Travel Blog by SarahE, , for everyone

Shopping in the Souks

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Sarahe's travel blog in Marrakech, Morocco. She went on 24 of May 2006 for 1 day. She went for culture. Sarahe went with a group of friends. She got there and around by airplane/helicopter. SarahE's travel verdict is: you must go here.

The Marrakech souks are a shoppers heaven in terms of diversity and volume of exotic products. But if you’re used to a calm and civilized purchasing experience you’re in for a bumpy ride. The warren of dimly lit alleys that form the Red City’s bazaar are redolent with strange and sometimes offensive smells, ringing with a cacophony of sounds and full of incredibly pushy salesmen.

You’ll certainly get lost in the maze-like complex of stalls; you’ll see your life flash before your eyes as you dodge the motorbikes hurtling through souks at breakneck speed; you’ll sigh with sympathy at the small donkeys struggling to pull massive loads; you’ll be harassed ad nauseam by men selling anything from sticky sweet pastries to silk scarves to carved wooden camels; and you’ll come away with a whole bundle of beautiful and astoundingly cheap purchases.

But even if the experience isn’t necessarily relaxing, it’s so exciting and enriching that the temporary stress is worth the benefits. And when you’re sitting in a store, sipping your umpteenth cup of sweet, syrupy mint tea that most vendors will offer you in an attempt to get you to linger, you might just find that you’re enjoying yourself—I certainly did.

Travel Blog Tags

shopping, morocco and bazaars

Comments

Hugo says...

I have been meaning to go here for yonks. Looks intriguing.

Any special tips on places to eat or stay?

Posted 1027 days ago.
SarahE says...

oh YES! casa lalla is amazing for both. www.casalalla.com

Posted 1027 days ago.
Hugo says...

Very handy. Thanks.

Any other tips on going, leaving (in one piece), hanging out and pottering around gratefully received!

Posted 1027 days ago.
lucysoff says...

I went to Marrakech for just one day last year- we were in Spain and popped over on the train (but that's another story!). I really enjoyed your description of shopping in the souks- a very challenging but very rewarding experience indeed!
How long were you there for? Did you find much more to see/do while you were there?

Posted 999 days ago.
ahmedfeth says...

that's an wonderful experince lol

Posted 662 days ago.