Mom & Kids, Marrakesh & Maneuvering the Medina

The first day after dad's abrupt departure we stopped to grab our daily baguettes and pastries at the bakery next to our apartment and then headed to an area that was suppose to have warehouses to visit.  However, we were denied access to multiple stores because they didn’t want kids in their shops and we were even told that we were “forbidden!”  Then we headed towards Jardin Majorelle, the gardens that were purchased and gifted to Marrakesh by Yves St Lauren.  No one was really excited about paying to visit a garden, but we were pleasantly surprised as it was very beautiful and the vibrant color scheme and unique plants created a peaceful and enjoyable place to walk around, lifting most of our spirits a bit.  We then headed to a famous leather shoe shop and found an H&M so were able to get a new wardrobe for SJ who’d outgrown almost everything as well as pick up a few items for the boys.  We wrapped up the night with pizza and a movie on Mom’s computer.

Kids at Jardin Majorelle

Loving the colors of this beautiful garden

Beautiful mixing of colors everywhere we look!

Love my boys' eyes for beauty behind a camera

Enjoying the gardens

Our last full day in Marrakesh, we had a list of places we wanted to visit – some historical and some for enjoyment.  Our first stop Starbucks for Mom and then onto the Ensamble Artisanal, a nice great place to find many items sold in the medina, but here there's no pressure to purchase or bargain the price down as they were set prices.  We walked along the street with funduqs, where the artisans can be found working on their products in buildings that used to function as horse stables and lodging for the desert traders visiting to buy and sell goods.  We visited several well-known areas of the medina and by the time the day was over the kids were maneuvering their way through the medina recognizing landmarks and all, which is no easy feat!  The oldest and youngest boys both purchased leather jackets with some money they’d received as a gift and they were extremely thrilled with these purchases, discussing how they would not be handed down to brothers but would be heirlooms for their children!  We also had fun finding a few souveniers and odds and ends type things, drinking fresh squeezed juices, and visiting with the shop owners.  We were tired and no one complained when we returned to the apartment for leftovers!

Sometimes something simple like a Starbucks can cause us to tear up when we are so far away

Orange trees are planted on the sides of streets throughout Marrakesh

THRILLED with his leather jacket gift!

Shop owners praying during the Muslim call to prayer

Sparks of vibrant color behind every doorway!

Moroccan babouches everywhere

By the end of our stay, these guys were navigating the medina on their own!

Our oldest thrilled to be having a chameleon climbing on his face!

Spices in the Medina

Sweets in the medina

Someone didn't adhere to the "Dish Manifesto" the boys have created