[new][edit][reply] Taking in the sights and sound of Marrakesh’s souks -- Rakhi 09:57, 10 November 2011 (EST)

Body: When I say market there may be other words, which better describe the souks - maze like is possibly the best. Having landed in the Moroccan city fresh off a <a href=" www.cheapflights.co.uk ">cheap flight </a> from London, I was amazed. The taxi had brought me straight to the Jemaa el-Fna and it was absolutely heaving. I meandered towards the opening of the world famous souks avoiding snake charmers, and monkey handlers. Soon the souk had engulfed me and I was suddenly swamped by goods and store owners. There was a wide array of goods, from leather belts to lanterns all laid out in a tempting and alluring way. These covered markets twisted and turned for what seemed like miles, at some points small alleys would lead to tanneries or open up to squares lined with small cafes. In the end I found what I was looking for and sat down to a mint tea – the staple beverage for many of the people who live in the city. The warm sweet drink immediately relaxed me and I set off once again in search of my accommodation. With riads scattered across the city you can stay in a house and someone will even cook for you if you want them too – at an extra cost, of course, but it is worth it. These houses are hidden down back streets and can be incredibly difficult to find, but the hassle definitely pays off, especially when you step out onto the roof terrace and see the city laid out before you. At night the city changes and people pack into the main square for entertainment and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. There are also many other stalls offering freshly cooked food. With a wide array of dishes in front of you there is a huge amount of choice, from the bog standard ground chickpea soup to the seemingly lavish kebabs which are cooked right in front of you. A delicious end to my first day in Marrakesh.