This weekend the CIEE program traveled to Marrakesh for two days and Essaouira for two days (Friday to Monday). Before traveling to Marrakesh, I was told Marrakesh was the best city in Morocco. Marrakesh is known for the night life. After my tour of Marrakesh...I was not impressed. Marrakesh is enjoyable if you are the type of person that enjoy tourist towns. The town center was fully of aggressive people trying to hustle you. For instance, there were several men who had snakes in their hands...they tried putting the snakes on me and charge me money for a picture. The waiters at the restaurants showed the same aggression and if you didn't eat at their restaurant....they would continue to insult you. The best part of Marrakesh was the carriage ride around the city.
On Saturday, the group traveled an hour outside of Marrakesh to a small Berber village in the mountains. We hiked part of the mountain to enjoy the view. The mountain was absolutely beautiful despite the spot on the mountains with built up trash. Morocco struggles with trash....Moroccan citizens liter on their own land. It's very sad to see tons of trash on the side of roads or spread throughout the land where herds of animals are brought to eat. It's crazy to think there isn't a better system.
After Marrakesh we traveled to Essaouira. On our way to Essaouira the group stopped at a Woman's cooperative. The cooperative was started to help women who divorced their husband or escaped abusive households. The woman made honey, almond butter, and other things to pay the bills. While at the cooperative I tried making some almond butter....let's just say I would never want to try and make almond butter again.
Once the group arrived in Essaouira...we walked around the Medina. Essaouira is a beautiful town on the beach known for it's artistic flare. Also, other students told me the seafood in Essaouira was delicious. I absolutely loved this town....hopefully one day I can come back. The weather was pretty rainy...so I stayed inside the hotel most of Monday morning.
Here are some pictures from my adventures:
Marrakesh:
Our guide in Marrakesh:
The aggressive snake men:
Horse Carriage ride:
A small Jewish town:
Hiking in the Mountains:
Essaouira:
On Saturday, the group traveled an hour outside of Marrakesh to a small Berber village in the mountains. We hiked part of the mountain to enjoy the view. The mountain was absolutely beautiful despite the spot on the mountains with built up trash. Morocco struggles with trash....Moroccan citizens liter on their own land. It's very sad to see tons of trash on the side of roads or spread throughout the land where herds of animals are brought to eat. It's crazy to think there isn't a better system.
After Marrakesh we traveled to Essaouira. On our way to Essaouira the group stopped at a Woman's cooperative. The cooperative was started to help women who divorced their husband or escaped abusive households. The woman made honey, almond butter, and other things to pay the bills. While at the cooperative I tried making some almond butter....let's just say I would never want to try and make almond butter again.
Once the group arrived in Essaouira...we walked around the Medina. Essaouira is a beautiful town on the beach known for it's artistic flare. Also, other students told me the seafood in Essaouira was delicious. I absolutely loved this town....hopefully one day I can come back. The weather was pretty rainy...so I stayed inside the hotel most of Monday morning.
Here are some pictures from my adventures:
Marrakesh:
Our guide in Marrakesh:
Food in Marrakesh:
The Group:
Woman's Cooperative:
Beautiful photos Gabby!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you..the more touristy a town is the less appealing it is...
Essaouira looks beautiful im glad you had fun!!!
xxoo