'Beyond my own..'

‘Beyond my own…’

As I walk out into the very heart of Marrakech's historic Medina, the Djemma El Fna, I feel like I’ve stepped into another world. Marrakech is unlike anywhere I have ever been. It is busy and bustling with people everywhere. It almost doesn't feel real.

I forge a path through street vendors, carts, fortune tellers, performers and snake charmers only to find myself right in the middle of all this chaos. I am immediately drawn in, but at the same time I find it surreal, and to be quite honest a little overwhelming. I have to give myself a moment to remember exactly where I am.

Marrakech is not only a fascinating city bursting with life and charm, it is also a symbol of the Morocco that once was and which still survives here. As I look around I see that I’m encircled by ancient walls laced with history, sprouting hundreds of twisted and tight alleyways of souks, riads, mosques and minarets that stem sporadically into the square.

The city is full of a liveliness that is almost never-ending and as the sun sets an almost electric current surges through the square, turning the once busy day-time market into a night-time spectacle. There is almost too much going on for my eyes to handle: dancers, bright lights, animals, street performers. It really is a feast for the senses!

Whilst I could easily stay here all night I am also intrigued to see the contrast between the old and new Marrakech, so I leave the square behind and walk through a labyrinth of alleyways to a very modern, cosmopolitan terrace bar. As I climb out onto the roof-top I become immersed in a lush of traditional Moroccan textiles and pillows, surrounded by a twinkling array of brightly coloured glass lanterns hanging from the beams above.

This is all so beautiful, but even more striking is the view and the surprising calm and quietness that pervades. All that can be heard are the distant sounds of activity and excitement from the square which gently drift over me. A small glimmer of light and a dusting of smoke clouds are the only indicators of where the square lies. I look out into the night sky to discover that the city has become an illuminated world.

Taking refuge on a cushion, I am served a refreshing summer cocktail by a young waiter, his English impeccable, and I can't help but think what a great modern mixology has been created, where Old World meets the New. It is a modern take on tradition rather than a whole new way of being. The Marrakechians are truly proud of their culture and traditions.

Indeed one can not help but feel the richness of this city. Like the many that have come to this land before me, I too am more than happy for this lavishness of culture to wash over me. Everything I’ve seen is so old, so exotic, so colourful and so real.