by FM Sherman

Created on: February 02, 2009   Last Updated: February 12, 2009

It's my first trip to Africa, after a two day visit / layover in Madrid. I've flown from Madrid to Marrakesh on Royal Air Maroc, a $250.00 round-trip. Yes, its hot. This was December, so it wasn't overwhelming. Small airport, just one or two main terminals, everything in one big room. Walked outside to donkey carts, and the reality of Africa. Caught a little taxi into town, after researching the process online. We always check various travel sites to see the best way to get from the airport to our hotel. Some cities it's a taxi, some cities have a direct train from the airport into town, and some its best to use the bus.

Morocco is a wonderful country and a great introduction to Arabia and Africa for travelers who have never experienced it. Although it has a large Arab population, it is a monarchy with a king and has other religions as well. Many of the people are not Arabs, but Berbers, a different group that originated in Africa. For everything you ever wanted to know, we recommend the US State Department site, here.

My friend had pre-booked the hotel online, Hotel Islane. The location was perfect, directly behind the Djamma Al Fina, the main square, and directly across from Kotoubia, the main, ancient mosque. This was a little loud as they do the prayer calls several times a day including 5 am, but its all part of the experience. The hotel was great, big room, huge tile bath, and about $18. per night. This is not a new hotel, its 1960's vintage, but we knew what to expect and for the price and location, you can't beat it.

There are many luxury properties, ranging from riads (formerly private mansions) deep in the
medina, featuring 5-6 luxurious rooms, to La Mamounia, the grande
damme, a hundred year old property that is the ultimate in luxury. It was the home away from home for Winston Churchill. Rooms start at $500. a night, and it features typical Ritz Carlton level service, style and comfort. There is also a whole new area/development called the
Palmerie, a few miles outside of Marrakech. This is filled with luxury hotels and condos, but is an all new luxury resort area, with no authenticity. Some people like to stay there and go into the media or old city for fun and tours, and then return to the luxury of the resort.

So we've travelled for 24 hours, half way around the world. We're now in Africa, in Marrakesh Morocco. The sounds and smells of the city are wafting up from the busy street below. Its time to take a walk.

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