Maghreb #51

Marrakech

I've posted several pictures from this outstanding city, but haven't discussed much about it. It is definitely one of the most unique places I've ever visited. Marrakech (ma-RAH-kish) was the jumping off point for the foray into the Eastern Moroccan countryside. There, I converged with my travel companions and the guide we hired to take us to the Sahara.

Marrakech, though the 3rd largest city in Morocco (behind Casablanca and Rabat) is undoubtedly the most famous, thanks to the "Marrakesh Express", hippies, and hash. It is known as "Red City" (Al Hamra) due to the centuries old use of reddish clay for the city walls and buildings. Under French colonial rule, the application of red/ochre mortar to modern buildings and walls was made mandatory. Notice the pink tint of the café walls in the picture above, compared with the white buildings in Fès.