Souks, Spices and Street Food

The sights, smells and sounds of vibrant Marrakech captivate and charm. There is so much to explore and experience. Visit early evening as the sun gradually sinks behind the Koutoubia minaret and the Medina in this walled city is bursting into life.

Snake charmers, musicians, acrobats, fortune tellers and henna tattooists entertain the throngs while the square becomes one enormous open air restaurant full of aromas to tempt and tantalise.

Behind the Medina is a shoppers heaven of the maze like souks. Ceramics, leather work, shoes, olives, mint, herbalists, wool, carpets, chickens and wonderful spices.

At dinner in the square we were crammed together on trestle tables watching the chefs at work while the smoke of the food stalls rises and music plays all adding to the mystical atmosphere

There was soft fresh bread, succulent olives and spicy tomato dip then aromatic vegetable couscous, and mixed kebabs all for a reasonable 140 dirham or £10 for two

Marrakesh is full of energy, colour and charm. The people are warm and welcoming. There is plenty in this walled city to fill a few days. Bartering in the souks is part of the fun and I am pleased with my purchase of these delicate tea glasses a reminder of a very enjoyable break in the sun.