A Moroccan Adventure with Friends in Marrakech

Marrakech Through the Eyes of an Artist

Today was a vibrant collage of colors, textures, and tastes, a true feast for the senses here in Marrakech. It's days like these that remind me why I love to travel, to immerse myself in new cultures and find inspiration in every corner. It was a day of exploring the artistic soul of Marrakech, from the tranquil gardens to the captivating museums and the lively rooftop bars.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Dar Justo, the riad where Hans and I are staying. The fresh mint tea and an assortment of Moroccan pastries were the perfect start to fuel our adventures. I must admit, the comfort and hospitality here are making it hard to leave each morning! I even managed to video a quick tutorial on how they make the mint tea, I think my cooking class attendees in Hannover will love it.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine at Dar Justo in Marrakesh—where tradition meets innovation in every delightful dish.

Our first stop was the Jardin Majorelle, a place I had heard so much about. As we stepped through the gates, I was immediately transported to a different world. The intense Majorelle blue of the buildings against the lush greenery was simply breathtaking. Jacques Majorelle truly created a masterpiece, and it’s easy to see why Yves Saint Laurent fell in love with this place. Hans, ever the pragmatist, was impressed by the irrigation system, while I was lost in the beauty of the exotic plants and the serene atmosphere. It was a welcome escape from the bustling city, a place where time seemed to slow down. The garden wasn't overly large, but it was filled with an array of unusual cacti and plants. I was able to snap a few great pictures, I think my photography hobby is really going to get a boost on this trip.


Discover the serene beauty and vibrant culture of Jardin Majorelle, a botanical garden oasis in the heart of Marrakech, Morocco.

Color is undeniably the essence of Marrakech, painting every corner with stories untold.

Next on our itinerary was the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, located just a stone's throw away from the Jardin Majorelle. As someone who appreciates art and design, I was eager to explore the world of this iconic fashion designer. The museum is a modern architectural marvel, and the exhibits were thoughtfully curated, showcasing Saint Laurent's most iconic designs and his deep connection to Marrakech. I was particularly fascinated by the displays that highlighted the influence of Moroccan culture on his work. The vibrant colors, the intricate patterns, and the flowing fabrics – it was all a testament to the beauty of this country. Lena would have loved this place, she is so into fashion and design. I will have to bring her here next time.


Explore the legacy of Yves Saint Laurent at his dedicated museum in Marrakech, showcasing haute couture and artistic brilliance.

After immersing ourselves in the world of high fashion, we decided to delve into the world of Moroccan textiles at the Musée Boucharouite. This hidden gem, tucked away in the Medina, was a delightful surprise. The museum celebrates the art of Moroccan rug-making, showcasing a stunning collection of vibrant and eclectic rugs made from recycled materials. Each rug tells a story, reflecting the creativity and resourcefulness of the Berber women who created them. I found myself drawn to the bold colors and the intricate patterns, each one a unique work of art. It was a reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.


Discover the vibrant heritage of Moroccan textiles at Musée Boucharouite, a hidden gem in the heart of Marrakesh's Medina.

For lunch, we ventured to Cafe Restaurant Dar L'hssira, recommended by a local we met at the Musée Boucharouite. This charming little cafe offered a delicious and authentic Moroccan experience. The harira soup was flavorful, and the lemon chicken tagine was cooked to perfection. The staff were incredibly welcoming, and the cozy atmosphere made us feel right at home. The prices were very reasonable, making it an excellent choice for a budget-friendly meal. I even got to try some freshly squeezed orange juice with a hint of cinnamon, a delightful local specialty. It was the best Moroccan food I have ever had, and the service was world class. The cozy ambiance and colorful interior design provided a welcoming atmosphere. I will definitely try to recreate the lemon chicken tagine when I get back to Hannover.


Experience the true taste of Morocco at Cafe Restaurant Dar L'hssira – where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Le Salama Sky-bar, a rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the city. It was the perfect spot to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures. We sipped on refreshing cocktails as we watched the sky transform into a canvas of orange, pink, and purple hues. The atmosphere was lively and sophisticated, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the stunning views and the vibrant ambiance. I couldn't help but feel grateful for this incredible experience, for the opportunity to explore the beauty and culture of Marrakech with my dear friend, Hans. The music changed and a live performance commenced. Belly dancers came out balancing candles on top of their head! It was insane.


Discover the enchanting Le Salama Sky-bar in Marrakech, where stunning views meet exquisite Moroccan cuisine and a vibrant social atmosphere.

Dinner was at Le Trou Au Mur Restaurant and Roof terrace, a place recommended for its authentic Moroccan cuisine with a contemporary twist. The restaurant was cozy, with lovely paintings adorning the walls. The food was exquisite, and the service was impeccable. Hans tried the Meshoui lamb, while I opted for the Berber shepherd's pie. Both dishes were bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. The rooftop terrace offered a peaceful and romantic atmosphere, and we enjoyed a variety of cocktails as we savored the delicious food and the stunning views. The staff was charming and terrific. It has great music, a roaring fire and the aroma of expectation and the flicker of the fire casting shadows of atmosphere. The lighting is seductive and moody.


Experience exquisite modern European and Moroccan cuisine at Le Trou Au Mur, Marrakesh's premier rooftop dining destination.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment. Today was a reminder that travel is not just about seeing new places, but about experiencing new cultures, connecting with new people, and finding inspiration in the world around us. I am so looking forward to tomorrow, when we plan to visit the Dar Si Said Museum, the House of Photography in Marrakech, and Le Jardin Secret. I also want to do some shopping at 33 RUE MAJORELLE. I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

Before heading back to our riad, we enjoyed a final drink at Le Salama Sky-bar, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and the stunning views one last time. As we walked back through the Medina, the sounds of the city filled the air – the calls of the vendors, the laughter of the locals, and the rhythmic beat of the drums. It was a reminder that Marrakech is a city that never sleeps, a place where life is lived to the fullest.

I am so happy that I chose to come to Marrakech with Hans. It is a magical place, and I can't wait to see what the rest of our trip has in store. I will have to tell Lena and my cooking class attendees all about it when I get back to Hannover.

Tomorrow, we're planning to delve deeper into the history and culture of Marrakech with visits to the Dar Si Said Museum and the House of Photography. And perhaps a little shopping at 33 RUE MAJORELLE – a girl can never have too many souvenirs, can she? Good night from Marrakech!

I am so glad that I remembered to pack my camera, as I have been able to capture so many wonderful memories. I am also grateful for my comfortable walking shoes, as we have been doing a lot of walking. I do wish that I had remembered to bring my universal power adapter, as it has been a bit of a challenge to keep my devices charged. And I really regret that I forgot my travel journal, as I would have loved to jot down all of my thoughts and experiences in real time.

But all in all, this trip has been an incredible experience, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to explore this beautiful country with my dear friends. I am already looking forward to our next adventure!

As I close out this entry, I am reminded of a quote I once read:

Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.

And how true that is! Goodnight from Marrakech.