Being that we only had four full days in Morocco, I wanted to pack in as much as possible, including Majorelle Jardin. Yves Saint Laurent bought the park to save it from being demolished in 1980, hence it also being known as the Saint Laurent Garden.
In the morning, we had traditional Hamaam’s with Rhassoul clay (top 10 life experiences of all time) and then walked to the gardens.
ACAB
Each area has plants that’re unique to the world’s continents, ponds with koi carp, bridges and quaint water features. There were blossom petals all over and we found the monument for Saint Laurent (his ashes are scattered here). There was also an amazing Berber museum on site but unfortunately, they did not permit photographs.
Between 1970 & 2000 Yves Saint Laurent painted posters and sent them to his friends and family to ring in the New Year.
Back at the Riad, the vibe was quaint and peaceful. Always. To the point where the swifts would come and sit on the tables while you’re eating.
Coffee and sweets we bought in the Souk
I kept telling John how thankful I was that our Riad was away from the mayhem but close enough that you could hear the car horns and the calls to prayer in the distance.
On our last day, we took an excursion into the Atlas mountains. We pre booked (I would 300% advise this) and had a crazy early start (8am isn’t early but, it is when you’re in holiday mode, ya dig?).
First stop was a hike up to a waterfall in a Berber community (Berber are the indigenous people of North Africa). I was glad for these cycling-induced Serena legs because it was HARD AS HELL.
“SKATE MARRAKECH”
As you head into the mountains, you’ll notice the abundance of restaurants dotted along the banks of the stream which is constantly flowing as the snow on the mountain tops is melting at this time of year. During summer, Moroccan people escape the hot, dusty chaos of the city by taking day trips to the mountains and dining at aforementioned restaurants, dipping their toes as they dip their bread.
On the way to another valley, we stopped at an Argan Oil cooperative. Argan oil is made from the seed of a fruit that only grows in Morocco. Here, the Berber ladies showed us each stage of the process.
Next stop was lunch in a Berber home. I had no idea where the driver was going but he seemed to have a clue so I wasn’t mad. The view was so crazy, I couldn’t speak.
I had a vegetarian tagine, couscous with vegetables and oranges with honey cinnamon. The family were so kind and gracious and beautiful and omg. I couldn’t stop saying thank you.
The old family home
On the way back down, we stopped at another valley and met some cute kids on the way. After a super long day, we had coffee, more sweets and I can’t even remember what we had for dinner because the day was truly humbling.
It made me thankful that I’m able to travel. It opened my eyes to another culture and it reminded me that my TV, computer and iPhone are luxuries. My sneakers and jackets. My objects and my posessions are all luxuries.
Had to cop some shoes on the way home, in the airport tho, u kno……
tripatthebrain.wordpress.com 