Morocco #4: Marrakech, rockin'60, back by the sea and a decision

Personal Log Entry from the houseboat Betty HH-VX 717: It is the year 2024, November 15, 2 PM.

Still a bit under the weather (see travel blog Morocco #3), we set off around noon on November 15 for the short drive to the center of Marrakech. We don’t find the often described chaotic traffic in the city particularly overwhelming, but we already have a month of experience on Moroccan roads behind us. The insider tip (though not really a secret) for parking in the city center is a parking lot at the Koutoubia Mosque, right in the heart of the city. The price is quite high at 150 Dirhams for 24 hours, making it more expensive than a standard campsite. However, it is just a few minutes' walk from the mosque and the Djema el Fna square, and it is also guarded.

To get into the mood, we take a short walk around the mosque, the adjacent very green Cyber Park, and of course over the famous Djema el Fna square, then into the neighboring souks. The Djema el Fna is not an architectural beauty in daylight. As expected, the square is bustling with snake charmers, water carriers dressed in traditional attire, and poor Berber monkeys in diapers, offered for a photo by their owners. The chatter is kept to a minimum. We venture into the souks, hoping not to get lost, but with Google Maps, that's less of a concern now. In the midst of the northern souks lies the former Medersa Ben Youssef Quran School, which we visit. This masterpiece of Arabic architecture from the 16th century has been completely and elaborately restored in recent years, as shown in a short film. We are thrilled; we really like this architectural style with its intricate tile work and elaborate wood carvings! The parking lot in the city has the advantage that we can take a short break in the van early in the evening, as Susi is still feeling a bit off. In the evening, we immerse ourselves in the hustle and bustle of the Djema el Fna, which has a very different character in the evening. Every day, dozens of food stalls are set up in the square in the afternoon, vying for customers. Numerous storytellers and musicians captivate an unexpectedly predominantly local audience! Susi has to fend off a very pushy henna artist who wants to impose a henna tattoo on her with gentle force. We also buy some very tasty pastries in the souks. The Moroccans are world champions in pastry making. Despite the city's bustling and lively atmosphere, we spend a completely quiet and undisturbed night in our van. By the way, right next to us is the van of Michelangelo (see travel blog Morocco #3) from Husum or Lanzarote with his off-road travel group.

This morning, we plan to explore the southern souks and the former Jewish quarter, Mellah. In the souks, we come across a very simple market for locals. The