Stayed in the relative cool of the riad until 2:45 and then headed out to the Bahia Palace -- got there along with a couple of dozen other tourists, so decided to backtrack to the Dar Si Said crafts museum first -- which we had completely to ourselves. Nicer than the simply arranged crafts was the gorgeous building -- even nicer was how cool it was inside.
After dawdling through there, we went back to the Bahia Palace which, while it wasn't very crowded, wasn't exactly empty so it was less peaceful than we'd hoped. Beautiful tilework, carved friezes, and woodwork. We spent a while wandering around and taking some silly pictures.
Marrakesh is much nicer than Tangier. I'm really happy to be staying in this amazing raid so close to the main square (the Djema el-Fnaa). Went for a wander through the souks earlier, having (yet again) failed to follow a Lonely Planet walking tour. Looked at some things -- an olive green ottoman is in our future -- and perhaps found the perfect slippers for Matt and Lindsay.
Souks are a bit overpowering -- so many things, so many people. Went out in theh evening for dinner and timed things perfectly right -- climbed up to the rooftop terrace at Chez Chegrouni just as the couple in the prime location were getting up. Ordered (surprisingly flavorless) veggie couscous and a veggie tagine, but perhaps we should have asked for cumin? Slightly annoying having people come and stand next to us to snap flash photos of the square, but we had gotten the best table in the house.
Then back down to the Djema el-Fnaa -- very crowded with snake charmers, monkey wranglers, water sellers, dancers, henna painters, drummers, and all the foodstalls you could imaging -- from the amazing fresh-squeezed orange juice stands to the snail sellers. Lots of locals out at night -- pressing through the souks. A bit of sensory overload, in a good way.
Ended the evening on the roof terrace of the riad. Sweetly, Ahmed wished us good night. He also, at some point, sprinkled rose petals in the courtyard fountain. Really pretty.
I love it here. Very happy to spend another day here, even if it is swelteringly hot.
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