Marrakech

March has been a crazy month in the best way possible. We've taken trips, had visitors, and made big life decisions. I'll start by digging into the vacation archive and talking about our trip to Africa.

As the plane touched down in Marrakech we passed a few concrete apartment buildings, a soccer field with kids chasing after the ball, a few meandering goats, headstones that jutted out of the uneven grassy hills, and finally, the royal receiving house marked by guards in crisp uniforms.

When we got to the city center our hotel's pick up service was a gangly  man who looked like he was perpetually walking under a low ceiling, with a wheel-borough in tow for our bags. He led us through the winding streets of the city center, past gleaming stalls in the souks, fresh orange juice stands, and the scent of herbs and frying bread.

Here are a few pictures of the city:

Airport

awkward pose in front of dried fruit and food stands

One of the mosque towers in the center of the city

We only had 2 1/2 days in Morocco, and it was all amazing. We were struck by how advanced the arabic dynasties weres so early on, and in awe of the chaotic stasis that seems to exist in Morocco today. Walking through the ruins of an old palace, and reflecting on the near impossible detail and beauty of the arab architecture and craftsmanship gave us a greater sense of appreciation of the different empires that have existed throughout history. 

A few pictures from the palaces and mosque- 

In the markets, the array of herbs, pashmina, lamps, turtles, jewelry and pottery were mesmerizing. Walking through the shops was like peering into an ever turning kaleidoscope of brilliant colors. Whether we were bargaining for a leather belt (all the way down to 6 euros, which Colin was very proud of), trying to find our way back to our hotel, or just admiring someone's monkey, someone always wanted to offer us a "very good price" or a "special discount, just for you." When we paid the snake charmer less than he demanded, he pointed to our bag of fresh strawberries as a last ditch effort for more payment. The commerce culture was different than we were use to, but fun and exciting for a weekend trip. 

Now, more pictures!

A shop that makes everything from used tires

We loved Morocco!