Nov 11. 2010
Marrakesh, Morocco
Elevation: 947m
Still tender but feeling slightly less harassed, I pack up my camera and head out to the market. The shooting part of my day has consistently been the best part of my day so if for nothing else, lets go do that.
The medina and the market here in Marrakesh is very different than Fez and Casablanca. There is no central market even though when I ask repeatedly where is the market for vegetables and meat, I am directed to the square. In the square, there are orange juice and dates being sold, but not fruits and vegetables. On one side of the square, there are plants and herbs stands but no vegetables either. There is a little corner off the square where there are 3 butcher shops and 2 vegetable stands but way too small to support the medina on its own.
As I wondered through the medina it appears that there lacks a central market. There are butcher stalls every so often through out the souk, next to the crappy souvenir shop or barber. The same for vegetables, grains and bread. There is no division of where you buy what, the souk is extensive and you can buy old tennis shoes and your meat and bread all in 30 feet of each other.
The shooting has been hard today. No one wants their pictures taken and they tell me that its forbidden. I did not have trouble in either Casablanca or Fez. Anyone know why Marrakesh is so challenging?
If it is an issue of Islamic law of idolatry then why are photos allowed if money is given in exchange?
Doesn’t matter, Marrakesh, I am done with you. I am gonna find some coffee and read and get on the bus tomorrow as you have not charmed me and I am taking a deliberate rest from you and your likeness today!
Subscribe to SpyTravelogue and share with me your travel tales.
Marrakesh gets more than its fair share of visitors, and the djma el fnaa [is that the square you mentioned?] is at the heart of it all.
You're right to head out and look for more authentic places.
I think sometimes people just like to feel they've 'got one' over a foreigner.
Djam el Fnna is certainly the heart of Marrakesh…It did kinda charm me in the end but I really am uncertain how I will remember it. The city itself it not high on my list of must return though…