Morocco - Arrival and Dar Balthazar

Morocco - arrived in Marrakech train ride from Fes - Arrival and Dar Balthazar

We arrived in Marrakech after an 8 hour long train ride from Fes. Due to shelling out for a first class compartment, the ride was very comfortable. Later we would return to Fes in second class, and I would recommend spending the extra money if you can, in the heat the air conditioning makes the ride much more comfortable, and the train can get very crowded.

Djemaa el Fna - Marrakech

We decided to attempt to walk to our Riad from the station to stretch our legs after the journey. The walk was easy although not particularly scenic until we entered the Medina within the ramparts. Marrakech was easier to navigate within the Medina, with wider streets and better signposting. 

The Riad Dar Balthazar is decorated in a more modern style than Dar el Menia in Fes, and didn't have the same charm, but many may prefer it due to its more professional hotel like style and management. As soon as we arrived we were served tea in the courtyard, before being shown to our room. The courtyard was where we were served breakfast each morning too. The staff were very accommodating, looking after some of our bags when we went on our Sahara trip to save us lugging them with us.

Our room in Dar Balthazar - Marrakech

We were pointed to Cafe Arabe for our first meal, which was a more upscale resturant than those we had been to previously. The food was delicious, and it was the only place in Morocco we ate in that served alcohol. I will write more about Cafe Arabe when i write about our experiences with food in Morocco.

morocco culture,moroccan food,morocco food,moroccan cuisine,morocco beaches,moroccan meal,beaches in morocco,moroccan culture,hercules cave,hercules cave morocco