Dust & Echoes in Marrakesh: A Slightly Broken Trip
okay, so, i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm mint tea. 1170395… that’s the timestamp of when i actually started to feel like i was doing something other than just existing in a haze. 1586782526 - that’s the time i realized my phone battery was at 8%. it’s 1018 pressure, feels like 8.69, and honestly, the humidity is clinging to me like a particularly persistent dj. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. Marrakesh. it’s… a lot. like, aggressively a lot.
I landed yesterday, and immediately got swallowed whole by the souks. Seriously, it’s a labyrinth designed by a sadist with a penchant for spices and aggressively patterned rugs. I spent a solid hour just trying to find my way back to the same stall I’d been at five minutes earlier. I swear, the guys selling leather goods are psychic. They just know you’re contemplating buying a ridiculously overpriced belt.
I’m staying in this riad - Riad Yasmine, I think? - it’s tiny, but the courtyard is ridiculously peaceful. It’s basically a little green oasis in the middle of the chaos. The owner, Omar, keeps offering me dates and telling me stories about his grandmother, who apparently wrestled snakes in her youth. I’m not entirely sure I believe him, but it’s entertaining. Someone told me that the best tagine is at Nomad - seriously, go there. It’s a bit pricey, but worth it. I heard that the rooftop terrace has the best views of the city at sunset.
Speaking of sunset, I managed to snag a spot at Cafe Clock, which is, predictably, right next to the Koutoubia Mosque. The call to prayer echoing through the city is… intense. Like, a full-body experience. It’s beautiful, but also a little overwhelming. I felt like a character in a movie.
I tried to take some photos, but honestly, my camera skills are… questionable. I’m pretty sure I captured more shots of my own bewildered expression than anything actually interesting. I’m thinking of just embracing the chaos and documenting it with frantic scribbles in my notebook. It feels more authentic, you know?
I spent a ridiculous amount of time haggling for a ceramic bowl. I think I overpaid, but I’m not going to admit it. It’s a souvenir, dammit! And I’m pretty sure I’m going to be haunted by the memory of that vendor’s relentless smile.
I stumbled across this little shop selling vintage Berber jewelry - it was amazing. I found this gorgeous silver necklace with turquoise stones. It’s probably worth a fortune, but I just… bought it. No regrets. I’m also desperately trying to find a decent cup of coffee. The local stuff is… an experience. Let’s just leave it at that. I found a place called Al Fassia - apparently, they only serve food made by women. It’s a thing. I’m not sure if it’s a good thing or a bad thing, but it’s definitely a thing.
If you get bored, Casablanca is just a short drive away. It’s a bit of a trek, but worth it if you want to see a different side of Morocco. I’m thinking of heading there tomorrow.
Okay, so, overheard gossip: a group of guys at the cafe were arguing about the best way to dye wool. Apparently, there’s a secret technique involving saffron and donkey milk. I don’t even know. It’s Marrakesh. Everything is slightly bizarre. I also heard that the snake charmers are actually trained to be intimidating - they’re not actually trying to charm the snakes. It’s a performance. A really unsettling performance.
I’m seriously considering just buying a camel and wandering off into the desert. Or maybe just a really good rug and disappearing entirely.
Seriously, if you’re planning a trip, check out TripAdvisor for some decent recommendations. And Yelp for the best food.
And don’t forget to bring a good pair of walking shoes. You’ll need them.
And maybe a therapist. Just saying.
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