August 9, 2015

marrakech (city of my dreams).


Back in March I made my way to Marrakech to meet up and explore the city for a few days with two of my favourite ladies. I arrived there nervous about food poisoning, spending too much money (I wasn't born to haggle) and not obeying local customs and appearing rude. I left four days later with a mind blown with pastel colour, a new appreciation for Moroccan mint tea (which we drank at every opportunity) and a tummy full of cous cous. I have never been so pleasantly surprised or inspired by a city. I often dream of wandering the souks laden with spices, rugs and teapots which makes me even more eager to return there one day soon. It has only taken me 5 months to write a post about my experience as I truly believe that words cannot do this city justice. You'll have to go and see for yourself! 

The places we went and where we stayed are listed below.


Our riad (Dar Al Kounouz) had moroccan tea available on demand morning, noon and night. Only a few minutes walk from the centre of the medina, I would recommend this place to anyone.


Peach and mint, a match made in heaven 


The combination of tiles, stone carving and peach made me not want to leave.


Blue skies and peach walls for days.


The Koutoubia mosque was not only one of the most beautiful buildings we saw but it was a point of reference to help us get around the city (and most importantly back to our riad).


Vintage fabric adorned the street stalls.


I was never scared wandering the quiet alleyways in this city. 


Happy faces on peachy buildings made me soooo happy. 


Tassels, tassels, everywhere. 


I was in homewares heaven. 


The incredible Ben Youssef mosque.


Kittens around every corner. 


I wanted ALL of the rugs.


Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé bought the Jardin Majorelle in 1980 and saved it from falling victim to a real estate project and becoming a hotel complex. Today it is a cobalt blue oasis with gardens full of incredible cactus.


The best orange juice I have ever tasted. So many vendors to choose from and the stall holders will charm the pants off you for your business. (We rather enjoyed it.)


Cobalt blue magic at Jardin Majorelle.


Stalls are open around the clock. 


The patterns...


A corner of the beautiful Bahia palace. 


Seriously guys...the tiles.


Peach wall!


Treasure troves in every alley.


Jardin Majorelle beauty.


Now forever my favourite colours. 


Everywhere you look...


Cous cous for every meal.


Lunching on a roof terrace with my ladies. (I ordered cous cous).


Peach ombre effect anyone?!


Spices piled high.


The view as we left our riad.


The beautiful Bahia Palace.


Rugs, everywhere.


We stumbled across Dar Cherifa, a light and airy literary cafe hidden from passers-by.


Can't stop, won't stop.


I was close to hugging this wall. 


Door details to pine over.


Ben Youssef in all its glory.


The bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa (market square).


Make sure you empty all of the photos off your iphone/memory card before you go...


My kind of golden arches.


The weather. I know. 


Peach and mint green should ALWAYS be seen.


Inside of our beautiful Riad. Our hosts Youseff and Zach couldn't have been more welcoming.


Our roof terrace adorned with my favourite colour combo.


Moroccan pineapples. An image that will inspire many future artworks/interiors/dreams.