Silver Surfers Lancashire

11 www.silverlivingmagazine.co.uk YOU will receive a million ‘welcomes’ on your arrival in Marrakesh. It’s a word the locals use often and with real meaning. This is Morocco’s fourth largest city, just north of the Atlas Mountain and designated as “African Capital of culture 2020”. Referred to as the “Red City” because of its use of pink clay, Marrakesh is divided in to two distinct areas. The ‘Old City’, packed with buildings of historical significance, Moorish architecture, beautiful gardens, mosques and a series of labyrinths and narrow alleys home to many of the quirky riads and traditional souk markets. The ‘New City’, known as Guilez, is more westernised, with its stylish hotels, funky restaurants, flashing neon lights and built-up shopping malls.  In both, don’t be surprised to see cars, mopeds, bikes, donkey’s, horse and cart all being equally used as forms of transport.  Aside from the horn blowing and clip clopping of hooves, around the city, you will hear differing dialects as three languages are widely spoken - French, Berber and Arabic. Centrally positioned in the country, Marrakesh creates no limitations on exploring other parts of Morocco. If you’re a curious The marvels of Marrakesh By Zoe Brooke of @TribeGuide WHERE TO STAY The New City For modern luxury, try Radisson Blu. The rooms are spacious and clean with all the amenities you could wish for from a high-end hotel. It’s located on Mohammed Avenue, amidst shops such as Zara, Adidas H&M, Starbucks and many local shops selling clothing, shoes and jewellery. You will also find many cafes, restaurants and eateries. A casual stroll taking 25-40 minutes will get you to the Medina or a 10 minute taxi ride will cost just 70dh. £7/ The Old City Les Jardins de la Koutoubia.  In the heart of the old city, this 13th Century Riad Quarzazi screams luxury. It’s opulence evident by the crushed velvet furniture in the reception and fresh roses on every surface. It’s a hop, skip and jump away from the Medina. THE FOOD The food is fresh and flavoursome, most Moroccans living directly off the land. Couscous and tajine are staple foods for the locals. Cooked in the clay pots for hours it’s a mix of chicken or lamb with potatoes and vegetables.  your tracks to be shown their wares. Get stuck in and barter, it’s a chance to improve your negotiation skills! Late afternoon and evening, if you want to soak up the authenticity of the city, with a bird’s eye view and no hassle, you can take a seat in one of the roof top restaurants. traveller and time allowing, the excursions are plentiful. Expanding your horizons beyond the perimeters of the city and within a few hours, you can reach Atlantic coastal towns such as Agadir, Casablanca and Essaouira, all popular destinations for locals and tourists alike. Driving further inland, the Toubkal National park and the famous Atlas Mountains are ideally suited for those who enjoy walking the beaten track or mountaineering. The Sahara Desert is also within reach, for the more adventurous travellers who enjoy the great outdoors and enjoy sleeping under the stars. No visit to Marrakesh is complete without sampling the crazy, intense sensory overload that is The Jamaa el fna.   The square, or the Medina as it’s more informally known, has been classified as a Unesco site since 2016, is densely populated and pulses with life. Every atom within your body will be stimulated from the explosion of colour, sights and sounds: the hustle and bustle of thousands of tourists; the snake charmer’s punji; the beating of drums, the acrobats; story tellers and street performers, combined with the marvellous smell of street food. The people are friendly, but be mindful tourism is their livelihood and there is much competition. You will repeatedly be stopped in