marrakech my love

Marrakech - 30th of March - 36 degrees celsius - 20438 steps

Breakfast accompanied by peaceful birdsong on the green roof of Chambres d'Amis

Medinawalk via Mellah to Palais El Badi [The Incomparable]
Even though I've been there at least 20 times and I know every corner of the palace and the huge courtyard, somehow I always have to go there for the magical atmosphere. Surprisingly spectacular, over and over again...

Freshly squeezed orange juice, because it's hot and we need to stay hydrated

We continue our walk through the Kasbah and Bab Agnaou, towards the Koutibia Gardens

Time for lunch in natural shade at Foundouk Gargaa

Revisit of the Medersa Ben Youssef, an Islamic madrasa (college). We were here in April 2012, so it's high time for another visit. In recent years the medersa has undergone a beautiful renovation. The basics are of course still the same. A large courtyard with carvings, zelliges tiling and plasterwork, which makes the Arabic Moroccan architecture so special.

Off to Chambres d'Amis to relax with a drink on the roof terrace

Sunset rituals with a coke and verbena tea on the front row at Djemaa El Fna theater at Cafe de France

Dinner at Cafe Des Epices, where the dozens of stalls have been cleared and peace has returned

rural retreat at berberlodge

The Berberlodge is a love story between the owner Romain and the village of Oumnass and it’s inhabitants.

A perfect rural retreat for the day off in the middle of our Marvelous Marrakech week.

Together with Ank and her dog Billie we drove with the old baby blue Renault 4 to the countryside for a lazy day in the garden, some swimming and a beautiful and delicous late lunch.

After two years it felt so good to be back in the green paradise that Romain has created.

At the end of a lovely day we made a sunset drive to Marrakech. Incredibly beautiful light!

roadtrip portugal - lagos

Lagos is one of the Algarve’s most attractive and historic towns.

The centre is enclosed in largely 14th century walls. Within the city walls you can find some beautiful street art.

Lagos has the proximity to some of the region’s best beaches.
To the east is the long sweep of Meia Praia, you only have to take the small boat to cross the water to walk to the dunes.
Further to the west, you’ll find the series of coves, caves and rock stacks and small beaches for which the Algarve is best known.