Morocco Day 14

Breakfast on the terrace was delicious again, but oh so windy and cool.

We left Essaouira at about 9 AM for the 3 hour drive to Marrakech. We have 2 vans today instead of our beautiful large bus.

Once we arrived in town we made a relatively short stop at the Menara Gardens. It is a place a lot of people like to come with their families. The focal point is a lovely pavilion with a large man-made lake to the side. The reflection of the building in the lake is quite beautiful.

You can see the Koutoubia Mosque in the distance. No building in the city of Marrakech is allowed to be taller than the mosque.

After that, it was lunch time and we ate chicken pastille on the terrace at a nice restaurant near the square.

Our next stop was the famous Marjorelle Gardens. Designed by Yves St. Laurent, it is a beautiful respite from the hectic activity of Marrakech. The temperature here today is considerably different from Essaouira – 37 C and sunny. Thank goodness for the shade of the wonderful bamboo trees in the gardens!

There are many plants in pots of yellow, orange and the most heavenly shade of blue you ever saw!

There are also a lot of cacti growing. I enjoyed photographing not only the flowers, but lines, angles, shadows, and close-ups.

That was all the touring on the agenda today and we headed back to the same hotel we were in the last time. I tried to check in for our flights tomorrow but the booking reservation number isn’t working for some strange reason. Oh well! It’s snowing and cold back home. What’s the rush? Haha!

Abdellah took us for our last supper together as a group down many roads and alleyways.

We were amazed at the splendor inside the restaurant.

The service was fantastic, as were the many courses of food served for us.

There was even a belly dancer who convinced a few of the group to join her! Oh how I wish I could dance like her.

We had good conversation, a few speeches and promises to keep in touch.

It’s been a wonderful two weeks with a great group and leader!!!