A note on Marrakesh

"Oh you're back. How was your trip?"
"It was not too bad... I fell sick on the second day."
"Ohh... (insert reaction)"

So I went to Morocco, landed in Casablanca and then took a 3.5 hour train to Marrakesh. What happened soon after? I fell sick on the second day. How terribly annoying. I blamed it on the hammam bath I took. In and out of steam, a reaction to the essential oils and poof! I literally fell sick on a long awaited vacation. Fever for 2 days was soon followed by a runny nose and a bad sore throat that is still bothering me untill now. I was so keen to clean myself off the dust and dirt of Freetown and my over-enthusiasm hits back big time. In the end, I spent my time just relaxing and loading myself with loads of tea. Which was fine by me, considering that's what all holidays ought to be about.

Stayed at a really great hostel: Equity Point Hostel Marrakesh. It was indeed an AWESOME place! Honest. The best hostel ever. Great atmosphere, friendly service, free Internet, great terrace view... it was really worth it! The other hostelites were a also great bunch. We spent much hanging out in the evening on the magnificient terrace, having random conversations over hot mint tea and smoking sheesha (comes in only 'pom' or 'pom', which is only one flavour I discovered).

I ended up staying at the hostel for the entire vacation. I didn't regret it, not one bit. There was always someone interesting coming in and out. Something to do in the day, places to see in the Medina etc, things to eat, conversations taking place... so it didn't turn out so bad. For a tiny while, I was worried I might have malaria but thank goodness it wasn't the case.

Marrakesh is a lovely, bustling little city, full of colour and vibrancy exploding at every street corner. Boys are always shouting out to you, "Namaste! Miss India?" No - I am not from India and I am not Indian and I don't want to be Indian (no offence).

Marrakesh seems to be a photographers' haven. Bountiful landscape, great visuals. Everything in salmon pink contrasted against the bluest skies. When the night comes, most of us would head off to the Djemma al Fena, figuring out which stall sells the best harira soup, cous cous, tangine... Then we spent time browsing through the souks looking for some cheap bargain. Or whatever strikes our fancy. Other nights include belly dancing, roaming around the square watching snake charmers do their tricks (you have to pay even just to watch), listening to old traditional Moroccan beats..

The Medersa Ben Youssef (the Koranic school) was pretty neat, idyllic if I may use the word. Spent a day at the Tannery and then the Musuem. The Tannery is where the men dyed leather and clean them. You get an awesome view if you go up some roof top (but be careful that no one tries to trick you into buying leather and bringing you into a tiny room especially if you are alone). BUT take note that it smells BAD! Even with my blocked nose, it was nauseating! So hence the usefulness of mint leaves.

Going to Morocco

I am going to Morocco on Friday. For vacation. I am travelling solo and am excited at the prospect of actually being in Morocco, even if it's just a for a week or so. A change of scenery after 6 months in Freetown is badly needed. Also, a friend whom I studied with in Australia will be there and I am equally excited to be seeing her again after many months. I don't really have a plan for Morocco. No. I decided I don't want to have one. I'm just going to take it easy and see what comes. For now, in my head, Morocco conjures images of dusty souks, camel treks in Zagora (yes, I want to take that camel ride!), the famous Djemaa el Fna in Marrakesh with storytellers and snake charmers and even skiing somewhere in Ouka'meden... ooh..

This is a well-needed vacation away from Freetown and the stress. Yes, life here in Sierra Leone can be stressful sometimes. Even getting to the airport is a lot of effort. I actually have to leave my house 12 hours before my flight. Here's why: The helicopter don't work no more due to registration issues as they say although the condition of those things is very questionable, the hovercraft sank months ago, the new boat at Aberdeen is unreliable (they got stuck somewhere cause they don't have fuel I hear!), and the ferry is on the other side of town (or what we call the dodgy side of Freetown although I really like it) and you have to take a fair bit of time to get there with traffic considerations and driving around to Lungi Airport can take about 4 hours on not-so-great roads.

So... considering my flight leaves so early in the morning, I have to leave the day before. Sigh. But I am leaving with a friend, who's been staying with us and who's heading back to Bolivia. Least there's company.

I don't suppose one week in Morocco is enough. But it will have to do for now.