CHINA TORI

The trip from London to Marrakesh was really good. It was a stress-free flight and we actually landed ten minutes before the schedule. So we got to Marrakesh around 10:35 am, but I didn’t get to join the group until about past 11 or so. I was the only person left and as soon as arrived the hotel, we embarked on the city tour.

The city tour was fun. We got to see historical places like the Medina and the Koutoubia Mosque. We also went to the Yves Saint Laurent’s Garden and the Bahia Palace. We went to Marrakech’s famous fruit market and visited the “market inside the market”. You should see the colours; the way fruits and spices are displayed is so artistic. You can get ten years added to you here just by taking in the air and drinking the juices. I bought myself Argan oil and some creams for pain relief.

On the overall, I would say that the city tour was enlightening; in fact the entire trip to Marrakech has been exhilarating for me. For someone who has spent so much to get here, I had to make a conscious effort to put the negativities away and enjoy all the beauty that this trip has to offer. I can’t have gone through the stress I went through and not have fun. There was a missed flight, rebooking, repay for luggage, pay for the hotel, and the extra payment for transport.

I look around now and I can’t miss the tiredness on the faces of the girls. Some of them have not been on their best behaviours, but then, who can blame them? I was told that they had a horrible first day. On arrival, the hotel announced that they were overbooked. They couldn’t check them in, had to take them somewhere else, and the girls reported they didn’t sleep till around 4 am the next day. And here they were trying to recover. I salute them.

I have been having a good time, and that’s due to the fact that I know why I’m here. This was supposed to be a gift to husbandman and I for a feat we just achieved. So yes, this is a celebration for me. And you know what I say about my vibe? No one can kill it. Except me, of course. I have no doubts that my blood pressure is doing fine at this time.

I had the best time exploring the city. We had a tour guide who fed us history and some current affairs. Did I mention that we went to the fruit market? Oh, it’s spectacular how these guys can make art out of anything. The way they arrange their wares is so beautiful. I can guess why this city is a choice destination for tourists. It’s people are polite and welcoming. They know what they have and they are putting it to good use this time of year. I can’t help but think that this what Nigeria could be. This, and more.

Morocco is a blend of origins, in my opinion. It is country made up of different people and cultures, and this blend is not superficial. It is in their genes. What country boasts of this number of national languages – French, Arabic, Berber, English, and Spanish? You look again and you’ll see the contrast. But when you come to Marrakech, it is second nature.

Now I see why a lot of Europeans run down here for vacations and summer holidays. It is a city bursting with life and fun. There are so many things to see and do. One can have all the fun they seek. And for less. Here, they can get the African experience in an environment that resembles theirs for cheap. For someone who comes from a country like the UK, you pay less for things and experiences that would cost more in the UK.

So just after 3 pm, we got to another part of town. We got out of our tour bus and had dinner at a place called the Kabana Rooftop. They had good food, and I liked every meal I chose. I had to tell the waiter to pack the rest of my food as take out. I have heard of the Moroccan Tangine. I asked, and these guys said they didn’t serve it at that time of the day. No problems. I’ll go somewhere else, and I’ll taste it, and find out what all the hype is about. It is up to the next restaurant we visit to protect the reputation of Marrakech, and Morocco as a whole. I can not stomach another disappointment.

Close your eyes and take a deep breath. I need you to see this sight with me. It is a busy town centre with people going about their business. The sun is still up but it is not burning. Flowers planted around the rooftop provides us fragrance and relaxes us. Take in the smell of the foods, hear happy tourists chatting away, and let the cool air from the cooling system soothe you.

Tomorrow, we go hiking on the Ourika Valley. I hear it’s quite a distance from the hotel, so we all have to wake up early. Bus leaves at 8:45 am, but tour guide says we have to be ready at 8:30 am. The truth is, I don’t know if I’ll make it. My knees are not the strongest and my blood pressure might try to seek attention again. But I look forward to it. I look forward to it with the enthusiasm of a child. The girls are sceptical and I try to reassure them. I think I’m having the best fun there is to have in Marrakech.

Images: Jeslyn Xie