This was to be our first time on the African continent and after managing to lose my glasses in the haze of the very earlier morning flight we arrived without further incident in Marrakesh. We were stopping in what transpired to be the beautiful ‘Riad Les Oliviers’. Such places are often located in the narrow back streets away from taxi drop offs. It’s then a tricky business dodging the various mopeds flying past on the walk before you reach them.

The owners could not have been more welcoming and gave us Moroccan tea and biscuits while we filled in the requisite paperwork. The photographs below show by the riads reception area firstly and then the room we were given. Perfect.

Once out and about you can’t fail to be impressed by the imposing Marrakesh city square. Within there are obviously numerous stalls but also men with monkey’s, snakes charmers and many many cats. Obviously in the case of the first two it doesn’t sit at all well in terms of animal welfare. The cats seem to be loved by all though and not in the least intimidated by the noise and bustle. An interesting example of being a product of an environment, I’m sure the domestic cats in England would be terrified. The largest mosque in Morocco (Kutubiyya) strikes an imposing figure nearby along with its orange tree laden gardens.

The next morning we visited the Majorelle Garden, the cactus, cake and coffee being particularly impressive. This seems an appropriate point to mention that the food on the trip was very good. Along with large buffet breakfasts at the riad we enjoyed traditional Moroccan tagines and couscous along with more traditional English fare such as chicken burgers and ice cream. The two main restaurants we went to were L’Addresse and the Argana both of which gave great views of the square and the Atlas Mountains.

In the afternoon we walked many miles round the markets and souks before passing by the royal palace. The palace was another spot that gave impressive views out to the mountains.

Day three saw us take an organised mini bus tour to Casablanca. Although it gives its name to one of the most critically acclaimed films of all time, there isn’t a massive amount for the traveller to see there. The Christian church, impressive mosque (being the largest in Africa) and beach being the most memorable sights for us.

Having been so impressed with the views of the mountains it seemed only right to go and see them close up and that’s what we did on our final day. On the way up we passed through a Berber village and then stopped at a spice shop. The middle of the tajin pots below containing a delicious peanut based concoction.

The climb both up and down the mountains was quite tricky being both slippery from snow and ice while packed with other tourists. It was well worth it at the top if only for the waterfall. Well deserved tea and cakes were taken in the picturesque setting by the river at the bottom. Another Moroccan place where the cats were well fed and plentiful.