Marrakech - A Study in Contrasts
January 26, 2013I took a journey across oceans, continents and desert on a
quest to make a little girl's dream come true. It just happens that little girl
used to be me!
All my life I have dreamed of visiting North Africa’s most fascinating city – MARRAKECH
- curious to discover why this Moroccan oasis has been a muse for artists and
writers alike for centuries. And as we descended the taxi and entered the médina
to walk along ancient paths steeped in mystery, I knew Marrakech was everything
I hoped it would be.
Inside
the médina we were immersed in a world of exuberant color palettes, exotic
scents, potions and sounds. Within moments we were approached by vendors
bestowing us with gifts of amber, cinnamon and spice in hopes of luring us to
their stands filled with mounds of spices in vibrant hues and a never endless
array of handcrafted goods. It can feel overwhelming at first, but in time this
playful ritual between you and the merchants becomes part of the allure.
When
we arrived at our riad after walking through the labyrinth of shops and alleys,
what lay hidden within this walled-courtyard house deep in the medina can only
be described as paradise. Everything about Riad Azoulay is a delight for the
senses.
The
courtyard is open to a majestic sky that beautifully reflects onto the pool
below. The air, surprisingly cool given the warm temperatures, is filled with
the melodic sound of fountain water. The
entire space is skilfully decorated with Moroccan furnishings, ornate carvings,
Berber carpets, Zelig tile and lovely fabrics. There is an exquisite attention
to detail which indicates this was a labor of love for the owners, Massimiliano
and Alessandro; two Italian expats that now call Marrakech home.
Our
room, decorated with a 4 poster bed and rich fabrics in lavender and gold, was fit
for a queen and for that moment in time I felt like one. And as we later sat poolside
enjoying our first of many traditional Moroccan mint teas and snacking on
homemade cookies, we were intoxicated by this exotic oasis and wondered if this
was what eternal peace felt like…
Marrakech
we quickly discovered is a study in contrasts. There is the bustling medina, Berber
markets and antique buildings, but there is also a sophisticated, sleek and
bohemian side to Marrakech that perfectly fuse to create a city that pulsates
energy and provides mounds of inspiration.
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