The ACE Camp girls were so excited for Maryam to share her expansive knowledge of the city she calls home. You may know her from the fab award-winning blog My Marrakesh, or perhaps you've heard of the stunning eco-oasis/boutique hotel that she and her architect husband built, Peacock Pavilions, that officially opened last year.
So, let me begin and share with you some snippets from a day out discovering the nooks of the city. I'll pull together a new-and-improved round-up on of some beautiful shops I really loved (and where I burned most of my dirhams!)
It's a luxury to shop with Maryam because not only does she have impeccable taste but also she speaks fluent Arabic and French, so whenever we ran into a language barrier or if we were struggling with our amateur haggling skills, she came to the rescue.
Here's a glimpse of some genuine, vintage Moroccan wedding blankets, each sewn with painstaking love. I think they're really magical, don't you? I bought one on my last visit to Marrakech. It's embellished with oodles of sequins, which are known to provide extra protection to fight off evil genies in Morocco, who love to prey on brides-to-be.
Maryam let us in on her hidden gems in the Old City, some loaded with shimmering wedding quilts and gorgeous Moroccan rugs in every shape, texture and pattern. If you like them, you can see more here and purchase your very own Moroccan treasure through Maryam's shop, Red Thread Souk.
In the souks, almost everything is negotiable. Just remember that your first price should be about 1/3 to 1/2 of the asking price. From there, you work your way upwards to a fair medium. Expect some minor quibbling, some major finagling, even some downright begging, then walk away and come back again. It's all part of the bartering process, so don't take it too seriously and enjoy yourself.
(photos: natalie for thetravelstylist)
Such glorious glimpses!
So glad you had fun.
Posted by: elizabeth | June 17, 2011 at 08:15 AM