Gotta Marra-catch my breath

Marrakech is intense.

And at times, an assault on the senses.

You can smell delicious food one minute, then horse urine the next, then a perfume store or burning incense, then straight up excrement. There's ornate metal lanterns everywhere, beautiful silver jewellery I'd never wear, gorgeous dresses, and huge stands with all kinds of dried fruits and nuts.

Walking through the main square, there are a thousand things to see. Snake charmers, acrobats, chained monkeys, sad donkeys, street beggars, juices stands, henna ladies… and that's just what I can think of off the top of my head.

The food is good. The exchange rate makes you feel rich. And haggling can be stressful but fun.

Today I bought, what I call, diaper pants. I'm so excited for them. They look kind of ridiculous but I feel like a yogi in them. Photos will come eventually.

Tonight, after our day of meandering through the bazaar of Medina, we sat on the roof top patio drinking Moroccan mint tea and smoking mint tobacco through a hookah. I feel like I got the true Moroccan experience, aside from the fact that it was cold, dark and raining. But still nice. Great conversation, great company. I'm very grateful for my travel companions.

We, Sean Haley and I, signed up for a desert excursion. Two nights, three days. I can't wait. We leave tomorrow. We'll be camel riding, and camping in the Sahara. I can't tell you how excited I am. I've already decided its the best part of my trip. Hope I don't jinx it by saying that.

Our first night we'll be in a hotel. So I may be able to post. Updates to come, I promise.

I'm thinking I'll be in Morocco for a few weeks. It's a unique place, and I don't know if or when I'd ever come back. So I may as well make the most of my stay. I won't be alone though. Sean's leaving Monday, but I'll be with Haley and I'll be extra safe. I'll be ok.

That's it for today.

AML