MOUNTAINS OF MAROC!

30/01/2011

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Ourika Valley

I have to confess that, despite my best intentions, I have not made as many trips into the Atlas Mountains as I should have. The chilled out, laid back atmosphere at the Domaine, where we have our villa, encourages extreme lethargy such that every planned excursion to the Mountains or the Atlantic coast is put off for another day. My father accompanied us on our last visit and he was anxious to make the trip. So, spurred on by parental nagging, we finally got our act together.

The foothills of the High Atlas Mountains are, quite literally, only an hours drive from our door step. We set out early in the morning on the road to the Ourika Valley. As the snow capped peaks swam majestically into view I wondered why I had put off this trip on previous visits. After only 45 minutes drive the scenery had changed markedly. We were surrounded by rolling foothills and the High Atlas peaks towered in front of us. We passed through small Berber villages selling Rugs and other local wares.

A few kilometres after Tnine we had a choice to make.... a right turn to Oukaïmeden or Setti-Fatma to the left. Oukaïmeden is, believe it or not, a ski resort. It has the highest ski station in the whole of Africa. Definitely worth a visit...but this wasn't the ski season, so we went left. Almost immediately the road narrowed as the road wound higher and higher. There were spectacular views to both sides of the road with a very picturesque river running down our left has side.

We stopped at a cafe just a few kilometres from Setti Fatma where the road ends and parked next to the river near a rope footbridge... just like the one out of the Indiana Jone movie!

My daughter negotiating the "Indiana Jones' footbridge

After an hour or so trekking along the river bank and playing at Indiana Jones we headed back the way we came and stopped for a late lunch and a swim at the Auberge le Maquis, a small hotel near the road junction to Oukaïmeden. Le Maquis would be an excellent place to stay if you wanted to make an overnight stop in the mountains..... http://www.le-maquis.com/

We arrived back at Villa Zetouna in time for tea. We all agreed that out trip to the Atlas mountains was long over due and we would return for a longer excursion on our next visit.

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MADNESS OF MARRAKECH - Souk Survival Guide

15/12/2009

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Probably the biggest tourist attraction of Marrakech is Jemaa el Fna, the main square, and the spider web of streets leading from it into the medieval maze of Souks that make up the Northern Medina. Much of the Medina is the same as it was centuries ago and within a few minutes walk from Jemaa el Fna you can become lost in a world of sights sounds and smells right out of a scene from Arabian Nights. Row upon row of stalls and tiny shops selling everything from carpets and leather goods to powders and potions to cure all known ailments. The spice markets are a must visit providing a dazzling array of smell and colour than overwhelms the senses.

The hustle and bustle of the souks can be intimidating at first but it is a unique experience. Except for the occasional scooter or moped the souks are more or less free of motor vehicles. Watch out for the donkeys however as they are the preferred method of transport.

Haggling is de rigueur... never pay the asking price. In fact counter a sellers first offer with a price approximately 1/3 of the amount and you won't go far wrong if you end up paying around 50% of the original price. But first shop around as prices tend to get lower the further away you stray from the main square.

The best bargains are to be found in the rug merchants and spice and perfume markets where prices will be significantly lower than in the U.K.

SOUK SHOPPING DO'S AND DON'TS

1. Take some Moroccan change for tipping (or sweets for the children). You are bound to get lost and will probably need to ask for directions. There will be plenty of Moroccans prepared to guide you back to Jemaa el Fna... but at a price!

2. Take cash as many of the smaller shops and stalls don't take credit cards.

3. Haggle, haggle, haggle!

4. Don't go on a Friday. This is the Muslim holy day and the markets are closed from lunchtime onwards.

5. Watch out for pickpockets!

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MANGER A LA MARRAKECH - Restaurant Reviews

31/10/2009

www.villa-in-marrakech.co.uk

Here are a few quick reviews of some of our favourite restaurants and bars in Marrakech. We love our food (and drink) and that is one of the reasons we love Marrakech. From traditional Moroccan to French European and Far Eastern, Marrakech has a fabulous choice of restaurants to choose from...

Grand Cafe de la Poste

Located in Gueliz, The Grand Cafe de la Poste is one of the oldest establishments in Marrakech. If you are shopping in the New City this is a great place to stop for lunch or a drink. The style is French colonial (like Rick’s bar in Casablanca) and the food is more European French than Moroccan. I must confess I have only had lunch here... not dinner but everyone speaks very highly of the Dinner menu as well.

Tel +212 (0) 5 24 43 30 38

www.grandcafedelaposte.com

Le Comptoir

This restaurant and bar must feature in everyone’s Marrakech restaurant top 10. Upstairs chillout in the cocktail bar before dinner. Downstairs the restaurant serves a mixture of Moroccan and European cuisine. After dinner its back up to the cocktail bar where things start to get lively later in the evening. Or take an after dinner drink or Chicha (Hubbly Bubbly) in the outdoor courtyard. 
Tel +212 (0) 5 24 43 77 10


Le Marrekechi

Le Marrakechi offers traditional Moroccan cuisine and offers fantastic views over the Jemaa el Fna square. It is the only restaurant on the square that serves alcohol. Although it does attract a tourist crowd the food here is very good and authentic and is not too pricey. Belly dancers also feature most evenings. 

Arrive early to get a table upstairs with a good view.

Tel +212 (0) 5 24 44 33 77

Da Moha

Set in a beautifully restored Riad in the Medina, Dar Moha offers excellent Moroccan cuisine in a romantic setting with seating in a coutyard garden around a swimming pool. The food is excellent although it is a bit pricey.

Tel +212 (0) 5 24 38 64 00

www.villa-in-marrakech.co.uk

DARING TO RIDE THE KAMIKAZE - At Oasiria Waterpark

19/10/2009

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OMG I actually did it! After 3 or 4 previous visits to the Oasiria Waterpark I finally got up the courage to ride the Kamikaze. For those of you not familiar with Oasiria, it is a family Waterpark located a few kms Southwest of Menara Airport on the Route du Barrage.

There are 5 Water-slides or Toboggans at Oasiria and on previous visits I had been happy racing my 8 year old daughter down the 6 lane ‘multi-pistes’ and trying my luck on the 3 ‘snake’ slides the ‘Anaconda’, the ‘Boa’ and the ‘Cobra’. But somehow I had managed to resist the temptation of the aptly titled 17 metre high Kamikaze. Mainly because I never saw anyone else brave enough to try it.
                      
But alas the guests at our Villa this week included Dan....all 6ft 4” of him. After much goading from my 8 year old he was finally pestered into taking up the challenge and, fearing my macho status was under threat, I was forced to follow suit. What happened next? Watch the Youtube video to find out...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhY1l9TjjNY

The Oasiria Waterpark on the Southwest outskirts of Marrakech is a must visit for families. It has 5 Water-slides with varying degrees of severity, a Wave Pool, a Pirate Ship for younger children and a calming River-ride. It also has a shop and several restaurants for lunch.

www.villa-in-marrakech.co.uk