ROAD TRIP

Our drive to Marrakech from Ifrane was as expected…….almost 6 hours…….rain on and off for the first half of the trip, basically downhill all the way, but the thermometer was on the way up.  We stayed on main highways taking us west to the coast, then south, passing close to both Rabat, the capital, and Casablanca, rather than taking secondary roads through the mountains in a more direct SW line……probably more scenic if the weather was nice, but also a lot slower.  Highway En Route stops are a real step up from what we have at home…….a good selection of restaurants, grocery store, upstairs was a relaxing lounge, business centre, kids play area…….all very bright, spotlessly clean…..very nice.

The traffic began to build as we approached Marrakech, and once in the city trying to make our way from north side to south side it was super busy, and in some places just jammed.  The phrase “Organized Chaos” is something I have come up with, and I think it perfectly describes driving in this city.  Traffic lanes are seemingly non-existent, and can shift left or right as you desire…….traffic circles/roundabouts, of which there are many, are like playing a game of dare…….just edge your nose out far enough and eventually someone in the circle will hit the brakes, and then you can go.  Motorcycles and scooters of all shapes and sizes are everywhere, and adhere to no traffic rules at all…….they are free wheelin’ man………sometimes the husband at the controls, sandwiched by one child up front on the gas tank, one right behind, and mama hanging on for dear life on the back………no helmets!  Pedestrians take their life in their hands, crossing anywhere they like, but somehow it all seems to work.  

Funny moment when the GPS says we have arrived, and we look around thinking, hey we booked a nice hotel here, but it is nowhere to be seen.  We see an auto repair shop with a car up on a floor jack at the side of the road getting worked on, and a motorcycle repair shop, with similar work going on out front on the sidewalk………..then we notice a couple of palm’s in planters  at either side of a double wood door, and we realize we have actually arrived!  Villa des Orangers, comes highly recommended from Myrne, who stayed here with Pete on their trip, but they didn’t fill us in on the stunning curb appeal this place offers……..what a hoot…….bags out of the van, and an army of staff arrive to ensure we don’t touch a thing, and we stroll down a long hallway past the front desk and into an courtyard oasis where the registration is handled. 

Shortly we are given a property tour, and it is fairly extensive on two floors with different wings, a couple of pools, spa, dining rooms, lounges, and additional open courtyards.  Stunning.  We decide to stay in for dinner tonight and get settled.