Saturday, 24 February 2024

Marakech, Morroco day 1

Having just finished my latest read, The Caliphs House, the story of how a beautiful old house and grounds in Casablanca  that had fallen into disrepair, was lovingly and lavishly restored, I was more than inspired and ready for my Moroccan adventure:  4 nights in Marrakech... a 65th birthday treat from hubby.



We stayed all-inclusive at Medina Gardens Hotel  within easy walking distance of the main attractions, it has 2 pools and beautiful orange and  lemon tree gardens, built in the grounds of an ancient house.  

Below: Medina.Gardens.Hotel









Above: first night buffet dinner which I had again and again as so delicious: couscous, sautéed vegetables, chick peas.   There were plenty of other vegetarian choices and also a vegan selection.

We then walked to the night market at Jemaa el Fna square, to see storytellers, the night food market, musicians and more.  








I took a leaf out of my friend Vix's book and mixed patterns and swapped skirts and tops around to get the most out of my limited luggage space! My bikini, pool kaftan, 1 dress and 2 skirts, 3 blouses and 2 tee shirts plus leather sandals and pashmina were more than enough and fitted really well into an Easyjet small black hand luggage bag with everything rolled.  My new kaftan (below) got plenty of wear and was ideal for areas where women should cover up and was cool and comfy in the 80f afternoons but also with a pashmina, adequate in the cooler evenings.


Orange and lemon trees were everywhere, you could pluck fruit from the trees 
just walking along the streets.

Next....day 2 exploring the 16th Century Secret Garden and .... daytime market.


8 comments:

  1. Waw...what a lovely birthday gift that was!

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  2. A beautiful place..and like NZ citrus in the streets!
    Good to have holiday where suitable and attractive clothes pack small!!

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  3. Betty, you always go to such interesting places! Your caftan looked entirely suitable.

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  4. Morrocc is a great destination!You look lovely in the pictures! Enjoy your birthday gift!

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  5. It looks like you had a fabulous time. I'm intrigued by Morocco.
    Your kaftan is beautiful! x

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  6. You're doing 65 proud!Wonderful birthday treat!xxx

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  7. You look amazing in your AAA kaftan and that beautiful embroidered blouse, Betty! I've been worried about returning to Marrakech, we loved it 30 years ago but thought the cheap direct flights might have ruined it but your photos look almost identical to the ones we took except digital cameras weren't invented then!
    Your book sounds right up my street and the food sounds delicious! xxx

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  8. awe you look stunning in white dress on dining table :)
    the orange trees look so lovely and remind me of orange trees in grandma house :)
    thank you for very beautiful phots from your wandering !
    hugs

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