12/12-16/12/2024
Check out day after a week in a lovely apartment. Our host liked us so much she’d offered us a proper home cooked breakfast, sadly we had to refuse due to time pressures.
Kerstin and I took a full car load from our apt to the Riad, which we’ve booked for my 60th birthday. Gated entrance. Long driveway. Staff assisted with unloading. We didn’t have time to look around but the vibes were good. Back to the apt to collect Corrie and James and onto the airport to greet family, all arriving on the same flight.
I took the Aged P’s and Maddy in the car whilst the others went in a mini bus. The Riad had organised all our taxis / minibuses whilst with them.
On arrival we were given a tour of the Riad and chose our rooms. Two buildings around a large pool. Huge suites. Heaters on. Lots of break out areas.
The Riad had lots to do. Louis and Ellie both plunged in the pool. Then straight out. Four of us had a massage. Gran did well in the pétanque competition. Clare gave up on tennis as her knees gave up. Table tennis. And Chris had a minor meltdown on the mini golf. Lots of board games. The Riad was so relaxing, even the next generation weren’t bothered about spending time in the city centre.
We had booked self catering with 2 evening meals. We hadn’t expected a full time staff. He was the gardener, who seemed to work evenings so we only were ever aware of his shadow. She was a poppet who was in charge of housekeeping. She had 2 ladies to support her cooking the meals and breakfast every day. Our rooms were made up every morning… a bit of an embarrassment on the first morning for the untidy amongst us! We couldn’t have booked anywhere better.
Trips were a walking tour around Marrakesh. We hired our own guide so we could factor in a tea and pee stop. Informative.
And Marjorelle Gardens. Restored by Yves St Laurent. Expensive tickets. And so busy you have to follow a set route. Extremely disappointing. The YSL museum of dresses was one room only. Nowhere in the gardens to sit and ponder. Too busy. The Berber museum was cold in its presentation. Not good value. Wish I’d know as we would have taken the family to Anima gardens which was fabulous.
I was made a real fuss of for my birthday. Gifts, which I’d not expected, as folk coming over was gift enough. I am truly blest with my family. We had the Riad cook for us … best of Moroccan food.
We had two meals out in Marrakesh. Shams rooftop was very good with professional service. But the Clock Cafe was truly rubbish food and service. Wish we’d booked all evening meals at the Riad.
On the 17th I took Kerstin for an early flight. The family left the Riad at 12.30. J and I set off mid morning.
Just fabulous.
Clune Gap Years 