MARRAKESH, RIAD KNISAS, DERB HOTEL BAB DOUKALA

Set off from Gatwick airport using Ryanair (or was it Easyjet, can't remember). No problem with small cases or - that nuisance - the plastic bag for liquids, but what did happen? My contact lens lotion emptied itself all over the contents of case so couldn't use contact lenses during whole of stay. No shops in the Medina that sold such a thing as contact lens lotion.
Had a long wait to board then was sitting in plane for nearly 45 minutes.
Crowded plane, uncomfortable seats and sqashed at armrest.
OK at Marrakesh though, met by Ben and a driver, and short ride in nice new air con car to Riad Kniza.
Riad Kniza is in tiny alley near souk selling food - near Bab Doukalla, three carved gateways in the ochre city wall. Outside the wall is mayhem of city traffic, inside in mayhem of pedestrians and little motorbikes.
We have duplex accommodation, dark rooms, carpets, huge bed, nice cushions on floor, carved antique furniture. Very helpful people.
Snack lunch at about 3.30 which was tea, fried 'finger' food and little rolls (pastilles) stuffed with chicken and salad.
There is a plunge pool, tiny and very blue and open to the blue sky, with two blue pots at one end, where stand large palm trees.
Red rose petals on the bed, in the wash basin, on the table, on towels and in another room a bowl of peaches, grapes and apples.

NOT SO NICE THINGS ABOUT MARRKECH IN MOROCCO

Dirty taxis, 'rip off' and surly taxi drivers.
Chaotic roads so you risk life and limb crossing road.
Overpowering heat of direct sun (July).
Rather too much sugar and too much fried food.
No 'western' bread except in French restaurants.
Not many vegetables (low fibre diet!).
Chickens, rabbits, chicks, in tiny hutches in the markets.
Flies on cakes, breads, pastries on the stalls.
Lack of any good quality shops in the New Town - or we couldn't find them if they are there.

NICE THINGS ABOUT MARRAKECH IN MOROCCO

We visited in July, during the hottest freak weather, up to 45 degrees.
Nice things:
Cool shady bits, colours, carved wooden doors.
Lovely potted palms(in blue pots).
Friendly people who say 'bon soir', 'bon jour'.
Pretty children.
All the staff at the Riad Kniza, and most of the waiting staff at restaurants.
Shops at the airport
Orange juice, cold wine, expat lifestyle.
Food:
Little fried savory snacks and salted almonds in their skins.
Lamb tagine, fish, peaches.