Reset search
The Marrakesh ExpressThe Marrakesh Express
SatelliteEdit route

The Marrakesh Express

September 2017
A 11-day adventure by Hazel and Ted's Journeys Read more
  • 13footprints
  • 1countries
  • 11days
  • 120photos
  • 0videos
  • 669miles
Follow Calendar Share Bucket list
Date ascending
  • Hazel and Ted's JourneysThe Marrakesh Express
    Day 9

    Imperial city of Meknes and Roman ruins

    September 28, 2017 in Morocco ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Off at 8.45 once more, pausing only at the hotel entrance to buy the photos from the "official" photographers who make their living following tourists around and snap us as we go. Bought 2 today-Ted looked too miserable in most of them 😂 Weather better today and indeed was very hot at the Roman ruins at midday as we dutifully followed our guide but first it was Meknes, which had once or twice been the capital and is thus an "imperial city". We visited the Moulay Ismael royal stables where 12000 horses were stabled and the huge granaries needed for everyone. Then another impressive gateway-the Bab El Mansour opposite a much smaller but copy of Marrakesh's main square. As said, the Roman ruins were very hot but the local guide was brilliant and we put up with the sweltering sun as we listened to his pearls of wisdom. Lunch then on the outside terrace if a hotel overlooking Volubilis but this time a platter of meats-not very appetising! We didn't get back til 5ish but had to first visit the ceramic factory. Again, lovely, good quality stuff but £120 for a fruit bowl was too much after the silver teapot and how would I get it home?! We then stopped at Carrefour right next to the hotel to buy provisions for tomorrow's 7 hour train journey back to Marrakesh. Time for a quick swim then shower and tea at the pool bar.Read more

  • Hazel and Ted's JourneysThe Marrakesh Express
    Day 10

    The Marrakesh Express

    September 29, 2017 in Morocco ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    An early start in order to get to Fes station in time for our return railway journey to Marrakesh. Again, our party had 5 1st class carriages for 6 people in each and at this stage of the holiday people were pretty sure who they did or did not want to spend the next 7 hours with! We were with our buddies, Jill and Joy, and then ended up also with Irene and Aziz (a bit like being with the teachers on a school trip!)
    Amazingly, the 7 hours did not seem too bad and we had some laughs and good conversation. The next door carriage were drinking wine (we had been asked to be discreet if anyone wanted any alcohol) and there was a flurry of excitement as the train guard asked Aziz to sort out these renegades as he is required to confiscate the 🍷🍷🍷🍷! Aziz cracked on that it was only cola - no one was fooled, let alone the guard, but peace reigned once more. Our trusty green bus was there at Marrakesh station to meet us and we transferred, once more, back to the Hotel Es Saadi.
    Most people, including us, were surprised to find they had a much better room than last time. In fact, we had a suite with 2 rooms and a large balcony overlooking the pool, 2 TVs, large platter of fresh fruit and a kitchen with Nespresso machine! Lovely and a great end to the holiday. Dinner at 8pm then it will be goodbye to the rest of the party who leave at 9 in the morning.    Read more

  • Hazel and Ted's JourneysThe Marrakesh Express
    3
    Day 11

    Goodbye Morocco!

    September 30, 2017 in Morocco ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Had one of my famous "can't get to sleep" nights which was a pity as we were in the delightful suite and no need to get up! In the end, had about 4 hours - Sod's law! Did not get up to wave the rest of the group off therefore, as we had mostly done that last night, and Ted was also not feeling his best due to rumbling tummy syndrome. However, lucky us as we now have one last day in this delightful hotel which, as predicted by Ted, was the best of the 4 we stayed in. The ☀️ is shining and we have to make the most of it at this time of year. In addition, Ted has secured a late check out (6pm) - perfect, as we can now shower etc and have something to eat (if either of us fancy anything!) before we set off at 7. Apparently, although our transfer in from the airport was included, our transfer back is not ....... Now is perhaps the time to add a few more photos that I didn't have room for in previous footprints!Read more

  • 2024© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Blog
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Support
  • Legal notice
  • English