Jemaa el-Fnaa

We saw the main square in the Medina, Jemaa el-Fnaa several times during our stay in Marrakesh and each time it was different.  In the morning caravans selling orange juice, water and dried fruits dominated.  In the afternoon locals vied for customers for photographs with their monkeys or their snakes, for henna treatments or more traditional souvenirs; wooden camels, scarves or Moroccan plates.  Cavernous cafe’s with verandas shading chairs facing the Square allow the tourist to escape the heat of the day, have a drink and observe the chaos from a distance.  It was at night when the square really came alive.  Food stalls, barbecues, African  drummers, dancers and soothsayers with a backdrop of a golden sun setting behind a mosque exaggerate the commotion with shadows.  Many of the cafes have rooftop dining areas providing a ringside seat to the spectacle.  

The photograph with this post was taken from the top floor of a restaurant called “Le Marrakeshi”.  It was recommended to us by Emily and David who were kind enough to give us directions when were once again going the wrong way.  They e-mailed us a photograph of the sun setting over the square but unfortunately in the confusion of travel the e-mail disappeared.  If you are reading this Emily and David it would great if you could re e-mail your photograph so we can share it with our readers.  Thanks again for pointing us in the right direction to Mohammed V.