[Friday, February 13]
We began our tour of Marrakech this morning within the old section of the city – the Medina. We walked around the Souk – the market area – and saw people working at various jobs. We stopped at a communal bakery, at the iron works and welders area and near the tanners and shoemakers. Our guide tells us because this is a religious holiday, the market is quiet and many shops are closed. There was still plenty to see and do (and shop for, if desired -- although most of the shops reminded me of one giant Pier 1 Imports store...)
We finished our tour of the Medina at the Jemaa el Fna Square – the large open market for fruits, spices, acrobats and other entertainers. Our guide says el Fna means death (the Square of Death) and that it's name indicates that this was the place where people were executed if their crime fit the punishment. We tipped everyone for photos with 5 dirham, including three interestingly dressed men who were dressed as water sellers, as in the old times of the city.
We began our tour of Marrakech this morning within the old section of the city – the Medina. We walked around the Souk – the market area – and saw people working at various jobs. We stopped at a communal bakery, at the iron works and welders area and near the tanners and shoemakers. Our guide tells us because this is a religious holiday, the market is quiet and many shops are closed. There was still plenty to see and do (and shop for, if desired -- although most of the shops reminded me of one giant Pier 1 Imports store...)
 |
| Visiting the Souk - a quiet Friday morning |
 |
| Leather goods |
 |
| A communal bakery - you bring your dough and he bakes it for you for a small price |
 |
| Door to a nursery school |
 |
| Herboriste - a pharmacy and spice shop rolled into one |
 |
| Door adornments |
 |
| Note the Hand of Fatima to ward off evil |
 |
| Best key locks ever |
We finished our tour of the Medina at the Jemaa el Fna Square – the large open market for fruits, spices, acrobats and other entertainers. Our guide says el Fna means death (the Square of Death) and that it's name indicates that this was the place where people were executed if their crime fit the punishment. We tipped everyone for photos with 5 dirham, including three interestingly dressed men who were dressed as water sellers, as in the old times of the city.
 |
| Food section of the Jemaa el Fna (main square) |
 |
| Traditional water sellers |
 |
| The Jemaa el Fna square |
 |
| Street performers in the square include snake charmers, monkeys, acrobats, and this musician - my favorite. |
No comments:
Post a Comment