Marrakesh Medina

Today we met with a guide to walk through the Marrakesh Medina. He took us for a long walk around the town showing us the mosque and then into the Medina. He was able to navigate for us and to show us the artisans at work. Many operate in a such a small room it must be oppressive in summer with the heat. We watched the leather workers making hand bags and shoes, the metal workers are making so many different things (pots, serving wear, plates, layered trays, kettles) as well as rejuvenating old utensils. It was good to know that most of the items sold in the Medina are made locally although there are many Chinese made tourist items. 

We showed us a local henna artist where Addison and Jordyn both had some decorations applied to their hands. We we4 warned that some people on the street will grad your hand and apply henna to your arm even if you don’t want them to. This henna can sometimes be poor quality and cause allergies. We came across ladies on the street who wanted to apply henna, but they weren’t pushy.

At the same place as the henna art, we were able to but some Argan oil. So many places sell Argan oil but I was never sure if it was real Argan or just some other oil. This place was certified as a retail seller and recommended - so we ere happy to buy from here. Surprisingly it was the same price as other places so we didn’t feel like we were being ripped off.

It is overwhelming the amount of shops and things available in the Medina. When we had finished walking we had done over 18000 steps and seen thousands of shops. We didn’t buy anything except the oil. Too many choices. After saying goodbye to our guide, we bought some kofta on rolls for 10 dirham each ($1.30) and ate them in our Riad. Nice sore legs.

That night peter, Nick and Addison walked back through the square and the Medina where Nick purchased a soccer jersey. Jordyn and I booked into the riads Hammam where they wash you with a hand loofah until all your old skin has been rubbed off. That takes about half an hour and is very intimate - you are only in your undies. After that we each had a massage for an hour. Nice and relaxing - not like the sports massages we usually get at home for injuries.

Unfortunately for us we then had to pack our bags as we are catching the bus to Agadir tomorrow for our flight to Germany.