Marrakesh

Day 11--Marrakesh! It was a very long drive--300 miles--from Fez to Marrakesh. We checked in at the Hotel Imperial Borj. It was first rate. We arrived in time for a dip in the pool before dinner. In the evening we enjoyed open-air dining near poolside. Fragrant roses lined the walkways. We were entertained by Joseph, a talented young vocalist, who had learned his perfect English by listening to Peter, Paul, & Mary and other artists of the sixties. His voice was soft, rich, and relaxing. We stayed on a bit after dinner just to hear more of his repertoire.


The following day was busy. It started with a Marrakesh city tour. In the late afternoon, we took a carriage ride. In the evening we attended a "Fantasia"--a traditional show of horsemanship, festive dining, and other Moroccan entertainments.

The first stop of our city tour was at the Menara Gardens Pavilion. The placid water was actually teeming with fish. When someone threw some bread in the pond, there was a frenzy of splashing and leaping.

The Bahia Palace (below) was another example of Eastern opulence. It was used by the Grand Vizier.

I'm troubled that I never figured out the "pecking order" for various kinds of eastern officialdom. I just couldn't get the sultans, emirs, caliphs, pashas, grand viziers, etc., in order. Presumably there's a progression of rank--like mayor, governor, president--but I couldn't figure it out.

The Bahia Palace had beautifully tiled rooms. It also had a peaceful garden. One of the largest and most impressive areas, however, was the space allocated for concubines and favorite wives. The area for concubines was a spacious courtyard (below on the left). On the right, Dot pulls up her shirt collar to mimic a veil, and clowns at the window of the apartment for the "favorite wife." That's the perfect spot for her because you betcha she's MY favorite!

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