Marrakesh

Excited about Gerald's first spring break in 13 years, we headed 7 hours southwest to Marrakesh for a few days last week.

Founded in 1062 by the Almoravids (warrior monks) from the Sahara, Marrakesh is the most visited city in Morocco. It is so important that its name became what we call the whole country today. "Marraksh" as the Moroccans call it, became "Maroc" to the French to which we added an "o" to make "Morocco." Here are the ancient city walls of the medina - the old city.
Ben Youssef Medersa which housed 900 boys learning the Koran in the 14th century lies in the medina. The courtyard is filled with classic Moroccan work - beautiful tile covering the floor and the lower part of the walls, intricately engraved plasterwork above it with stunning woodwork at the top. The gorgeous painted ceilings on the inside are difficult to capture on film. This is a classic example of courtyards all over Morocco - from personal homes to huge hotels.
We often traveled by horse carriage much to the delight of the girls. They loved to sit up front with the driver.

One of Gerald's students, Ahmed, took us to his uncle's home in the heart of the medina. Beyond an ordinary door in a plain ochre wall lay three gorgeous courtyards covered in tile and artwork similar to what is mentioned above. Wandering through the lovely rooms, eating delicious food and going to their rooftop where we saw the snow-covered High Atlas mountains, the whole visit was a wonderful treat.

Enjoying the lovely Majorelle gardens. Flowers and green spaces were all over Marrakesh making for a refreshing break in the already-hot weather.

The classic Moroccan water man found in every old city. . . probably more for tourists than anyone else! The water comes from the animal skin on his back through the funny little faucet into one of the shiny cups chained onto straps over his shoulders.The common sight of a Moroccan shoe store pulsing with color.
Being doused with perfume upon entering Ahmed's home.