Marrakesh - Guided Tour

On our first day in Marrakesh, we started the morning with a guided tour. Our guide grew up in the Souks and after starting with a bit of the 'touristy' areas which made us a little nervous....
he turned out to provide the perfect start to the trip.




He helped us to not only get our bearings, ("To get back to your Riad, make a left at the blue sign, and a right at the vegetable stand...") but brought us to the Derb that he grew up in. A Derb is a little area or street, that has only one way in and out which creates a community and sense of protection.

He told us stories of how the boys in his neighborhood had intense football and fighting leagues. You either played football or fought, (true knuckle-boxing.)



We loved the first few hours wandering around the shops, and getting our bearings.




Mint tea was a quick hit with TJ!







The feeling of being in a culture and place so very different from the one where we spend our days is one of the most favorite things about travelling for me. Imagining our guides childhood in Marrakesh compared to mine in Medford makes me smile.