Marrakech!!!!

Our hotel was a mere twenty minute walk along for the Garden Majorelle. Many folk set off early which was a very good idea, because by the time we turned up, the place was mobbed. The garden wasn't large, but it was perfectly formed. And perfectly manicured. The most amazing collection of cacti, many just coming into flower. And the whole city is ablaze with many colours of bougainvillaea. The garden paths were lined with big colourful plant pots. It was impossible to take a photo of any wee colourful corners, as there were always people posing for photos. This chap wasn't posing. He was resting in a colourful corner and I got fed up waiting for him to move.

After our visit, where we decided not to have a 30Dh coffee in the Garden Cafe, but an 8Dh one instead along the road a bit.

Fortified by a sit down and a good coffee we decided to go to the Square again to see it by day. Too far to walk, so we stood waiting to flag down a taxi. A smiling chap stopped by the kerb. He was driving one of those motorbike fronts with a trailer on the back, mainly (exclusively?) used for transporting goods around the city. We agreed on a price (we were probably slightly ripped off) and jumped/crawled in the back. There was a bench to sit on.

I got the feeling we were quite an unusual sight, as people in cars and taxis were pointing and laughing and waving at us. Especially when we broke down and caused a slight traffic jam...

The Square was just as manic as night time. Same monkeys, snakes and men with lampshades on their heads jingling bells. We bumped into J & H from the group - what are the chances of that? - and had a wander with them for a while before getting separated up a wee alley.

Popped into a restaurant that Abdu had pointed out. We had a pizza and Moroccan salad for a change. Then I insisted on getting the local bus back to the hotel - we'd been told about it. 4Dh! It wasn't too crowded, and I was delighted to find that it had loud cartoons playing on the TV. Why?

Eventually found the hotel after walking round in circles. They seem to have an aversion to putting up street names...

I'm pleased with the modes of transport we used: plane; train; buses - local, tourist and tour minibus; petite taxi; camel; mule and motorbike & trailer. My favourite was the mule ride. I have such an admiration for those animals - staunch and hard working and uncomplaining. They are so sure-footed on those dainty little feet.

After last night's final dinner, we're having a final final dinner tonight at the hotel to say cheerio to everyone. I must say, it's with a slight sense of relief... I can go home to cold old Edinburgh and have porridge for breakfast instead of bread and olives.