This is a picture I took of the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech after our tour. The mosque was built in the 1100’s during the Almohad dynasty and is the most recognizable landmark in the city. Its tall minaret (used for announcing the calling of the prayer) can be seen from all around Marrakech, especially near the medina. While we were walking around, I noticed big holes all over the walls of the mosque and in several nearby buildings too. I asked our guide what they were from because at first I thought they might have been damage from a war. He explained that the holes were actually left from the wooden scaffolding used during construction.

Walking through the markets in Marrakech felt overwhelming in the best way possible. From the second I entered the area I watched a monkey doing a backflip which was very awesome. (Even though I know these monkeys are enslaved they were still very cute and talented) The juice vendors constantly tried getting people’s attention by calling out and waving fresh fruit at me. At one point, I took a picture with a snake draped over my shoulders. Before the photo, I asked the man how much it cost and he told me, “Whatever you wish.” After the pic, I handed him 20 dirhams, but he immediately demanded 100. I just left him. The rest of the afternoon I spent wandering through the market, bargaining for small trinkets and souvenirs from different shops.

While walking through the markets, I decided to buy a brass bracelet for my girlfriend with her name written in Arabic. At the first shop, I definitely overpaid. The vendor used a machine instead of hand engraving it with a chisel, and the final result looked terrible. I left feeling pretty upset because it honestly felt like I had been scammed. Later, I found another vendor and decided to try again. This time the bracelet was cheaper, looked much cleaner and had more detail on it, and felt like a better material. I also had our anniversary date engraved on the inside for no extra cost. The second bracelet turned out much better, so I left satisfied with the purchase. Also, she doesn’t know I got her this so don’t tell her.