The Whiskey of Morocco

People don’t drink here (Morocco) as much or not at all! Surprise to the Western world, isn’t it? While December month in the Western world is to drink yourself to the oblivion with the Christmas parties, here in Marrakesh, people are awake to their senses and drink tea “the Whiskey of Morocco”.

Moroccan tea is the essence of life.

Living in London you might think it’s ok to drink almost every night and soothe yourself to sleep in other parts of the world, it doesn’t even cross peoples’ minds. We had dinner with the Moroccans and some of them had freshly squeezed juice and water for a drink. No alcohol was mentioned! We had an amazing time!

When you don’t spend time drinking yourself to a ridiculous stage and then recovering you actually have time to create and do something with your life. You don’t have to be a corporate world slave. You don’t have to be like the rest walking dead on the streets of London. You can make something of yourself if stop and think.

Horses in Marrakesh

My husband and I love horses. We have a horse in Barcelona! In Marrakesh you can ride horses, camels and do all sorts of things. We decided to give it a go and ride horses. Before I say anything I must mention we are spoiled in Barcelona with the best teachers, amazing horse club and the location of the club. In Marrakesh the horse club is run by a French lady.

She seems to know everything about Marrakesh and has her fingers in many pies. She sells property, tourists trips, hamaman and so on. The horse club was tiny but the horses are well looked after and beautiful. The stables are clean and well kept. The horses are happy but it wasn’t our club in Barcelona where there is a special vibe of the club and in the mountains.

Maybe it made us miss our own horse more and the club where we usually ride. However, it’s a great place to ride a horse. The lessons are 45min which are finished with the little walk among the palm trees. We were lucky to catch the sunset. It was beautiful. The location of this tiny yet charming club is perfectly located from the busy Marrakesh centre.

I had a problem because I don’t speak French nor Arabic the teacher spoke no English. By the end of the lesson I felt I can speak French.

Jemaa el-Fnaa — Marrakesh Medina the souq

Our evening ended with a dinner in Marrakesh medina in other words Jemaa el-Fnaa. UNESCO proclaimed it Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The square knows the real meaning of street food. I found it amusing when every stall tried to get us to sit down at their place for dinner. They were super insistent.

However, you have to be focused and know not give in unless you like to eat there. I loved the experience but I would understand for some people that wouldn’t be acceptable at all. I loved it because it seems part of the play, show and life. The stalls sang songs to attract people to their tables. I don’t know how one chooses a place.

We went with a feeling and sat down where we felt it’s great. However, every stall is amazing and the food is incredible. It’s prepared with people singing, smiling and laughing. You will eat like kings! How can you not love the food? We had our meal that didn’t cost us a lot at all.

Night time shopping

It was my first time to wonder around the market at night. I am not a night person. I love mornings. However, we went around as the atmosphere was alive it inspired us to walk around. After a meal it’s great to walk around too! We decided to get some cotton clothes for our road trip in Morocco.

We bought one pair of leather shoes for me and one for my husband and paid nothing, well, we haggled it down. We bought a few cotton clothes for me and my husband. We paid less than €8 euros per shirt/dress. You’ve got to haggle it down though! If you don’t haggle it’s like smelling food but not being able to eat it. It’s a must!

I know some people don’t like to haggle so one might find it difficult or simply get ripped off. When you go to another country one should try things they wouldn’t for instance haggle or drink when having dinner instead of alcohol.

Here is to the fabulous city of Marrakesh where your senses are slapped left right and centre! We are off to our road trip to a Sahara desert. We are going to stop at a few towns such as Ouarzazate, Zagora and we shall stay a few nights in the desert called Merzouga. Watch the space for more from this amazing place Morocco!