Contrasts of Marrakech

Dec. 2 2006 will forever be remembered as a day of contrasts, a day filled with huge varying travel experiences. Marrakech has so many faucets and angles, from ancient to jet set; every twist in the labyrinth of the medina’s alleys brings a revelation. On the Place Jemma el-Fna or main square snake charmers, acrobats and healers perform as they have for centuries. The huge food stalls are laden with erotic dishes that would baffle New York’s most experienced chefs. Men with wizened leathery faces and robes shuffle amidst visitors rushing about with astonishment etched on their faces.

My hotel the Jardin de la Koutoubia is close to all that activity yet remains an oasis of tranquility. My room over looks the courtyard pool that has a huge alcove with a fireplace that is lit every night. The courtyard has gardens and tables where the call to prayers echoes five times daily. This was Collin Farrell’s home for much of the filming of Alexander.

To top off this incredible day of exploration our government host M. Marrakchi Benjaarfar managed to get us invited to a party for the Marrakech Film Festival and magazine launch for a new magazine called Couleurs Marrakech. The palatial house far in the country was filled with music, food, drink and energy. The stylish trend setters moved to the beat of excess, flawlessly heeding their own call to prayers.