Packing for Morrocco

[kittya]

Has anyone been? I havent a clue where to start. Is it very strict do you know?

[Aworryingtrend]

We went to Marrakech last year, I would love to go back!! Whereabouts are you going? Marrakech has so many tourists that the main areas were not that strict, I wore knee length skirts and strappy tops and sandals and didn't get many looks or any hassle. We were staying in a residential area though so I kept a pashmina or cardigan in my handbag for when we walked back to the area we were staying in out of respect.

[kittya]

Marrakesh, we are staying just off the main square. Im very excited. Any tips are greatly appreciated.

[Aworryingtrend]

Ooh I'm sooooo jealous!!!! Ok- tips. Def go to les Bains de Marrakech- you need to book in advance though. its amazing.

Eat at Marrakchi- also just off main square- and the Indian restaurant (with morrocan twist) at les jardins de Koutoubia. Go to Jardins de koutobia for a cocktail first. Have dinner at Le Comptoir but don't book it til 9.30pm at the earliest so you get to see the show. Go for pre-dinner drinks at the Sofitel first.

Sights wise-the gardens owned by Yves St Laurent are lovely and a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city- cant remeber the name now- however the Menara gardens werent worth seeing IMO. The Mosque and gardens around the mosque are just beautiful and well worth spending time in. The oasisira waterpark is expensive but very good fun to cool off- it was 40degrees when we were there!

Taxis are so cheap its not worth haggling except for longer distances, we found alchohol to be (comparatively) expensive but worth paying more in the nicer bars- Sky bar in Gueliz is good and theres a nice restaurant in Gueliz as well- run by all women- cant recall name now though.

Have fun!!!

[Aworryingtrend]

Just realised all my tips are based on what DH and I did (no DCs) so some of those tips might not be that appropriate!

[Aworryingtrend]

Good point from Cool about the dodgy tummy- I did suffer for a couple of days so take loads of Immodium with you. Hassle wise I didn't get much at all but I do think it helps that I spoke French the whole time (French being the national language although Arabic more widely spoken), the taxi drivers etc seemed to not try it on then. The only hassle I got was in the main square as cool says with the henna ladies but just give them a wide berth- don't walk across their patch.

[Lulabellarama]

SO jealous, we went for our honeymoon last year.

Clothes-wise it was a lot more relaxed than I anticipated. I wore shorts and vest tops without any trouble (it WAS 40 degrees!). I'd say that as long as you'd be happy to wear it to a family occasion it is fine.

MY tips: Tobsil restaurant was the best meal I have ever eaten ANYWHERE, please go. It is a bit pricey and you must book but it's so worth it.

Second the recommendation for Bains De Marrakech

The other restaurants we realy enjoyed were La Tanjia and Palais De Soleiman (which is inside a palace and has the most beautiful open air internal courtyard, seriously stunning)

Have fun.

[Bratfink]

i love morocco and in my former, pre DC life i spent lots of time there

i would say that it is important to show respect for their culture, and for me that means no short shorts or short skirts, and keeping shoulders, chest and upper arms covered, just with a pashmina or loose shirt. You will find you get far more friendly and helpful reactions that way

it is hot, sticky, noisy, smelly and busy but if you are prepared for that it is wonderful

second the suggestion of le gardens majorelle (Yve St Laurents place) as a cool escape from the hustle and bsutle and you must go to a hammam and get scrubbed

[kittya]

No children. Im not sure about the hammam, I was thinking of getting a fake tan done!!

Do they have bars are is it all hotel based?

[Lulabellarama]

You can drink in the higher end restaurants inside the medina.
There are bars outside the medina.

[kittya]

What shopping bargains to be had?

[iskra]

I agree with Bratfink. Cover up.

[notyummy]

All sorts of shopping - leave room in the case. Clothes, sandals and stuff for the home - we brought back lampshades and candle holders in 2004 that are still ve much in use. You are expected to haggle so give it a go!

Would second the advice to err of the side of modesty most of the time - particularly in the markets etc, to avoid any inappropriate comments/stares - and to respect the cultural norms. No shorts, cover your shoulders and your knees and nothing too low cut at the front. No one is going to attack you if you don't, but I think it is better to err on the side of modest and respectful tbh.

[AWNP]

elbow to knees. respectful. carry a pashmina or loose shirt if you must wear bare shoulders but you'll get on better if you do cover up a bit with loose fitting clothes. That includes at your hotel ( think of the staff) besides too much sun's bad for you!

[otchayaniye]

I've just come back from there, with my toddler (I am pregnant, didn't fret about food poisoning, just avoided the Djemma al Fna foodstalls and the fishstalls in Essaouiria) I've been about 3 or four times and my main advice is to pack some lightweight, but warm items (cashmere cardis for example) for night. The temperature even in April can fall dramatically at night.

I went in March and actually had quite a tough time in several of the riads (marrakech and on the coast) as the sleeping rooms came off the courtyard and it was barely degrees at night.

You don't have to worry about offending but take something for shoulders in case you travel about and want to stop.

Eat the chicken and vegetable tagine at Chegrouni restaurant (go three flights up) on Djemaa al fna. Although a tourist spot my moroccan friend says it's the best restaurant tangine in marrakech.

Shopping is a complete pain in the arse and I find the quality crap and the prices (even halved or less) silly. But if you fall in love with something (I love the ponyskin animal print babouches) be prepared to go back over several days to get a fair price.

If you want antiques or carpets then be prepared to get royally taken up the jacksie. Take an expert with you.

There is a state-owned tourist shop up Mohammed 5 about 5 mins from the square which you can browse to get an idea of what prices should be.

Oh, argan oil a good buy, still not cheap (can get on eBay, let's face it) but there are coops dotted around. It's lovely for hair.

[Lulabellarama]

We bought lots of bowls and dishes, which are all so beautiful and in fab jewel colours.
Also bought well priced leather handbag (Do not take up offer to visit the tanneries though)
For gifts I bought my sisters some fab silver jewellery with pretty stones in, in lovely little pill boxes.
Have to say the haggling is exhausting, and they will flatter you by telling you what a hard bargain you are driving.

[otchayaniye]

Geuliz or French quarter for bars, Le Comptoir (although full of eurotrash), you could even do la Mamounia, although that is stuffy.

If you want a full-on lavish evening meal, try Dar Marjana in the medina (up the road parallel to Mohammed 5 off the square.

Need to book, it is $$$ but you get one sitting of about 18 people and you just wade through course after course after course. Until you are sick (like me, I'd stuffed my face with brain salad not realising there were hundreds more things to come)

[kittya]

instead of buying pashminas to take, shouldnt I just wait until I get there?

[otchayaniye]

I'd take what you need. Shopping is a long-drawn out ordeal process and a visit to the souk can be a bewildering experience. There aren't just 'shops' to nip in and out of.

Plus it's not a pashmina-y place.

[kittya]

I'm imagining to be like India where they were two a penny! Thanks for that.