A treasure of unique photos…. Marrakech a generation or two ago….

A treasure of unique photos….
Maison de la Photographie in the medina of Marrakech is definitely worth the visit - here some snapshots of old Marrakech.

Caravan in the Palmeraie Marrakech

Henri Regnault Portrait of a slave 1870

Snake charmer in Place Jemaa el Fna' Marrakech

Unknown man Marrakech

Bab el Majlis Marrakech and some mosque minarets circa 1920

Pottery merchant Fes

Popular storyteller Casablanca - circa 1920

These photos are so beautiful and special. There are not many old photos from the very old days of Morocco. I have written before about the museum ”Maison de la photography” in Marrakech. If you are maybe one day in Marrakech you have to go. The owner, a French man, has collected a treasure of unique photos. I love old pictures, but because there are so less of these kind of photos, they are extra special.

http://lifestyle-from-amsterdam-to-marrakech.com/2012/11/14/a-treasure-of-unique-photos/

Entrance tickets are very reasonable, 40 dirhams, last time I was there and you can use them more than once.

Maison de la Photographie must have the highest roof terrace in Marrakech with a really fantastic view over the medina and the Atlas mountains in the distance. Well worth a visit.

All photos are owned by Maison de la Photographie, Marrakech

Posted by www.riadariha.com  and www.riadchichi.com 
Come and stay with us when you come to Marrakech - that beguiling, exotic city in North Africa

The Last Storytellers - Marrakech

To enrich your experience of Marrakech and Morocco, buy the book "The Last Storytellers: Tales from the Heart of Morocco" by BBC Africa Editor, former BBC correspondent in Morocco, Richard Hamilton

http://www.richard-hamilton.com/the-last-storytellers/

Come and stay with us when you come to Marrakech: two chic riads - affordable luxury
www.riadariha.com   and www.riadchichi.com

Beni Ouarain beauties – Oriental magical carpets

Guest blogger - Melanie from Lifestyle from Amsterdam to Marrakech

Design flair and these beautiful hand-made rugs from Morocco

http://lifestyle-from-amsterdam-to-marrakech.com/2012/11/10/beni-ouarain-beauties

It’s not the first time that I write about the gorgeous Beni Ouarain rugs. Im so in love with them that I went to Morocco to find some beauties for my shop El Ramla Hamra. I found them all beautiful and wanted them all. Especially the vintage ones.  They are making new ones now just for commerce, but I think they are not the same like the old ones. The vintage ones have a history of decades. A Beni Ouarain rug is timeless and makes the spaces in your home so complete, warm and sophisticated. The rugs are characterized by the beautiful diamond patterns. The handmade rugs are getting more and more popular in the international interior design world. The high pole variants are so soft and thick that you almost can fall asleep on them. Modern or a classic interior it doesn’t matter for the Beni Ouarain. He feels at home at any interior…


Photos featured in: 1.Lou Lou Pear, 2. El Ramla Hamra, 3.Wolfeyebrows, 4.Elle Decor, 5. El Ramla Hamra, 6. Elle Decor, 7. sf girl by bay, 8. Vogue living Australia, 9. The little corner

Le Loft Restaurant Marrakech

Le Loft
18, Rue de la Liberté
Guéliz, Marrakech
05 24 43 42 16

Every time we go to Marrakech we find new restaurants – one recent addition, located in the new town of Guèliz, is Le Loft.
It’s on the Rue de la Liberté, number 18. The décor is modern industrial with some interesting heavy-duty ceiling fans. The look is cool and trendy with pop art on the walls and old Charlie Chaplin movies projected on to the wall above the seating area. International cuisine with good reviews.
One drawback is that there is no roof terrace – so unless those fans are truly powerful, it may seem a little too warm in the summer.
Moderately priced.

Jemaa’ el Fna – the restaurant at the end of the world

Marrakech’s iconic spot – Place Jemaa’ el Fna

Camel’s head, sheep’s testicle, calf’s feet and plenty less exotic treats – all to be had at Marrakech’s famous open-air restaurant.     

 

We are pleased to publish this fascinating article on Marrakech's most famous spot - by guest blogger Derek Workman.

In 2008, Paula Wolfert’s book, Couscous and Other Good Food from Morocco, won the Cookbook Hall Of Fame award, twenty-five years after its publication. At the time, Moroccan cuisine would probably have seemed pretty exotic. These days fancy food trucks and posh catering carts may be blocking the highways in Europe and the US, but Morocco’s biggest street food heaven hasn’t moved in a thousand years.
Jmaa el Fna, The Place of the Dead, The Mosque at the End of the World, North Africa’s most vibrant and exotic square, the ancient heart of Marrakech, where snake charmers, storytellers and acrobats entertain the passing crowds. By day the bustle of henna artists, potion sellers, fresh orange juice vendors and red-robed water sellers; by night the curling smoke of a hundred barbeques spirals over the largest open-air restaurant in the world.

