Posts Tagged “Morocco”

A Touch of Turkey in my Bathroom!

moorish_architectureI love Moorish and Ottoman architecture. I have travelled extensively across North Africa, Spain, Portugal, Turkey and into the Middle East to marvel at such sights. I could never take enough photos of Moorish buildings with their elegant archways, domes, large wooden doors (I love doors!) and most of all, the beautiful tiles that graced nearly all wall space available – and then onto the ceilings.

Not long ago one of our bathrooms needed a complete renovation from its 1967 ‘purple’ decor. We knocked out a wall and completely opened it up, allowing more light in. I had already decided it was going to be a brighter, cheerier bathroom and decorated with two panels of tiles from Turkey. One has been placed above the tapware of the bath (see photo) and the other set into the wall cavity of the shower to be a useful shelf. I love this new turkish_tilesspace and now, I think of Turkey and my time travelling whenever I enter that bathroom!

What do you have in your home, that reminds you of some wonderful travel destinations you’ve visited? Please leave your comments below…

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Where is Marrakech?

Local Water Seller

Local Water Seller

The “Red City”, in which Marrakech is often referred to is centrally located in Morocco. Situated midway between the mighty Atlas Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Marrakesh has an approximate population of more than a million. Unofficially, it is believed it could be nearly two million. The population is a mixture of Arab, French, Belgians, Berbers and Tuareg.

The famous Market Square of Djemaa el Fna and also one of the busiest in Africa is a treat for the senses. Here you will experience snake charmers, water sellers (in their very traditional and colourful attire), story tellers and people from all walks of life, making it a fabulous place for people watching.

marrakech

Atlas Mountains in the background

Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech and quite a recognisable landmark with its square minaret. It was completed during the reign of Sultan Yacoub el Mansour (1184-1199), making it one of the oldest of three Almohad minarets remaining in the world. The other two are in Rabat, Morocco and Seville, Spain.

Fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent became a feature to Marrakech when he purchased the ‘Majorelle Gardens’ during 1980 that had belonged to the French artist Jacques Majorelle. The gardens represent everything that is Moroccan with lush palms, fountains and splashes of vivid blue paint, pots and tiles adding a rich array of colour.

If you’re requiring accommodation whilst in Marrakech, I highly recommend this boutique hotel Riad Orangeraie – take a look at what’s on offer. It looks simply divine.

This ‘Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide of Marrakech’ will set you in the right direction to see all the grand sites of this exotic city.

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Marrakech

One Great Reason to Visit Marrakech

One great reason to visit Marrakech is to experience toothless Snake Charmers wrap a snake around your neck encouraging you to kiss it to bring ‘Good Luck’!

The Colours of Marrakech

For More Information

  • Wikipedia
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