Seven hours in the air and we land at the beautiful Marrakech airport and right away can feel the pulse and vibe of the city…

Originally constructed as a wedding gift, our hotel, the La Mamounia, served for centuries as a royal palace. For the last century it has been used a hotel that is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world.

The night of arrival we have dinner in one of the stellar restaurants in the hotel. Tomorrow we are off to see the sights of the Medina – the old city of Marrakech.

I chose to visit the souk (or zud) a marketplace that is home to the artisans and craftsmen of the city. This area is a narrow, crowded, teeming series of winding alleys populated with closet-sized rooms, each filled with a manufacturer of some handicraft. In spite of the lack of room and light, the level of craftsmanship is remarkable, as are the weary faces of those doing the work…

Outside around the alleys there is the life and color that is Marrakech…

That afternoon was spent having lunch at and lolling about another spectacular pool before our farewell dinner. In spite of the pall of the trip ending, all are in goods spirits, wearing outfits and other purchases of the journey…

The next day, everyone enjoyed a somber breakfast before heading to the airport for the long flight home. On the way to the airport we were treated to a fender-bender and its’ ensuing street scuffle…

At the airport we glide through the now normal three levels of security and board the plane ultimately for Orlando, but first there is another stop to be made !