When dusk falls, handcarts are wheeled into Jmaa el Fna and unfolded to reveal portable grills, tables, benches, pots and pans. While the mounds of food are prepared young men in long white coats work the crowds trying to convince you that the succulent dishes served at their stall are the absolutely top-notch best; “Delilah Smith created our menu”, “All our fish comes fresh from Sainsbury’s”. And Sainsbury’s would probably be proud of the fish the stalls served, dipped in flour seasoned with salt and saffron before being deep-fried in bubbling oil until crisp and golden.

There are stalls to fit every taste and pocket; a bowl of harira, a traditional rich tomato and lentil soup with beef or chicken, seasoned with ginger, pepper, and cinnamon, or b’sarra, white bean soup with olive oil and garlic; add a sandwich served in a khobz, a small, round flat loaf with the top nipped off to form a pocket, filled with freshly deep-fried slices of liver dribbled with a green chilli sauce, or a hand-full of merguez, thin spicy sausages, and you will be set up for a stroll around the souks. (Keep an eye open for the really esoteric mixture of merguez, hard-boiled egg and tuna fish.)

Kebabs shops appear on almost every street corner around the globe these days, but in Marrakech vendors snub the effete pressed meat served elsewhere in favour of slices of real lamb, glistening with dribbling fat, sprinkled with cumin and salt as the cook hands it over to you wrapped in a paper cone. Chicken with preserved lemons, delicately spiced with kasbour (fresh green coriander) and served with piquant olives; brochettes of lamb and liver, seasoned with red pepper and cumin, carefully grilled over charcoal, which spits and smokes as the luscious fats fall on to it; beef or lamb tajines, cooked with raisins, prunes and almonds, have their conical tops whisked off by the waiters, just as the lids of elegant silver salvers would be at the Savoy. (Although you may want to leave the tajine of sheep’s or calf’s feet and the sliced camel’s head to the locals to enjoy, and it would take a certain amount of culinary courage to sample a cooked sheep’s head or bowl of sheep’s testicles – cooked, of course.)

On the west side of the square, a row of chefs steam mounds of snails in battered enamel bowls. The menu is simple, snails or snails, but as the little gastropods served in a tantalizing broth are a gastronomic institution in Morocco, it isn’t always easy to get a seat at these stalls. Apparently wonderful for the digestion, locals drain the broth after having their fill of the snails. (They also often carry a safety pin to wheedle the little devils out, but a toothpick is usually provided.)

Vegetarians might not savour their best gastronomic experience, but it can delicious. Hard-boiled eggs are chopped and mashed with potatoes, with the inevitable sprinkle of cumin, (served alongside salt and pepper on every stall). Bright vegetable salads, glistening piles of savoury chick peas spiked with fresh-ground black pepper or bowls of lentil stew cooked with finely chopped onion and garlic; fried aubergine with a hot green pepper served alongside a pile of fresh cut and fried potatoes, all washed down with a glaringly orange Fanta.

Young boys man-handle small handcarts or struggle with large wooden trays laden with glistening sweetmeats through the densely packed crowds. Delectable as the pastries may look, aren’t always that sweet. If your taste is for fruit for dessert, try, carmose, prickly pear, and the vendor will carefully remove the skin for you.

For a simple wandering snack, strings of sfenj donuts are held together by a strip of leaf to make carrying easier. They are delicious with a coffee, and come either sweet (with egg beaten into the batter) or savoury. Also useful for a back-up snack on long journeys.

If you haven’t washed your meal down with a drink at the stall, a glass of fresh orange juice will be squeezed before your eyes at one of the many carts around the edge of the square. You might also find raisin, pistachio and pomegranate juice, which have a mysterious flavour of their own. The Technicolor yogurts sold in big glasses look more off-putting that delectable, but raib, a home-made yoghurt with a milkshake consistency slides down the throat deliciously.

The beautiful chaos of the food stalls is entertainment in its own right, but when you have eaten your fill there is still the raucous street entertainment of Jmaa el Fna to keep you from your bed.


http://wp.spainuncovered.net/

For your stay in Marrakech come and stay with us at Riad Ariha (www.riadariha.com) or Riad Chi-Chi (www.riadchichi.com) 

BOOK DIRECTLY ONLINE FROM OUR SECURE SITES

Spa package at Riad Ariha Marrakech

 Treat yourself. Riad Ariha is offering a special Spa Package – plan a great long weekend, a girlie get-together or a romantic stay.

