We got out of the taxi and said our goodbyes to Miloud as a weathered chap put our cases into the small cart and we made our way through the winding medina, to the “Medina Sun“ a small Riad, where thankfully I’d had the forethought to order food the day before. It takes a good few hours to cook a chicken tajine properly and I knew we’d be hungry when we arrived. After the delicious tanjine we decided to go off exploring and after weaving our way through the narrow streets that we’ve become accustomed to, only this time having the hazard of dodging the endless mopeds racing through, we ended up at the “Place Jemaa el Fna” the main square at centre of the Medina where all of the entertainers go to showcase their talents. As we walked around everyone seemed to be soaking up the atmosphere and entertainment and having a good time, sadly there’s no more snake charmers though. We’d had a long day, so didn’t stay out too late. The following day after a typically French breakfast we decided to visit the “Jardin Majorelle” a beautiful garden where the French artist Majorelle set up his studio, but perhaps more famed for the restoration and unique touches carried out by Yves Saint Laurent. It’s not a huge garden, but it’s beautiful created and maintained. After the garden we really wanted to see the “Palais el Badi” a stunning, huge walled, 16th Century palace, commissioned by Sultan Ahmed el Mansour, who’s responsible for so many prolific building across Morocco. We perhaps enjoyed this the most, it’s one of those places that you wander around and can really feel a sense of the past. The final stop of the day was the “Palais Bahia” built just before the 20th Century, with some 160 rooms, with some really ornate architecture and incredible painted ceilings. We’d completely missed lunch so an early dinner was called for, at a delicious Lebanese restaurant, before jumping in a cab feeling well exercised, both mentally and physically. It was a lovely way to spend Christmas Eve!
Dream Chasers 