Multi-sensory Marrakech

Long walk today, taking a nice break to check e-mail and update the blog. It is really hard to describe this city with words and pictures: smells and sounds are just as important and an integral part of the experience. Things are quiet at night (at least where I am), except for the 5am call to prayer from the Minaret that overlooks my Riad. The owner was not kidding about how loud - and how cacophonous - the experience really is.


But once you step outside, especially during the afternoon and evening, there is noise everywhere. People, mopeds, animals, cars, ... an amazing accompaniment that complements the visual barrage. And the smells are also amazing, mostly the smoke from mopeds and from stands cooking food, sometimes also incense, perfumes, and other sources of many types of odors.

Photos will also not do justice to the chaos and poverty that is all around. I tend not to take pictures in the most "natural" places as it feels a bit awkward, but it is truly amazing.

And finally, there is a flow to it all that could never be captured with pictures, or even with movies. As you waled around these winding, narrow alleys, you are constantly dodging people, mopeds (often burdened with multiple passengers), cars, as well as carts of various sizes powered by humans or animals.