Plane lands in Casablanca and after lengthy immigration line we’re escorted outside to wait for the shuttle bus which will apparently take us to the terminal where we’re to catch our train to Marrakech. Three buses go by and inexplicably do not stop. Actually one stops. And then it leaves without opening its doors. This is how things go here. Finally after waiting almost an hour we decide to walk it. We follow an older Moroccan man who says he can show us the way to get to Terminal 2. Roll heavy suitcases across African highways, jump fences, and arrive at our destination.
Buy train tickets to Marrakech and decide to have a drink in the terminal since we’ve got about an hour to kill. Get embroiled in pondering our first time traveling in an Islamic country and space out staring at passersby, trying to suss out the female attire situation. Miss train. Get on next train. Four hour ride to Marrakech in first class cabin. Astonished at how comfortable and plush this rail system is. Try to nap but too wired. Arrive in Marrakech and are swarmed by over eager and aggressive taxi drivers wanting to take is where we’re going… About twenty of them circling us like hawks. We figure it must be the exposed long hair.
Arrive at our hotel and we meet Chris, our wonderful host at Dar les Cigognes. He is completely enchanting and tells us he’s given us the suite in his magificent Riad. It’s dark out now and we’re a bit disoriented having just arrived in Africa, but he immediately makes us feel perfectly at home with a lovely mint tea and some awesome advice on how to approach this wild city.
The riad is spectacular. It’s the former home of a wealthy 14th century merchant and is situated about 30 feet from the palace walls. Our fuses are totally blown.
We decide to have dinner and drinks out. Chris recommends Kosybar, a rooftop restaurant on the small square where we can watch the sun set over Marrakech and the storks hang out in the trees above our heads. We almost pass out when we arrive… the place is amazing. Get tipsy on Kir Royales and decide to go wander around the souks in the ancient Medina. Buy the kids some cute little leather toy camels and funny underwear. Watch the complete human sideshow that is the Place Djemaa el Fna in the center of the walled city. Fortune tellers, snake charmers, berber dancers, horses, donkeys, food stalls, storytellers, and acrobats everywhere. The drums here play all night long. Understand why UNESCO has made this place a World Heritage Site. It’s like nothing else we’ve ever experienced. Mezmerized for hours.
Stumble home through alleyways, past cafes with old men sitting outside having late-night chats. Collapse after not sleeping for 32 hours. We love this place.