3-night stay in Jasmine with 3 course-meal the evening of your arrival, a hammam and exfoliation and a truly relaxing one-hour massage – 425 euros

3-night stay in Jacaranda with 3 course-meal the evening of your arrival, a hammam and exfoliation and a truly relaxing one-hour massage – 395 euros






Check with us for availability. For even cheaper rates or longer stays, contact us directly at riadariha@gmail.com

Other beauty treatments are available in the riad: manicures, pedicures, facials …

12th Annual Marrakech Film Festival 2012

Official 12th annual Marrakech film festival logo

Book your stay with us now in the exotic, exciting city of Marrakech for the
12th annual Marrakech film festival 2012 - November 30th to December 8th, 2012.

Not only is November/December a great time for weather in Marrakech, you can have the added entertainment value of a great film festival.

Marrakech is likely the cheapest place to get into festival films in the world.  We paid around $1 a couple of years ago to see a film that would cost 15 times that in Europe or North America.

So book your holiday time off from work now and come and stay with us November 30th to December 8th – see our websites for great room discounts too: www.riadariha.com and www.riadchichi.com

Official Film Festival website:  http://en.festivalmarrakech.info/

This year’s theme is a ‘Tribute to Hindi cinema’ – Bollywood has come to Marrakech
“Tribute to Hindi cinema

The Marrakech International Film Festival keeps on supporting talents by paying tribute to the cinematic culture of a country.

After displaying the eclecticism and richness of Indian cinema in the last years, it was only natural that this edition should be devoted to Hindi cinema, to celebrate its centenary.
More than a tradition, there are deep relationships between Morocco and Indian cinema, as shown by the many talents embodying the vivacity of the Indian film industry who have been invited by the Festival throughout the years, including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Shashi Kapoor, Yash Chopra, Saif Ali Khan, Shekkar Kapur, Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan, Nandita Das, Pan Nalin,...”

The always lively central Place Jemaa el-Fna sets the stage for Marrakech’s International Film Festival.  Every evening at 6 p.m. during the film festival the city’s central square, is transformed into an open-air cinema.

Festival visitors in the past have included Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Sigourney Weaver, Susan Sarandon, David Lynch and many others.

Marrakech film festival - view films in the open air in the main square

http://www.riadariha.com/blog-faqs/marrakech-film-festival-2012.htm

Marrakech – a great city for shopping.

Today we focus on the Atika shoe store in the new town of Guèliz (34 Rue de La Liberté) in Marrakesh.

Leather and suede shoes for men, women and children – for a fraction of European prices, come and find exact copies of Tod’s driving shoes – large selection of colours and styles from about 40 euros. The store is often crowded with customers loading up on shoes for several years, it seems.

Their sister store Tesoruccio, along the street towards rue Mohamed V, sells children’s shoes.

http://www.riadariha.com/blog-faqs/shoe-store-gueliz-marrakech.htm

If you plan to visit Marrakech, then do stay with us in one of our twin riads.

www.riadchichi.com  and www.riadariha.com 

Online stores with Marrakech goods--recommendations of Riad Ariha and Riad Chi-Chi, Marrakesh

Dutch-based Moroccan/Dutch couple has searched the Marrakech markets for the best in home furnishings:

Buy everything online: bed linens, tajin pots, cushions, pouffes, bags, i-pad / i-phone covers with a difference   ….
http://www.elramlahamra.nl/

http://lifestyle-from-amsterdam-to-marrakech.com/2012/07/06/for-babies-in-all-colors-from-pink-to-dark-brown/

Zid Zid Kids

For wonderful kids’ stuff – toys, clothes, furniture for the kids—all with a Moroccan touch

http://www.zidzid.us/about-us/info_1.html

+212 524 33 53 07

Marrakech workshop:

252 Quartier Industriel Sidi Ghanem Marrakech - Morocco

Tel +212 524 33 53 07 VOIP +1 617 830 1837

 

Cool Marrakech Chic Riads’ directory of great stores in Marrakesh

 Stores in Sidi Ghanem, the design district of Marrakech, Morocco. More stores added to Cool Marrakech Chic Riads’ directory of great stores in Marrakesh: handwoven fabrics, beautiful candles, great one-off items, modern retro furnishings and Moroccan beauty products. Read more ….
http://www.riadariha.com/blog-faqs/stores-in-design-district-of-marrakech.htm 

Lilah Spirit does great one-off objects, wonderful linen and L'Orientaliste scents.
33 rue Majorelle, 294 Sidi Ghanem
Tel. 06 60 10 37 95

Florence Teillet’s showroom for wonderful hand-woven fabrics - everything from desert tones to vibrant shades. 

