After a long day at the Kasbah in the Sahara, we departed the following day at 7.30am to begin out journey into Marrakech. We got on the bus at 8.30am and went on our way. The weather was terrible which didn't make me feel so bad spending a whole day on the bus. After several hours into the trip, our journey came to a halt as the road ahead of us was flooded. We waited for perhaps up to an hour and then went on our way. Celebrations perhaps started a little too soon, as ahead of us, 80km of road through the Atlas Mountains was cut off due to landslides and we were stuck in the middle of the road for several hours. No food, no water, no bathroom facilities... It was a very long journey.
We finally reached Marrakech close to midnight, some 16+ hours on a bus later. At 1 am after walking around the medina in circles, we finally reached our hostel - Equity Point. The next day we spent in the hostel being potatoes. Using the wifi, eating chocolate and relaxing. In the afternoon I had the most wonderful Haman to scrape off all the desert dirt and I felt a million dollars. In the late afternoon we went for a short walk trough the medina. We came to the big square where it was full of hustle and bustle. Loud music, woman harassing you for a henna or card reading and men wanting you to get photo's with the hypnotised snakes or monkeys on a chain. One thing that has really disturbed me on this trip is treatment if animals for entertainment. Monkeys with chains around their necks, dressed in ridiculous costumes, snakes drugged and with teeth and venom removed, camels with cut lips from rope ties in their mouths... It breaks my heart to see, and even more that it is done for the entertainment of tourists. I do not support it and will not support it. It was busy but it was very different to anywhere we had been. As we were walking home and I was thinking to myself, it is bad, but not as bad as I had expected, the people are rude and sales are forceful but manageable. Then all of a sudden a man walked past me and struck me in the face. I was in complete shock and yelled at him "what the f***" he looked me in the eyes and then walked off. I was standing in the middle of the street in absolute shock. When I came to, I was furious and disgusted. A shop keeper came over and told me that I wouldn't know, but this man is a known crazy and it was best I didnt retaliate. As time past I was trying to hold back the tears and could not contain my anger. Nothing could justify his actions and it still upsets me to think about it. Marrakech is a very different place.
We spent the next couple of days lazing around the hostel only going out for food when needed. The hostel was gorgeous and we met some equally gorgeous people. From Marrakech we travelled for three hours by bus to essaouria 'the windy city' (for the surf) a lovely beach town. Our hostel was a but rough around the edges but all the staff would move mountains to accommodate you. There are two pet cats - jimmy and Hendrix - cute cuddly little guys. Our first night we grabbed a few beers and a couple of bottles of red wine and had a great night on the terrace. Since then we have relaxed on sun beds on the beach, made pals including the beautiful puppy snoopy, and petted a chameleon named Julia Roberts.
Yesterday we took a local bus to a much smaller beach town called Sidi Kouki. A very nice beach where the sun sets over the ocean. In the evening I ate possibly one of the best meals I've very eaten, a chicken tagine wih fig and blue cheese..... I are the same again for lunch! Late yesterday there were 55 Moroccans who checked into out hostel. It was hectic! In the evening some men played traditional Berber music which was a great experience. The girls have headed back to Sidi for the night to enjoy a bonfire on the beach and I'm sure a wonderful time. I need some time out for me and am thoroughly enjoying some reflective time alone. Another couple of days in Essaouira will make my longest stop in one place through Africa - and why not, it's by the beach. As the days pass by my shopping has started to pick up. I've found things I like, now I just have to come to grips with the bartering battle that comes ahead and handing over the cash! I've already treated myself to a gorgeous black leather tassel bag, but why just stop at one!
Tonight I bought myself a "protection necklace" which has the hand of Fatima and an evil eye pendant to dispel evil and got one of the guys at the hostel to "bless" it for me before I put it on. Sweet!
Spread your love and kindness through every person you meet.
Kassie
No comments:
Post a Comment