Monday 30 October 2017

OCTOBER 2017 : MADRID : in transit


An afternoon flight from Marrakech to Madrid. Leaving Marrakech.


Crossing from the African subcontinent into Spain...only 11 kms from Tangiers to Tarifa.


Our hotel, Mediodia, overlooking the Reina Sofia Museum. We have a balcony on the 6th floor.



Jardin Colgate Caxiaforum


Breakfast nearby


Walking up the Paseo del Prado


National Bank flanking Spanish flags to support Spanish unity against Catalan secession.


The theatre district


Metro to see friends



Market shopping - local market inside shopping complex

New Venezuelan store. Many Hispanics moving into this area, which is reflected in the variety of products.






Claudia and Sergio’s apartment building - about 100 years old.



Enjoying Olivia..


Final seafood lunch together..until we meet again..hasta luego!


M&M

OCTOBER 2017 : MOROCCO : MARRAKECH : DAY 15


A busy time for our final day, with contrasts of the modern sophisticated Marrakech and the tribal centre where camel caravans passed through in centuries passed. We set off early in the cool of the morning.


First stop was the Majorelle Gardens.


An extensive garden featuring palms and cactus plants set in the backdrop of vivid colours.


The welcoming courtyard near the entrance


The thick and sheltered bamboo forest


Gorgeous colour scheme


Koi pond



Central pond


A few birds feeding on the plants 


The main building, now a Berber Museum, Library and cafe. This was originally Jacques Majorelle’s studio.


Jacques Majorelle (1886-1962) was an accomplished artist, who moved to Marrakech in 1917 and bought a palm grove, which Yves St Laurent purchased and restored in 1980. Majorelle was fascinated with the Berbers and most of his work is dedicated to them.



Exquisite jewellery in the Berber Museum


From the Jardin Majorelle we walked towards the main square, despite the heat and with some excellent navigating by Paul.


Palm trees fake and real abound - camouflaged communication towers



An artisan’s cooperative near the main square with the whole gammet of arts, crafts and furniture at a fixed price


Instruments


Fabrics


Lunch in one of the terraced cafes at the Jamaa El Fna Square for a bird’s eye view of the daily activity


Dates and dried fruit


Special remedies


Souks full of local crafts





A final meal with our special Aussie girls at The Grand Café de la Poste.. a colonial atmosphere with spectacular decor.






A fabulous fortnight in this fascinating country. Congratulations to Exodus touring company for providing such a solid itinerary, special accommodation and experiences...and for such a reasonable price..excellent value.
Thank you to our fellow travellers for their good company, shared knowledge and the fun we enjoyed together.
mm_smith@bigpond.net.au
M&M