Here are some highlights.

Jadins de Majorelle

These beautiful and colourful gardens were created in the 1920's and 1930's by French painter Jacques Majorelle, and subsequently owen by Yves Saint Laurent.

Riad Kniza

Riads are guest houses situated within the Medina (old town). Our Riad was owned by a top antique dealer and had had many famous guests in his time. The rooms, courtyard and roof terrace are all beautifully styled with classic Moroccan decor.

Jemaa el Fna

This is the atmospheric main square in Marrakesh. Its where story tellers, musicians and snake charmers all congregate and the place to go for a great supper at one of the many food stalls. There are some real characters here!

Atlas Mountains

We took a day trip drive up into the Atlas Mountains and stopped off at a berber family home to have a mint tea.

The Streets of the Medina

All you have to do to experience the hustle and bustle of the old town is to walk outside the door of your medina. Once you leave the quite, tranquil courtyard you are hit (almost quite literally) by motorbikes, donkey carts, chickens and street sellers. You don't have to look hard to find ornate beauty in the tiles, doors and windows.

Ben Youssef Medersa

This stunning building used to be a religious school where students learned the Koran by rote.

The Souks

Great for souvenir shopping, the souks are a maze of stalls selling anything from apothecary to leather goods and hand crafted metal work. Haggle your way to a bargain or watch workmen display their craft. It's very easy to get lost!