Thursday 18 June 2015

Day 1 in Marrakech: Travelling, Tourism and The Riu Tikida Palmeraie


Morocco. Could a country and city that I had been dreaming about travelling to my whole life, live up to the expectations I had already made of it? 

I had already researched Morocco, to the extent of feeling like I had travelled there ten times over. So, when we finally arrived it was more surreal than I'd ever imagined. 

The first thing that struck me in Morocco was the beauty of my surroundings. Even the airport was an architectural haven. It is hard the describe such beauty in words. 

After collecting our bags at the airport, we used the toilets. A basic necessity that couldn't have appeared more confusing! Toilet attendants (or so they appeared to be) stood underneath the free toilets sign asking for money. I had no change to give but my guilt subsided quickly when I realised the toilets were yet to be attended to. Soap dispensers were empty and toilets blocked but I didn't let this ruin my excitement. 

As to be expected by Thomson/First Choice the transfer to the hotel was informative and tailored to our 'platinum' Thomson package.

When we arrived at our hotel, we were greeted by the staff with cocktails and guided to our first meal of the trip, a Moroccan style buffet. After having our bags carried to our room, we explored the hotel. 
The outside bar terrace that overlooked the pool, was made lively by a local duo, (and possibly the free bar.) 

We had arrived just after ten pm and the hotel staff had style pulled out all the stops, to ensure our first night in Marrakech was one to remember.