Marrakech outside the Souks

It's really something to be amongst donkeys and feet with 110cc motor scooters being the only 'vehicle' we've seen for days. Although walking the souks in Marrakech is intense, crowded, and sometimes loud (always filled with strange smells); we'd forgotten how numbing and stinky it is to be amongst automobiles and buses. 

Strain in the photo above. Do you see the wheelchair in the roundabout? I thought that was hilarious! We were in a horse drawn carriage on our way to Yves Saint Laurent's gift to the people of Marrakech: 

Jardin Majorelle, the gardens were peaceful following the traffic and fumes. The cacti were lovely and reminded us of our beloved Tucson.

Even Baby-O's doll, Ximena loved the cacti.

Ximena also loved the cafe. We loved the cushions and fabrics which are a Moroccan staple in interior design.

Here is our Berber driver. He was very kind although from behind I couldn't help but wonder if Obi-Wan's face might look back at us.

Marrakech takes a bit of courage and resoluteness for haggling and intensity of interaction shall we say. Take a look at this couple sorting out details with a potential horse carriage driver. Not for the faint-hearted but surmountable. J has become an extraordinary haggler and has nerves of steel. Funny enough Moroccans of Arabic descent call him a 'Berber' when he haggles Berber's call him 'Catalan' when he haggles!

We saw an ancient fortress that was just ok. After the splendor of Andalucia's monuments it's hard to compare. The storks however were amazing.

Baby-O on the other hand thought it was a grand visit! See the ruins in the background.

Here is one of the few (and I mean this was a single tile) remaining pieces other than wall. 

Turns out the fortress was destroyed 300 years ago! We all thought that fact turned out to be funny.

Back on the streets and in the souks (markets) we reveled in the sights.

Apple stores eat your heart out. Here's Apple Store souk style!

It was across from here where J and Rick were buying bread and yogurt.

It made us realize how terrific our Riad Misria's location is; we are only steps away from where the souks start so we all vowed to try to not see cars unless we're driving one out of the city- we will tomorrow into the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. We bagged the oasis when we saw the hairpin turns we'd endure on a 6 hour trip to our destination OVER the Atlas Mountains. Plus, we are so happy at our Riad (a Norwegian family with children arrived last night) that we want to savor a great thing. When we went around Marrakech today and saw the horrible locations of other riads (busy roads or in the middle of nothing) we thanked our lucky stars to have chosen well. Accommodations are everything, period.