Exotic Marrakech

And back once more to my travels - Off to Morocco I go.

Admittedly, Marrakech wasn't quite what I expected. The garbage in the streets. The donkeys used as major transportation. The aggressive sales pitches that came from every direction - from henna tattoo artists, shoe shine boys, snake charmers, rug salesman - basically everyone. Thankfully, my hotel Riad Dar Anika was an oasis at the edge of the bustling Medina quarter (pictured below).

Once outside its doors though, the scent of donkey dung, decaying garbage and intense, aromatic incense permeated the air. That said, Marrakech did offer some remarkable treasures...

*The whirlwind of colors, tastes and sights at the city's main square Djamaa El Fna once night took hold of the city.

*Dining at some of the myriad of food stalls in the square, noshing on juicy Merguez sausage, Pastilla stuffed with pigeon meat, almonds and cinnamon-sugar, Lamb Brochette, Eggplant Salad scented with cumin, and more. Sopping up all the goodies with bread, dipping into spicy Harissa, while watching North Africa's cast of characters - and several British and French backpackers - go by.

*Enjoying an ecstasy of a spa experience - called gommage - at my hotel's hammam.

*Overwhelmed at how blue blue could really be, while strolling through the Majorelle Gardens.

*Practically overdosing on my hotel's ambrosial sweet mint tea, while watching the lunar eclipse from its rooftop terrace.

*Being ever so glad that I hired a guide to walk me through the maze that is Marrakech's souks - cause if not, I'd still be lost in that labyrinth of shops. Not kidding.

*Learning to make authentic Chicken, Olive and Preserved Lemon Tagine at a cooking class held at Maison Arabe (their kitchen pictured below).

Truth? Even in Marrakech, my cooking rocks!