Unlike the usual lazy Sundays in England, Marrakech played host to hundreds of busy market stalls and street sellers. They sold everything from tissues and cigarettes to horse and carriage rides. Although the main square was something I'd fantasized about and researched long before visiting it didn't stop it from being the most surreal experience of my life.
Henna artists, monkeys and snake charmers turned Jemaa El Fna (the market square) into a carnival of colours and culture; almost unimaginable to anyone brought up in the western world.
NOTE: Fixed prices on the market and in the souks DO NOT exist, don't settle for the first price they give you make sure to haggle!
We wondered directionless enjoying everything the souks had to offer, buying handmade jewellery and souvenirs. I spoke to a man who had his own handmade jewellery shop.
'I saved my money in the shop to take a holiday to Barcelona. I met a girlfriend and now I live there with her for some months of the year.'
'Now she works in England at Primark but I cannot afford to visit London.'
He explained to us that although he cannot afford to travel to England him and his girlfriend plan to eventually settle down in Marrakech. He lives in a small village in the Atlas Mountains, the money he earns from his shop meant he lived well in Marrakech.
'Marrakech is where I always will want to live.'
As we travelled through the souks we spoke to many different locals with their own story that they were all willing to tell.
Agige was one of the government certified tour guides we met on the city's busy street.
He explained that it isn't just people from the west that come to Marrakech. People from the north of Morocco would save money for years to take the seven hour trip down to Marrakech for a holiday.
He explained to us if there was one place to visit that showed the beauty of Morocco, it was the Atlas Mountains. Here, people lived simple lives and were content with the way they lived.
We continued to travel through the souks and the market place where we bought little gifts and trinkets.
NOTE: Handmade gifts are delicate and made as cheaply as possibly so they can easily break. Look after your souvenirs.
After coming back to the hotel we enjoyed a champagne dinner in the hotels exclusive Italian restaurant. We then went to the hotel's salon bar to watch the live entertainment which consisted of Moroccan dancing and drinks at the pool bar.
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