Day 50 – Marrakesh

Wow … what a great day.

We woke late and took our time this morning. We showered and had a leisurely breakfast. We were offered yesterday the opportunity to have both vans washed for 80 dirhams each (about £5.50). This morning we took up the offer after Tina suggested that I was not fit enough to do it. She’s right of course. He spent a long time on each van and made a really good job… well pleased with the result as its no longer chocolate brown but the silver grey its supposed to be.

Whilst the van was being washed Tina was cleaning the inside from the mud that had found its way onto the carpet and floors. She also washed out a few things. We made arrangements for the mini bus to take us into the square this evening at 5:30pm. and agreed a price.

After lunch Terry and I fitted the Tyre pressure monitors I had purchased in the UK and been carrying all of this time. It will be interesting to see if it all works without any of the alarms when we leave here probably on Sunday.

It was now time to risk life and limb to take the ride into town. It became fairly apparent that the driver was late for the next pickup as he was not just driving fast but also weaving in and out of traffic. I am so glad that we didn’t bring the vans into the centre of the city.

We arrived at the square and felt disappointed as the pop-up restaurants were nowhere to be seen. We plumped for a meal in one of the established restaurants on the edge of the square with some great views. Very nice meal and at slighlty higher cost than we have become used to. We now had an hour to kill. We strolled a little way into the souk but was afraid that we might not find our way out in time for the return journey (Last year Tina and I with some friends got lost for three hours). We did however now find the pop-up restaurants. Its a shame that we didn’t come a little later as eating in one of them would have been an experience on its own. Maybe next year.

A slow stroll back to the pickup point and then a more relaxed drive back. There was still the weaving and near misses but it was not with quite so much haste.

A good enjoyable day and yet more unforgettable experiences. Morocco never ceases to amaze me.