Plain and simple: I was absolutely mesmerized by Marrakech.  I fell hard for this magical city, a city that is an explosion for all of your senses.

It’s an explosion of sights with vibrant colors everywhere (and I mean everywhere), from the deep Majorelle blue against the bright tumeric yellow accents, to the colorful goods filling every nook and cranny in the souks, to the gorgeous and intricate design works literally everywhere, to the varying shades of red clay of the buildings and floors.

It’s an explosion of sounds walking through the streets and alleys full of people, bikes, motor bikes, wagons, donkeys, horses, and cars whizing by you, not to mention the sounds of people calling for your attention competing with their neighbors for your business in the souks or Jemaa el-Fna square, or the mesmerizing sound of the call to prayer ringing through the city.

It’s an explosion of smells, be it the smell of the fabulous Moroccan tagine presented before you as the waiter pulls away the clay top like a magician, or the lingering smell of the motor bikes’ motor oil in the streets (the favorite way to get around), or sweet amber and musk perfumes lofting throughout the spice souk.

It’s an explosion of taste between the delicious couscous or tagines, and nearly everything seems to be made with the famous Moroccan 35-spice mix, or the dishes cooked in saffron, which is local to Morocco, or the delicious mint tea served to you by almost everyone you meet, or the fresh pressed juices you order at every meal.

A day in Marrakech had me wanting to feel everything, from the kessel brush scrubbing my skin in the hammam, to the leather bags, pouffs, fuzzy clutches, and soft blankets of the souks, to the cozy blankets in the lounges of the riad.

Every single moment we were there seemed exotic, like I was in a far-away land.  I spent my days in Marrakech with eyes wide open.

Marrakech, you were everything.  Thank you for fulfilling this girl’s heart to explore new cultures and experience something totally new.  <3