Marrakesh Warning or Danger Tips by sue_stone

Everyone is attracted to the snake charmers on Djemaa el-Fna - it is amazing to see with your own eyes what you have seen on TV since you were a kid - the cobra mesmerised by the music, rising up and looking like it may strike at any minute - exciting stuff hey!

But be warned, you will have to pay to take a photo (best to agree on the price beforehand - no more than 20 dirham). I tried to sneak one from a distance when we first arrived at Djemaa el-Fna - it turned out to be a terrible photo as the sun was so bright at the time. A man ran over to me and demanded money as I had taken a photo. I refused to pay and deleted the photo in front of him. He was very angry and basically told us to get lost!

A couple of days later I decided that I would have to pay, as I really did want to take a photo of the snakes. We negotiated a price first and I was allowed to take my time and get a decent photo - though kneeling down in front of a cobra isn't really my idea of fun!

If you are really scared of snakes be wary - after I took the photo, a man appeared with a small snake which he put around my neck - he insisted that Alison take a photo of me - then he put it around her neck for another photo. He wouldn't take no for an answer. He then of course wanted more money - we didn't pay it.

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Just a warning about some of the leather goods you may buy in Marrakech - some of them really smell!!

I think the problem is that some of the leather is not treated correctly at the tanneries and it retains a really foul odour which you don't notice at first.....it is only a day or two later when you realise that the foul aroma you have been smelling all day is actually coming from your new leather slippers or bag : (

Alison bought a 'bargain' pair of slippers, but a couple of days later we realised that they smelt so bad (and the smell gave us flash-backs to our scary tannery visit) that she had to throw them out. The other slippers we had bought weren't as bad, but still have an unpleasant smell - Alex has been testing some different leather treatments on them to see if he can improve the aroma.

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When you are walking in the narrow lanes of the souqs you need to be constantly alert to the sounds and calls of people trying to get past you on motorbikes or bicycles - they weave down the tiny streets like crazy people. You will also need to look out for the men with their donkeys and carts trying to squeeze down the laneways.

Also, when you are walking around in Djemma El Fna you must be aware that there is a road that cuts across part of the square - it is not obvious at first - and the locals don't seem to slow down when driving through. Again, anywhere on the square you should be alert to errant motorbikes and bicycles taking a shortcut through the sea of people.

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