How can you refuse a bed as comfortable-looking as these?

It was late afternoon when we dumped our luggages inside our hotel room. We were in the new town of the Red City – Marrakesh, Morocco. But, no matter how tempting the beds looked, there was still enough light outside for more exploration. A quick splash of water on the face, a quick change of shirt, and we were on our way to a self guided exploration to Koutoubia Mosque and Jamaa El Fna.

Boulevard Mohammed VI was looking less traffic-congested than the nearby N8. It was logical to follow this route going to Koutoubia Mosque. Maybe, even up to Jamaa El Fna Square. The walk was significant but we actually appreciated that we were getting more steps into our exercise app. The next road was Avenue Prince Moulay Rachid. This route took us directly to Park Lalla Hasana. We had an unobstructed view of the Koutoubia minaret.

The Koutoubia Mosque and Minaret were even more majestic up close. It was enlightening to know that this very mosque was the inspiration to the design of La Giralda in Seville, Spain.

The mosque was founded in the 12th century after the Almohad dynasty conquered Marrakesh from the Almoravid dynasty. It was built in the southwest corner of the Medina and became the largest mosque in Marrakesh. So large that it became a landmark to find directions within and close to the Medina.

Jamaa El Fna, a market and square in the Medina, was right across the street from Koutoubia Mosque. By early evening, it was already a beehive of activities. A few entertainers, the men with the monkeys and the snake charmers, usually more active during the daytime, were still in the square. Nighttime belongs to the food and drink stalls. Stationed in the middle of the square, brightly lit by their LED lights, selling hot steaming food in bowls, or barking to passersby to buy fruit juices.

We have to confess. It was scary doing this by ourselves with all the rumors of aggressive hawkers and vendors. It turned out to be a pleasant self guided exploration. Most rumors were unfounded. Interaction with locals still follow the honored attitude of mutual respect.

Random photographs of our travels. Memories found and captured in a photograph.

View and print from our photo gallery.