After the marathon two-day road journey into the desert and back through spectacular mountain and desert scenery (Pizzas on the Piste), we looked forward to being able to have a bit of time to rest and relax. By the time we reached Marrakech we had covered about 2500 km since we had left home, in 4 full days of driving.

But, outside of the hotel, the hustle and bustle and noise of Marrakech never seems to let up. Scooters weave in and out of traffic, traffic circles become of game of “chicken” and coffee or pomegranate juice stands occupy almost every street corner.

We did some sightseeing through various souks and historical sites (the Bahia Palace, the Jewish synagogue) and on to the renowned Jemaa El-Fnaa (a market square in the old city leading into the narrow streets of the medina) packed with tourists and sellers of just about everything, as well the snake charmers. We returned again a few days later in the evening when it looks even more packed and food stalls emerge to fill one’s appetite for meat, couscous, tajine, etc.

A flu-bug that was seemingly doing its rounds from the Pizzas on the Piste finally caught up with Trevor so we took it a bit slower while he tried to fight it off. We caught up with some administration and took it slow for a few days and then visited the Majorelle Gardens (Jardin Majorelle) with its colour and greenery, a welcome change from the pink/red and brown colouring typical of this region.

A visit to another beautiful garden outside of Marrakech as well as a saffron farm and a drive through some spectacular mountain roads with Ulrich, his parents and Brahim, rounded off the week. The next days will include checking the car over (oil, water, tyres, etc.) washing the car, filling up with diesel and Adblue, doing some laundry and shopping for a few provisions before the “real” trip begins.