You may not hear from us for a couple of days...

We're up early this morning because we're heading out into the desert for a three day/two night getaway. No idea what kind of cell service we'll have where we're going, so you may not hear from us for a couple of days. I'll try and do up a blog post when we can, and worst case scenario you'll hear all about it when we return on Wednesday evening.

But, we still have to tell you about our day yesterday!

We had to figure out what kind of a tour we wanted to do in the desert. So we checked some prices, and spoke to some people. But the private tours are just not our thing. Not only because of the price, but because it's just not what we do. However there are some elements of the group tour that we wanted to see, and it really did sound like fun, even though we'll be doing it with probably 15 other people! We won't find out exactly how many until we get to the meeting point.

I won't go into details of the tour just yet, but it will involve riding camels!

Our AirBnb host Marco had come with us to try and set up something, and he wandered with us through the souk for a little bit. Ruth was looking to buy a top of some kind, but never did find what she was looking for.

Marco on the left, and Ruth trying on a blue top. Not what she was looking for though. 

This guy's shop was stacked full of stuff, I can't figure how he knew what was where.

Another busy alleyway.

Marco walked us over to the Ben Youssef Medersa, a school for privileged boys who wanted to learn about various "sciences", but in particular, theology. The school was completed in 1565 and closed it's doors to students in 1962. For almost 400 years people studied here.

Now, the building itself is not in very good condition, but you can still pay 20 dirhams ($2.80 CAD, $2.10 USD) to walk around and explore it on your own.

Very decorative.

The courtyard.

Ruth!

Always look up... the ceilings are amazing!

More decorated walls.

The facilities are still in use though!

It's interesting, but Marrakesh really doesn't have very much to offer in terms of buildings or specific things to see. It's the entire Medina (old central area) in general that is the attraction. And all of the people just going about their daily business. In Marrakesh, it is common just to sit and buy a tea and chat with other people in the street or the people who work in the small cafes. This would be great if our French was a little better!

We wandered through the Medina

Rows and rows of shops selling slippers.

Pots and pans.

The tea pot guy.

Lamps.

Then we made our way outside the Medina and into the big modern city where there are big hotels, shopping malls, and conference centers.

It is much more fun to stay at a traditional riad in the Medina than a modern style hotel.

Conference Center.

Shopping mall.

And so we're off...maybe you'll get a blog post tomorrow, and maybe not. Fingers crossed!

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