It’s been 8 years since I married my husband. Blending our family meant we went from two kids each to four, then six with the arrival of the twins 10 months later. It’s safe to say we didn’t have money or time for a Honeymoon.
Fast forward 8 years and I am writing this blog from a rooftop terrace in Marrakesh, underneath the Super Blue Full Moon, on our honeymoon. It was worth the wait.
The hustle and bustle of this fragrant city is incredible and I’ve been learning and asking lots of questions about the Moroccan Culture. It’s hard to believe that it’s only three hours away from the UK (worth the travel just for the food alone)
I had wanted to go on a tour of The Woman’s Argan Oil Co-Operative to see, speak to and learn from the woman who make the oil but the 45°c heat had other plans for us. Instead I’ve been forced to rest, read, dose and shop.
I have learned that there are two types of argan oil, cosmetic and food, both have different grades. The cosmetic grade is the highest quality, this should be used in cosmetics but I’m not sure that it is all the time. I’m planning to come back in the winter time to do a trip just to focus on the Argan Oil and Rhassoul Clay, two ingredients I use a lot in my products and recipes.
Today we leave Marrakesh for Tagazout and Agadir where it is cooler so hopefully I will get to do a workshop and learn more from the people of this beautiful country but for now here are a few pictures and recommendations for Marrakesh.
Where We Stayed
Down the winding alleyways lined with Herb and Spice merchants is Riad Azoulay. A haven of pure bliss once you step through the door.
The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. The food, it’s traditional Moroccan cuisine, which is incredible and such a treat. It’s absolutely spotlessly clean. It has 9 beautiful bedrooms, a plunge pool central to the Riad, a roof top and a spa where you can have a traditional Hamman (highly recommended) and a massage.
The Markets
Where do you even start? First off, I would just like to say our experience was brilliant and they are no where near as bad as people told us. Yes they want you to spend your money there, yes they will give you the highest possible price BUT, it’s up to you to get involved, it’s a game, haggling, and they love it!
Tip 1- Practice your game face, your serious, take no bullshit face. Offer just underneath 1/2 of the price they ask for and get knocked up to 1/2, don’t go any further.
Tip 2 -Big Sunglasses are a must. You can eyeball the stalls on the side eye without making eye contact. Once you make eye contact they will think you’re interested in buying.
Tip 3- Don’t let anyone try anything on you or they will expect you to buy it.
Tio 4- Be careful taking photos not all stalls like it.
Tip 5- Headphones, big over the head ones so they are visible are a good way of walking through souks without being disturbed.
I don’t put any music on so I can hear the motorcycles coming through. I found that if I have my big sunnies on, headphones, a good solid resting bitch face and a strong strut like I’ve got somewhere to be they don’t even look at you!
Tip 6- Don’t be afraid! It’s an incredible place. I felt safe and even though I was with my husband this time, I would 100% go on my own.
Pool Side Book
My book of choice was the Rachel Incident and I loved it!
In conclusion Marrakesh IS one of the best cities I’ve ever been to, I will be back very soon!
Lou x
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