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The medina of Marrakech
As for the chaotic nature of Marrakech’s medina, I had had alarming anticipations and instead, it may be because I am beginning to see a lot of places, I found it all in all livable.
In fact, one of the most amusing aspects is actually noticing the terrified faces of Westerners startled by the likely impending collision with the small motorcycle whizzing through the crowd. This happens especially to those who have just arrived, but after a while you get used to it. You know the classic chase scene with James Bond or Tom Cruise, where the superhero of the day passes through stalls, carts and humans? There, in the movies there is always someone who then crashes into the watermelon stall because it is more spectacular; in the medina of Marrakech you run the risk all the time, but you just have to be careful; and exploring it is certainly an unforgettable experience.
The city is an easy and safe destination to reach and with only a few hours by plane that gives you a chance to be in a world that is still quite authentic and stands out sharply from Western cities.
Business activities
There are not (yet) the malls and the same stores, but some healthy chaos, as it used to be in every city and as has been happening in Marrakech continuously for centuries.
I have been pondering to whom the modern system is more convenient; with standardized products and brands, rather than the ancient system of merchants who were also the producers or nearly so: certainly as it works here it suits the multinationals. The medina of Marrakech is basically a huge market, a continuum of stalls and kiosks, where there is not just tourist junk; on the contrary, it is very much frequented by locals and there are also many artisans’ businesses selling what they make locally (like leather and copper). A real paradise for those who like to buy by bargaining; it’s not really in my nature, but I really enjoy walking around being stunned by colors, sounds and smells.
I had also been told that you could not walk around without being mobbed by people who want to propose something to you, and to tell the truth, even this I found bearable and no more burdensome than in other places.
Animals in Marrakech
Another feature that sets it apart from our world is the presence of so many animals who willy-nilly live in and of that great cauldron. So many people give sustenance to so many people and animals:
- horses with carriages
- the donkeys that help carry goods to the narrowest alleys where cars cannot enter
- snakes and monkeys of street performers
- lots of cats
- very few dogs, I recognized 2, always present near where I slept
In the immense Jamaa el Fna Square, the centerpiece of Marrakech’s medina, overlooked by dozens of venues, surrounded by alleyways with stalls and vendors of just about anything, several street performers are on hand. I never imagined that a key aspect of my trip would be about animals in Marrakech.
There is the one who offers to put a real boa around your neck or the classic charmers who make cobras dance and lots of little monkeys, some in diapers. I often went to have tea or a meal at one of the cafes with terraces overlooking the square. It is fun to watch the hustle and bustle, the various activities and characters that take turns throughout the day.
The funniest scene was between a tourist who after photographing master and monkey did not want to give the requested change; as the latter walked away the monkey leaned over the master’s shoulder reaching out to punch the chick.
Home trip Life and death in the Medina – things to do in Marrakech
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Trips taken, travel stories divided by continent
Anecdotes, divided by type in travel narratives
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