Charming snakes and snake charmers

Posted Wednesday, April 04, 2007, 10:36 PM by Lonely Planet

Lisa finds that snakes are charming until they try to slip the tongue in...

Being told it's good luck to kiss a snake just isn't enough to coax me into it, but today there was no choice...

The past few days have seen me gaze in wonder from afar at the snake charmers and their mesmerised snakes, because I lacked the kind of silver that makes them do their thing. Today however, armed with coinage and courage, I went to interact and get a little closer, only for a photo though. A photo was granted in due course after paying up. I had had my snake charming experience. But the charmer decided there should be more interaction and it would be better to put the charmed one around my neck. This wasn't in the initial contract. Now the whole snake around my neck thing didn't exactly worry me, it was the orange and black diamond scales that made its strike ability rating soar, plus it oozed fierceness. Not only that, but the snake ended up in my mouth. Yes, the fabulously witty charmer had another great idea, get Lisa to kiss the snake. 'Kiss it for good luck, kiss it', he insisted as I blatantly refused. There is only one thing you can do when a snake's head gets pressed against your lips. You kiss it.



Before arriving in Marrakesh I was well aware of Lonely Planet's popularity, but the motto today seemed to be 'You just aren't hip unless you have a blue bible'. Sitting in the cafe of the Jardin Majorelle (an extravagant gift given to the city of Marrakesh by Yves Saint Laurent) it became pretty clear just how many people rely on and trust the opinions of Lonely Planet. Prior to my hot chocolate being served I had counted at least five other tables with people sipping their coffee and flipping through the pages of 'Best of Marrakesh'. I'm guessing it's become even more fashionable than a designer handbag, at least in terms of travel essentials and I was sure to have my copy on display so I could be part of the 'in crowd'.



After visiting the Ville Nouvelle (the new, touristy side of town with a little less authenticity and a McDonalds serving McArabia's) the meandering alleyways of the old town (our home for the week) were quite welcoming. The aged-carved face of the onion seller and the little old men that sit and watch the world go by have become to me what this city is all about. While I have been on the hunt for the illusive portrait photograph, it's surprising to me that I'm okay with just looking, purely because their true beauty really can't be captured. Not that I won't stop trying of course!

Labels: Africa, Bluelist Winners 2007

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