The site where we are staying, Le Relais Marrakesh, is well known and highly rated with great reviews.
When we arrived yesterday, it wasn’t what we had expected. It has a very nice pool, restaurant, laundry services and even a dedicated dog wash. But it was busy and we just wasn’t getting the vibe for the place.
Then later on in the evening there seemed to be a huge commotion just outside. Shouting, cheering, horns going off. It turned out Marrakech Stadium was next door, and Burkina Faso v Ivory Coast were playing, part of the Africa Cup of Nations.
We managed a decent nights sleep, despite the racket over the road and eventually woke to a sunny but chilly morning.
We had decided against the hustle & bustle of Marrakesh and opted for a walk to nearest small local town. Never heard of it and don’t suppose it will be in any guide books. It was just there on the map so we went.
We must have been the only foreigners there but what a great experience this turned out to be.
We wandered the alleyways where the locals live, found ourself in a small square, with tiny alcove like shops around us. Dodging scooters as they shot around us from all directions.
Finally ending up in a large market area set on a piece of land that had turned very muddy from the rains of late. Stalls selling an abundance of the most amazing vegetables.
Around the sides of the market were a few places selling food. We picked one, sat down in a small area at a narrow bench behind where a man cooked on a gas burner. We were served chicken legs on a lentil dish and a bean dish, some hot paste on a tiny plate, a basket of bread, and some mint tea.
This was no tourist hot spot, this was their lives we had stepped into. And it was simply fabulous.
We paid what cost almost nothing to us, and ventured into the market to buy veg. Loaded with our wares, we made our way back and sat in the sun which had warmed up nicely.
Thanks town of Ouahat Sidi Brahim.
