D
Tour dates: 29 Dec to 05 Jan 2007.
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View Photos of Marrakech | Walks | Essaouira
A sight that few tourists have seen: the souk deserted when the feast of Eid al-Adha coincided with New Year.
We did see some fascinating sights of sheep's heads being singed over open fires in the streets, but this is a religious thing and I would not try to photograph it.
The baker was as busy as usual, baking bread for the locals.
We got a good view of the process.
We had an uncrowded tour of the medina.
Here we were looking at an estate agent's sign.
One of the Spice Shops was open for business.
We had a talk about the spices and their uses and a chance to buy some as souvenirs.
After lunch at the Hotel Foucauld we drove to the Menara Gardens and walked back to town.
Here is a tree full of Storks we saw on the way.
Later in the week the souks were open for business and the Hotel Islane is conveniently close for visits.
My one purchase in Marrakech was this grasshopper, bought in the Artisanale near the hotel.
This is the view from the corner of the Djemaa el Fna looking back towards the Koutoubia Mosque, which is across the road from our hotel.
Looking the other way past a parked caleche.
I love to sit on the balcony of the Cafe Glacier as the sun goes down.
Then walk through the food stalls in the Djemaa el Fna.
There are many attractive sights....
and the whole place bustles with energy.
Even the walk back to the hotel oozes an exotic charm.
This was the magnificent buffet meal provided by the Islane.
There were several groups of local dancers who gave performances.
Our group had a happy evening dancing.
This lady was not "one of ours", but she did dance on our table top.
As midnight approached, all the hotel staff joined-in the dancing.
For me, this brought memories of New Year in Fes.
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