I’ll never complain of a shopping mall again after Marrakech… but hey, you should souk it and see in Morocco.
And particularly because you’ll have our old friends Ireland’s Travel Department as your hosts and not the false guide I trusted.
You know the one I’ve told you about before who told me he knew a very good barber (pre-beardie Bandanaman).
Only for said Sweeney Todd and himself trying to fleece me when I got there.
One thing led to another and after a brush with a snake charmer in the torrential rain I found myself back in the souk.
And behind a funeral procession of wailing Moroccans and a rather shoogly cart where the poor deid fella’s feet seemed to be attracting flies… or was that the cows.
Carpeted
Anyhoos, bursting for a wee (all that tea) I gave in to the constant traders’ hard sells and took up the invitation of a Turkish tea in a carpet shop.
The Scary One got a shock when a threadbare carpet arrived at Chez Murty with a rather expensive price tag days after I got back.
And it was more than a penny I spent there.
Just be careful is all I’m saying and although I did actually resist the carpet seller’s advances I might not have.
Go with experts is all I’m saying and that’s exactly what TD active Holidays are.
Fes of the heart
They are offering an east meets west seven-night guided holiday to Morocco.
They are flagging up year-round sunshine, medinas, cosmopolitan cities, sandy beaches, barren desserts, impressive mountain ranges, culture and tasty cuisine.
You’ll discover Morocco’s largest Mosque and ancient Roman ruins in Casablanca.
And savour regional flavours with an authentic cooking class led by a local chef in Fes where you can get one of those Tommy Cooper hats.
You’ll get to explore the Sahara Desert with a camel ride and traditional overnight camp stay… but just watch the mountainside cafes and their tajines.
And you’ll spend a half-day walking the Tizi n’Tichka Mountain Pass in the Atlas Mountains.
Rock the Kasbah
You’ll also drive through Dades Valley and along the famous ‘Road of 1,000 Kasbahs’.
And yes they say it rocks… ask your parents here for Clash references.
Staying in a combination of traditional riads, hotels and even a traditional Berber camp, this is a small group tour.
Includes return flights, transfers, 4 nights’ accommodation on a half board basis, 3 nights on a bed and breakfast basis; tours and expert guides.
Departs on 15th September from €1059 pp. So go ahead souk it and see in Morocco.