Secrets of Marrakesh

Posted Wednesday, April 04, 2007, 9:34 PM by Lonely Planet

Sylvia lifts the lid on Marrakesh's secrets...

One of the secrets behind the city walls revealed itself today. The Jardin Majorelle is a little corner of France in Marrakesh. It has tall palms to rival St Tropez, a waterlily pond that Monet would have died for and a lovely coffee shop where you can enjoy a chocolat chaud in the shade. Art and nature collide in a riot of colour. Lest you forget where you are, the cobalt-blue cubist structure in the corner houses the Museum of Islamic Art. Cool and stylish on the outside, inside it resembles an Islamic architectural salvage yard. Rescued wooden doors carved with Qur'anic script, 16th-century wedding chests and giant candle holders leave you guessing at the history of the vanished riads they once adorned. Playing the 'if you could take one thing home with you?' game I coveted a little blue fountain that would look perfect in the corner of my own garden.



I can also let you in on a few secrets that must surely be included in a Bluelist on how to make a few extra dirham in Marrakesh.

First, establish the country of origin of a customer and play the word association game. America - French fries, Australia - kangaroos, England - Marks and 'Spensive: 'I give you much better price than them for that Moroccan leather camel'.

Second, look for someone with a map and puzzled expression and offer to show them the way. If the route just happens to pass through your cousin's carpet shop, all the better.

Third, pop a snake around a startled tourist's neck and walk away. You'll find they will be more than willing to pose for a photograph to get you to take the snake away. Just don't be surprised if that smile on their face looks something like a grimace.

Finally, be gracious in defeat and always be prepared to give away a smile for nothing.

Labels: Africa, Bluelist Winners 2007

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