EUROPE BLOG May 28th, 2023 - MARRAKESH

 

5/28/23- It’s been a long road, one I’ll never forget but soon may put out of my mind. In the eve of my journey home I’m much reminded of what I’m fortunate to have and grateful to be able to go back to it. These past nine weeks have been insane on what I’ve put my body through, but I’d do it all over again if asked.

We have breakfast on the rooftop around 9:30am (same selection as yesterday) and plan out our day. We almost booked a hot-air balloon ride for this morning, but the cloudy weather is not in our favor, so we opt to stay close.

Kelvin wants to look at souvenirs, so we work our way to the other side of the medina (26 minute walk) to find a container, but he still wants it filled with a colored spice. Continuing through the markets, we find a place, load his container up with blue pigment for 170 MAD ($17 US) and walk out just before realizing they overcharged him by an extra $20 US. I quickly return and of course they act as if it’s a complete accident and offer us 200 MAD back in cash as they don’t know how to refund on the machine.

With that sorted out, we walk through the narrow markets (which isn’t as bad this morning and but endure the occasional catcall from shop owners trying to get our attention) to Ben Youssef Madrasa. This is an old Islamic college built around the year 1550 that now functions as a historical site. The entire place is laid out in tile, including the rooms and hallways, and easy to get turned around in.

The main square has a fountain, which attracts many tourists, but at least it’s not as bad as the palace from yesterday. It’s a very interesting place, takes us perhaps around 45 minutes to look through and all for about $5 US.

With the weight of our flight tomorrow upon us, we’re feeling the brunt of the trip hit us all at once. As there’s nothing else to explore, we go back to our hotel and enjoy the rest and relaxation. Unfortunately, it’s in the reception area as the Wi-Fi still doesn’t work well in our room.

Venturing out one more time, we eat some Moroccan tacos (which is more like a fajita) and crash for the night, but not before realizing they have a hot tub on the rooftop. The temperature is only around 85 degrees but the jets are perfect. While there, the hotel manager confirms our taxi ride for tomorrow and the city tax (which wasn’t discussed at check-in). The total is to be 400 MAD ($40 US) and cash only. It’s a great thing that the shop earlier made that “mistake” and gave us 200 MAD back because we literally have just enough to pay the amount due. Wow!

Overall, I’m happy with our stay here, but so very glad to be going home tomorrow. It literally can’t get here soon enough.

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