Tag Archives: travel to Marrakech

Riad Farnatchi … our Oasis in the madness

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Riad Farnatchi, an Oasis of peace and luxury in the madness of the Medina.
Stepping into the warm hospitality of our Riad, I’m speechless [which as many of you know is a miracle in of itself] by the tranquility, infusion of delicious scents and beauty that engulf us. Who would have imagined this jewel hidden behind the chaos and simple exterior of the medina’s pink walls!
Mint tea drenched with sugar, is served in small beautiful glasses to refresh our weary souls, or possibly rot our teeth if we drink too much,as we enter the first courtyard in this myriad of luxury. Original Moroccan arts and crafts from Berber tribes and Moroccan Royalty adorn the walls, while Roses cascade from the courtyard balconies creating an intoxicating cocktail to nourish our senses.
A collection of historic private homes each built around it’s own open courtyard,now connected to create an exclusive maze of stairways and passageways to 9 suites, rooftop dining and relaxation and intimate alcoves.All creating an authentic Moroccan experience.

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Anticipating our every desire our impeccable hosts have prepared a private feast for us to the savor our first bites of Moroccan cuisine and to my surprise wine…dare I say,what a fine French contribution. A feast in a tiny restaurant of pure artistry where craftsmen have carved patterns within the stone walls and multi colored lanterns light our evening.The perfect ambiance for a romantic meal… Next time maybe.
We’ve truly landed in Aladdin’s cave…our sanctuary,with all it’s hidden treasures.
This is only day one!!

Marrakech…we’ve landed in a Movie scene!

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Marrakech…we’ve landed in a movie?

Exiting the arrivals hall we witness the first nuances of Moroccan culture, as our driver partakes in a ‘’cheek to cheek to cheek to cheek to cheek to cheek” greeting, interspersed with a man hug with almost every Moroccan man imaginable…even the car park attendant! I know Morocco was a French colony, but he has taken the fine art of a French greeting to a whole new level. But as I’ve come to learn, Moroccan people are truly connected to each other and their land.

Departing the airport I’m shocked by the abundance of glorious fragrant Roses that line the major roadways and walls of the Medina, rich colors in full bloom interwoven like patterns in a magic carpet.They certainly challenge any  English Rose!

It’s surreal, the chaos, noise, dust and conflicting smells, along with the gifts from the hardworking Donkeys, Mules and Horse drawn carriages entangled with bicycles,cars and motor-scooters buzzing like overgrown wasps overloaded with passengers. Travelers traversing in every possible direction, all within a hairs breath of death, without any sense of fear. They even make the Italian drivers look tame!

I feel like I’m cast as a journalist in an Indian Jones blockbuster travelling with my photographer Natalie in this life zone called Marrakech. An ancient city brimming with people and animals all cradled in the cobbled passageways, where the towering pink walls envelope you and whisper stories from the past.A city saturated in life, warmth, color and scents all vying for attention and space.

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Inside the city walls the cobbled streets narrow as we merge with merchants,city folk, children and animals of every species negotiating in everyday life; all feeding off this seamless chaos.

Our taxi comes to a halt,were in a swirling mass of mayhem as people clamor around us; our savior, a gentle man in a traditional long cream robe greets us. Our suitcases are placed in a rather large wheelbarrow, which is then pushed by a man masquerading as a donkey. Clueless as to where we are, we follow him deeper into the narrowing corridors flanked by doors beckoning us to enter.At this point I’m beginning to wonder what we have got ourselves into, but oddly I have no fear, my intuition is positive and Let’s face it, my guardian angels are working overtime.

Turning a corner into what appears a dead-end we see the discreet but beautifully inscribed words on a large arched wooden door,”Riad Farnatchi”, we are home for the next 3-nights, secure in our oasis in the madness.

Why Morocco, Why Marrakech…?

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Why Morocco, why Marrakech, timing, the lure, the fascination and excitement of a distinctly different culture rich in Arabic traditions. A journey to an unfamiliar land  [or so we thought] framed within the safety net of a perfectly planned adventure with” Escape to Shape”.
An extraordinary journey we believed would nourish us culturally and revive us physicality. A journey where working our core through the fluidity of Yoga took on a whole new meaning, as we transcended our bodies and reconnected with the truth of our soul.
The beauty of Marrakech.
Marrakech is essentially a feminine city; a vibrant and luminous city draped in a pink haze. A city that moves between the shadows and light,illuminated by the light that shines from the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and the warmth that emanates from its people, their hospitality, spirituality and laughter.An ancient culture, which honors its traditions, community and each other as it  navigates the modern world.

please join me as I write and share images throughout the coming weeks about our magical adventure into the unknown!

 

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