Florence makes wonderful blankets, wall drapes and scarves. Her designs are executed by local weavers.  Best to phone ahead to make an appointment to see her showroom as it is often closed.
Tel.: 06 61 22 59 05

Ardevivre boutique and showroom in the design district of Marrakesh, Sidi ghanem. Modern retro look in furniture, lamps, decorative items – all original and unique designs using natural materials: leather, linen, canvas, wood, stainless steel.

http://www.ardevivre.com/
437, Quartier Industriel Sidi Ghanem.
Tel: +212524336610 \ +212660741246

Amira Bougies / Amira Candles --  If you are planning a big party or a wedding it's almost worth trekking here to source your candles, some of which are the size and shape of Ali Baba jars.  There are some lovely wax holders with carved metal inserts that cast a lovely pattern from the candlelight emanating from the centre of the holder—don’t leave them out in the sun though otherwise they will melt as surely as those wings of Daedalus did when he tried to fly.
If you can’t make it there, you can now buy their products online.
http://www.amiracandles.com/
277 Sidi Ghanem
Tel.: 05 24 33 62 47

 Magasin Général
A relative newcomer to the Sidi Ghanem design district, the Magasin Général sells modern and vintage furniture – with some unique designs. Large showroom with a general store atmosphere.
www.magasingeneral.ma
369 Sidi Ghanem, Marrakech
Tel. 05 24 33 66 73

Les Sens de Marrakech
For a great line of Moroccan beauty products, this store is worth a visit. Many products feature argan oil and are all organic and come in lovely containers.
17 QI Sidi ghanem
Tel. 05 24 33 69 91
www.lessensdemarrakech.com

Ramadan and Marrakesh

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and while the exact dates cannot be determined, this year it falls in July/August. For anyone who is traveling in Marrakech during Ramadan, the British Embassy has issued a guide answering common questions for any non-Muslims.
Q: Do I have to fast?
A: You, as a non-Muslim, are expected to, however, out of respect, should avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public until the daily fasting is broken.
Q: Are restaurants and shops open?
A: In large cities, such as Marrakech, some restaurants open day and night. They are normally open around 10am until just before sunset, which in the summer, won't be until late! (These times will also likely apply to any pharmacies and banks)
Q: How is the road traffic during Ramadan?
A: Buses may alter their schedules or routes to match the setting sun, or reduce traffic. Taxi drivers are less likely to engage in afternoon or evening travel, but trains normally keep to their schedule. Be aware of any possible changes and always keep the sunset in mind when traveling during Ramadan!




If you intend to travel by train or bus at the Eid time, around August 19th / 20th, then we would advise booking your tickets in advance.

To Riad Chi-Chi's Facebook page

Moussem Festivals Ourika Valley Morocco

There are 4 days in August when each region in Morocco has its own 'moussem' festival where there is normally a souk, an agricultural fair, feasting and games. The most famous festival locations is at Setti Fatma, set in the cool freshness of the Ourika Valley - which would be a relief from the stunning heat in Marrakech.
To Riad Ariha blog

July in Marrakesh

July is a busy month in Marrakech, with the Fête du Trône commemorating Mohammed VI's 1999 accession to the throne. This is an important secular holiday in which Marrakech is festooned with lights and flags adorning the buildings as well as free entertainment and fireworks.
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The City of Marrakesh -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site

An ancient gate in Marrakesh

A new gate in modern Marrakesh

The old city of Marrakech  was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Patrimoine Mondiale) in 2008 in recognition of Marrakesh’ impressive number of masterpieces of architecture and art – the ramparts and monumental gates, Koutoubia Mosque, Saâdians tombs, ruins of the Badiâ Palace, Bahia Palace, Ménara water feature and pavilion. Recognition as a World Heritage Site also implies the historical aspect and Marrakesh’ decisive role in medieval urban development.  

The 700 hectares of the Medina, the ancient habitat, rendered vulnerable due to demographic change, represents an outstanding example of a living historic town with its tangle of lanes, its houses, souks, fondouks, artisanal activities and traditional trades.
We are very proud to be able to offer two beautifully renovated riads /riyadhs using the best of Moroccan craftsmanship. Both Riad Ariha and Riad Chi-Chi feature lovely plasterwork, lustrous tadelakt, elegant wrought iron grillwork that leaves wonderful light patterns on the walls and floor depending on the time of day and the intricate woodwork.  We also employed many Moroccan artisans for our interior decoration.  They created the lampshades, the furniture, the rugs and the artwork in the riads.
Come and enjoy one of Marrakech’ beautifully renovated riads  in the historic city of Marrakech.
Riad Ariha and Riad Chi-Chi, Marrakesh.


www.riadariha.com www.riadchichi.com 


http://www.riadariha.com/blog-faqs/marrakesh-and-unesco.htm