Discussion
I was in Marrakech a about 10 years ago for a while, it was pretty shitty then really, but as I understand it, it's much worse these days and there are alot more tourists hence alot more people trying to rip them off.
Are you going in particular to see the medina? Or the palaces? The carpets or the carvings?
If not and it's a spa weekend then why go to Marrakesh? Surely there are nicer places in Tunisia? Even Tenerife has some nice spa hotels without the hassle?
>> Edited by timmy30 on Friday 13th January 14:39
Are you going in particular to see the medina? Or the palaces? The carpets or the carvings?
If not and it's a spa weekend then why go to Marrakesh? Surely there are nicer places in Tunisia? Even Tenerife has some nice spa hotels without the hassle?
>> Edited by timmy30 on Friday 13th January 14:39
800 said:
No, I'm looking for stylish gaff, if such a thing exists in Marrakech?
All the nice hotels seem to be in the "Hivernage" area, eg www.essaadi.com/uk/home.html
True, most of the tourist areas / suburbs, are pretty rancid, and practically the entire population will try and pull a fast one on you. Helps if you speak French to avoid being ripped off. The driving is atrocious BTW...take out travel insurance.
The wife-to-be has a brochure subscription with these people:
www.bodyandsoulholidays.info/
They offer spa breaks/holidays to various places round the globe.
Never been to Marrakesh myself, so can't really comment on what it's like, but I did spend a good deal of time working in North Africa years ago. If Morocco is like the rest of the place, when it was time to return back to UK, I couldn't get on the plane fast enough.
Back then I thought it was the asrehole of the world (IMHO). Although to be fair, I have heard Morocco is not toooooo bad.
www.bodyandsoulholidays.info/
They offer spa breaks/holidays to various places round the globe.
Never been to Marrakesh myself, so can't really comment on what it's like, but I did spend a good deal of time working in North Africa years ago. If Morocco is like the rest of the place, when it was time to return back to UK, I couldn't get on the plane fast enough.
Back then I thought it was the asrehole of the world (IMHO). Although to be fair, I have heard Morocco is not toooooo bad.
Well on the upside if your'e looking for "hasish, a girl or maybe a boy" this is generally the order that they are offered in then the place is a result.
The Medina and the palace are well worth seeing though, as is the leather factory...... although it may put you off leather somewhat ( it's cured using a mixture of piss and pidgeon shit )
I sometimes wonder if Marrakech wasn't the original inspiration for Ankh Morpork in Terry Pratchets Disk World novels. There is a river......well it would be a river if any of what was flowing in it was actually water.
The Medina and the palace are well worth seeing though, as is the leather factory...... although it may put you off leather somewhat ( it's cured using a mixture of piss and pidgeon shit )
I sometimes wonder if Marrakech wasn't the original inspiration for Ankh Morpork in Terry Pratchets Disk World novels. There is a river......well it would be a river if any of what was flowing in it was actually water.
cowhead said:
its a hole
What he said. Got chased around the market there by two cops who accused me at gunpoint of stealing "Marjuan" - I was only 15 for gods sake!
The Atlas mountains are nice though. Appreciate this probably doesn't help in your quest for a spa much...
Oh yes I forgot to mention that..... if you do buy some hasish/girl/boy don't be suprised if a policeman suddenly appears as if by magic to arrest you. You will then have the choice of an indeterminate spell in a moroccan jail, or have to pay him a large bribe, probably the entire contents of your money belt and your watch / camera.
I have been to Marrakesh - once was enough.
It is certainly atmospheric, but the guide book I bought "Morroco In Your Pocket" was quite literally accurate. I felt as if the entire population was either actually in my pocket, or trying to get in there the whole time.
We were with two other couples and spent an afternoon in the Souk, which was fascinating but a little scary. It would be very easy to be "disappeared" in there. My feeling that the smiles of the shop owners were all false was confirmed by a couple of unsavoury incidents:
We visited a shop in the Souk specilaising in Morrocan woodenware. I bought quite a bit. One of the other couples bought some, but the third couple politely passed. At this point the owner, seeing that he had got all the money he was going to got out of our little group became the most abusive and foul individual I have possibly ever encountered.
The entire population is on the make, and as a Western Tourist "Infidel" you are the prey...
It is certainly atmospheric, but the guide book I bought "Morroco In Your Pocket" was quite literally accurate. I felt as if the entire population was either actually in my pocket, or trying to get in there the whole time.
We were with two other couples and spent an afternoon in the Souk, which was fascinating but a little scary. It would be very easy to be "disappeared" in there. My feeling that the smiles of the shop owners were all false was confirmed by a couple of unsavoury incidents:
We visited a shop in the Souk specilaising in Morrocan woodenware. I bought quite a bit. One of the other couples bought some, but the third couple politely passed. At this point the owner, seeing that he had got all the money he was going to got out of our little group became the most abusive and foul individual I have possibly ever encountered.
The entire population is on the make, and as a Western Tourist "Infidel" you are the prey...
Ignore the others - it's what you make of it and parts of it are fascinating. I stayed here - it is awesome. Your lady will thank you - trust me. Architecturally designed refurbishment of a traditional house; it's gorgeous. Read the press reviews on the website.
www.lescigognes.com/index.html
>> Edited by Harry Flashman on Friday 13th January 16:48
www.lescigognes.com/index.html
>> Edited by Harry Flashman on Friday 13th January 16:48
Harry Flashman said:
Ignore the others - it's what you make of it and parts of it are fascinating. I stayed here - it is awesome. Your lady will thank you - trust me. Architecturally designed refurbishment of a traditional house; it's awesome. Read the press reviews on the website.
www.lescigognes.com/index.html
Ignore Flashman he's just in a good mood cause he's off to get his oats
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