Like many places in the developing world, Marrakech overpowers the senses of a first-time visitor. The smells (good and bad), the sounds (Muslim calls to prayer), the brilliant sunshine and the chaotic action on the streets conspire to make a powerful first impression. We all laughed when we looked in one butcher shop and saw piles of chicken breasts and thighs on the counter, and live chickens in cages along the back wall. Talk about fresh meat!
This evening we made a quick tour of the main square and market areas. In the next couple of days we will delve a little deeper into this fascinating place. For me, it's the first time on this trip I'm visiting somewhere for the first time. The kids find this quite interesting - they think I've been everywhere at some point or another!
Anyway, the Devolin and Bruce families have 3 days to discover this place. The fact that it's supposed to hit 29 degrees by Friday is an added bonus - especially for the 5 kids who are bound to swim in our riad's unheated pool!