Me and another female friend going to Marrakech this sunday Keep hearing horror stories

[chocolatemummy]

Please if anyone has any advice or tips or experiences let me know, I am really looking forward to a week with my mate and a bit of culture and relaxation but keep hearing stories about being spat on and robbed and sheeps head soup etc.............?

Went in Dec 07 for 2 wks. Unfortunately I can't say I really enjoyed it but nothing bad happened.

I would recommend however that you keep covered up. I took a shawl to keep myself covered but even then I felt quite exposed and soon learn't to stick with long sleeved tops and full length trousers, whilst out and about.

Its an experience so go and enjoy it!

I went and had a great time! No bother at all in Marrakech beyond people trying to sell you stuff and offering to be your "tourguide". In some smaller towns I got quite a bit of hassle of the "hello darling, you're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen" variety, but nothing too unbearable. Just be aware of the cultural implications and dress/behave sensibly.

yes I am thinking of buying a few cheap kaftan/smock tops to put over a vest etc because it seems to be quite hot out there at the moment but you cannot show your arms or collar bone so i'm told?

you get a lot of men trying to be your tour guide. Don't follow them/their advice unless you are very lost in the souk and want to pay them for the trouble or be abused for not tipping. "Thank you" doesn't do it!

I'd wear loose linen trousers, long sleeves, cover your shoulders - no shorts, strappy tops or skirts shorter than lower leg length unless you want hassled.

The streets can be pretty dirty and uneven, especially around the tanneries area, so come with comfy, flat, closed toe shoes as well as sandles.

On the upside, it is fun to pull up a bench and eat in the square as the locals do - everything is cooked pretty thoroughly.

p.s. you can probably "do" Marrakech in a few days. I'd definitely do a trip to the coast or up to the Atlas if you have a week there.

If you want to go to any of the smarter restaurants covered in the guidebooks, you need to book. They are worth it, although all the food is the same after a while (tangines galore!)

is it worse than Turkey then for hassling? I have been to turkey twice, Kusadasi was a nightmare for being hassled to buy sutff and men staring?

I found everyone friendly and civil but I think this was because I was with my dd! Mothers v highly respected in Morocco.
I have friends who have travelled without kids, but they still had lots of fun. It's a great country.

don't worry too much. It's not as bad as you may think. I have never been to that part of Turkey so can't compare. The government has had a crackdown on harrassment because they realise that traders in the souk badgering tourists to buy lamps is a major turnoff to most Westerners. There is a tourist police LOL!

Hassle is still there, but if you say no firmly to the "tourguides", try to avoid eye contact after saying no and walk purposely, you'll be fine, honestly.

Unfortunately, some locals use choice phrases and "fck you btch" is sometimes muttered if you say no. I am convinced it is just an English phrase they have picked up from tourists and people don't realise the offensiveness.

I am trying not to paint a negative picture, because Marrakech is an amazing place and very beautiful.

Three of us girls went in October last year and had the most fantastic time. The guide books advised not making eye contact in the souks but to be honest a smile and a polite no thank you worked really well. The people there are friendly and if you go (as we did!) totally paranoid about any kind of attention it will diminish your experience. We kept covered up as we wanted to be respectful but lots of people didn't. Oh, and the hammam was one of the best experiences of my life. Don't be scared, open your mind and have an amazing time. I am jealous !

thankyou, I have been shopping today and bought some cheap smock/kaftans so that my arms are covered but I wll still keep cool.
Really excited, anyone recommend anywhere special to fo?

My sister and I went with our children last month. We had no problems at all. Compaired to Cairo for example its very laid back and westernised.
Don't get too hung up about dress. You need to cover shoulders and down to your knees, but the majority of moroccan women are dressed in western clothes and no longer wear head scarfs.
As unaccompanied females we received no unwanted male attention, although we did have the kids with us.
The 'lets rip off the tourist' culture is rife. We got fed up with paying way over the odds for taxis, and ended up navigating the local buses - which at 20p a trip anywhere in town saved us a fortune.
Theres loads of places to eat, but prices vary wildly - with no obvious difference between the quality of the establishment and food. You can get a good meal for £2.
A basic command of french is essential if you are venturing off the main tourist route. In the tourist souks and tourist restaurants they speak english, but wander into the locals souks, the supermarket or on the bus you will need some french.
We came back 3 weeks ago, and the weather was mild, but you needed to take a jumper out with you - not sunbathing weather. The kids froze in the hotel pool! It may well have warmed up a bit now, but make sure you have some warmer clothes for the evening.
Have a lovely time!!

IME Men there do starte & will say stuff but its only words iykwim. I even had comments when walking with DP and our male friend.

It is a brilliant place. Hectic & vibrant. Follow the advice of staying covered - shoulders and legs. And flat practical shoes are a must. don't worry about cvering head.

I went a few years ago so couldn't recommend where to go. But we had a fantastic time & would love to go back.

A good tip is to act as if you know where you are going. Work out your route before you set off so you can have an air of purpose. Pick 2 or 3 restaurants from a guide bk to head for rather than wandering aimlessly and looking lost.

Have a wonderful time - I'm jealous too!