Marrakesh Off the Beaten Path Tips by suvanki

Formerly known as Mogador, this fishing port town is well worth a visit.

About 3 to 4 hours from Marrakesh, your journey takes you past Argan trees, (You might even spot a goat climbing the tree to reach the nuts that are used to obtain the Argan oil) and Thuya trees that are unique to this area.

The fishing port , narrow winding streets and alleyways of the souks, medina and mellah attract artists and photographers.

Each year Essaouira hosts a Gnaoua music festival, with performers ranging from local artistes to International singers and musicians appearing.

This charming town also has featured in many films, with the ramparts famously providing the opening scenes to Orson Welles' Othello, and more recently in Alexander.

Please visit my Essaouira page for more info

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I love just wandering around the backstreets of any town or city, and 'getting lost' Never knowing what's around the next corner, and finding those 'hidden gems' Also it doesn't cost anything, and often my memories (and photo's ) last longer than any souvenirs.- oh and it's good exercise too!

Marrakesh was a fantastic place, to wander 'off the beaten path' with it's maze of narrow winding streets. As a lone female, I felt quite safe, and spent most days wandering around the Medina and Mellah areas.

Each corner revealed something new, both on street level, and above. Either in the different architecture, or in local activity.

The boys in the picture were one example of local life, which I encountered, they stopped playing football,and a game pushng this wheel around, to chat with me, before carrying on with their game.

I especially (for some strange reason, but since being on VT realise that others have the same interest!) like old doorways, and Marrakesh has old doorways aplenty!

A few times, I was re- directed to 'The Square' I wasn't sure if the locals thought I was lost and this was where I was looking for, or they didn't want me (and my camera) 'on their land'

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While wandering around the Mellah and Medina one afternoon, I came across this man and his shop- on the pavement were displayed various terracotta products, including tagines.

I'd been thinking of purchasing a tagine during my trip, but the ones I'd seen were glazed and patterned in souvenir shops. The rustic nature of the ones on sale appealed to me.

This man and his colleague didn't speak any English, or much French, but they were very friendly, giggling like 2 school boys, when I asked if I could take their photo, after I'd purchased my tagine for about 65 pence!!!! plus they sold me some black olive oil soap, and a terracotta foot scraper- all together, my purchases cost less than 1GBP !!

Afraid I can't remember exactly where this shop was, but I remember it was very close to the city walls, probably heading towards the tanneries.

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