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Why I Thought Marrakech Was Hell On Earth (And 8 Reasons Why You Should Still Go)
“What kind of hell did I just arrive in?”, I wondered as I found myself in a heated argument with the entire taxi cartel at the airport within five minutes of arriving in Marrakech. They were trying to make me pay 300 dirhams to get to my hotel, when I knew the rate should have been 70 (a difference of about $27 USD). Fortunately, I had help. An expat interrupted and helped me negotiate the rate down to 100. He offered to share the ride and the cost with me. I was relieved not to be alone in the taxi with my angry driver, so I agreed. However, once the…
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Feeling At Home At Riad Boussa in Marrakesh, Morocco
From the moment I entered Riad Boussa, I had a feeling like I had come home. I was greeted with warmth by Brigitte and her staff. I was invited to immediately sit down and enjoy a cup of mint tea and delicious sugar cookies. The beautiful deep reds and oranges of the beautiful living room enveloped me in a hug, and I felt comforted and relaxed. As if on cue, a cat appeared in my lap and started purring. Was I dreaming? No, I was at Riad Boussa in Marakkesh, and it was great to stay in such a comforting place while there. The room was cozy and comfortable. (The rooms…
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Finding Paradise at Riad Camilia in Marakkesh
The first time you go to Morocco, and step into the medina, can make you feel like Alice in Wonderland who has slipped down the rabbit hole. Just the five-minute walk from where the taxi dropped me off to the Riad was an experience of disorientation and unreality. There was activity everywhere. The donkey cart carrying my luggage managed to squeeze past other carts full of bread, fruits and nuts, and even one with a mattress. Already vendors were trying to sell me rugs, spices, and argan oil. Fabrics every color of the rainbow swirled above me, scooters honked for me to get out-of-the-way (but where?) and catcalls of every sort and…
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Morocco Culture: Experiencing The Moroccan Hammam
This piece is part of the momondo experiences series where I was challenged to visit a hammam in Marrakech. I had heard it could be a brutal experience, but the offer of a massage afterwards led me to accept he challenge. Yes, it was a bit brutal, but also invigorating. This was an experience that left my skin tingling for days. Thank you momondo for organizing the experience! I lay on a hot marble slab, a slab that was so hot, I was arching my back to avoid as much skin contact as possible. I was scrubbed so violently by a gloved women, that I was pretty sure that all of…
