Souqs in Marrakech

I woke up this morning an hour after I planned, not surprising since I didn't sleep since Wednesday morning. Then I found out the clocks weren't matching with my wrist watch any more. I think there was some kind of time change, my phone pushed itself forward an hour, unfortunately the language barrier has made it complicated to figure it out.

After a small breakfast at my Riad, I set off for the main square, Djemaa El Fna.


The Medina is not for the faint of heart or easily frustrated. I tried to use shadows to maintain my direction, but often upon inquiring about the direction towards the square, I found I was walking in the complete opposite direction.

The souk market was filled with stuff for sale. Of course my sample size is small, but there seems to be a few trends I have noticed.

First, is that everyone has a satellite dish.


Second, there are toothless grinning men at everyone corner

Third, no one speaks english, but the children can greet you in at least 5 or 6 different languages and ask for a present in as many as well. Money seems to be the only acceptable present. I am trying to navigate without help. First, I prefer to learn my way. Second, the kids are in a rush and I want to enjoy my walk while seeing new things. I am not in a rush to get anywhere. I am waiting for the hottest part of the day to pass before going back out again, then I will go to the Palaces and back to the markets. The square in the evening is supposed to be amazing. I have arranged for dinner here at the Riad tonight as well, which will also be fun.

I spoke with Susannah using Skype and they are already in Essouyira. I am not sure I will make it out there. I think I might stay in the area, explore today and tomorrow and then take a train with them to Rabat, then Fez. Using skype to call her turned out to be much more expensive than I anticipated. I will have to get additional credit to my account.