We were lost and there was no sugarcoating the fact the driver had left us nowhere near the location I had in mind. Maps were useless; the fact that any exist for the Marrakech medina must be a joke amongst map publishers.
Finding the quaint food stall I had dutifully copied from the guidebook was a lost cause and instead we were just hoping to find our way. The narrow streets and alleys were a vast labyrinth that seemed to go on forever.
Just when we thought all was lost, we turned a corner and were hit with an amazing smell. It was a savory combination of meat and spices and I knew instantly that I had to find the source.
The succulent aroma belonged to a simple souk with tagine cooking on small, charcoal stoves. We found a stool and through a mixture of French and hand gestures, made it clear that we had to have whatever was in the tagine.
Within minutes our new friend, Abdi Salim, had placed before us the best tagine de poulet we would find in Marrakech. After a leisurely afternoon repast, Abdi helped us return to the Djemaa el Fna.
One of my first views of Marrakech, this photo brings back those wonderful memories of friendship and culinary excellence in a flood of emotion. It is proof that a pristine travel experience can happen even in the most unlikely of places.
I think I can smell the meat and spices! Marrakech is calling me. It just sounds fantastic. Did you also go to the dyer’s souk? I am very curious about it; can hardly wait to see it in person.
Matt, they are two of my most memorable vistas and memorable smells as well!
Thanks for entering our Comp and apologies for taking so long to get to this! Tokyo was hectic to say the least, compounded by terrible jet lag, so not much time for social media, I’m afraid. :( Best of luck!
Mary – Unfortunately we never made it to the dyers souk. Would love to see pics when you go though!
Laura – Thank you! Marrakech was a surprising favorite place for us. Didn’t know if we would like it and we ended up loving it!
I found the Terrace Panoramique closer to Koutoubia gave a better vista of Marrakech personally- Especially as the sun went down.
Our best experience of Morocco was out in the Atlas Mountains- Toubkal is definitely a must-do trek