Tanja is back

I wait eagerly for Tanja. She flew to Germany for six weeks to see her dying father one last time. Since then, I have been impatiently wishing for their return. It’s the first time in 32 years that we’ve been apart for such a long time.

In the meantime, I edited lots of videos for our YouTube channel at the campsite in Marrakech and carried out repairs and improvements to our Terra Love.

When Tanja is standing in front of our mobile home again, heavily laden, I am overjoyed. Even though her absence, in quotation marks, only lasted six weeks, it felt like an eternity. We have lots to talk about, make plans for our future and end the day with a delicious tajine.

For the rest of our journey to Western Sahara and Mauritania, we load up our Terra Love with food that we bought in the last big supermarket before the desert, so that we can get by with our supplies for a good two months. On the way back to the campsite, we realize what a luxury this is, especially when we think of Mauritania, which is one of the poorest countries in the world, or of the 828 million people who are currently suffering from hunger worldwide.

“You’ve been alone at the campsite in Marrakech for so long and haven’t visited Marrakech yet?” I was asked again and again. “When Tanja is back, we’ll go together. I want to share the Marrakech experience with her,” I kept answering. This is the reason why we are already in a cab two days after her return and are driven to the famous city, whose origins date back to the 11th century. The warm Moroccan autumn breeze gently caresses the rooftops of Marrakech as we reach the vibrant city.

As in the other Moroccan cities we have already visited – Fes, Meknes and the blue city of Chefchaouen – our first port of call is the medina. A fascinating walled medieval town from the Berber period.

Marrakech, one of the largest cities in Morocco, is the former capital of the empire. It is located in the west of the country at the foot of the Atlas Mountains and is an important economic center with numerous mosques, palaces and gardens. The Moorish minaret of the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque is visible for miles around and serves as a symbol of the city.

The labyrinthine alleyways of the medina are lined with thousands of stores and many bustling souks, i.e. markets offering a wide range of goods for sale.

We stroll through the narrow streets, fascinated by the vibrant colors, the exotic scents and the voices of the traders selling their wares. We feel alive in this vibrant atmosphere, which is steeped in history and culture. For us, this visit to Marrakech is not only an opportunity to experience the beauty and magic of the city, but also a return to the roots of our adventure together. It is a moment of connection, memories and anticipation of what is to come – a continuation of our journey through fascinating Morocco and beyond.

Our journey through Marrakech takes us to a place full of history and vibrant culture: Djemaa el Fna Square. Despite its gloomy name, which refers to its past as a place of execution during the Almohad dynasty, the square radiates a vibrant vitality today.

Arriving at the Djemaa el Fna, we experience a kaleidoscope of street artists. Snake charmers, acrobats, musicians and storytellers contribute to the lively atmosphere and attract visitors from all over the world. It is no wonder that this place was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2001, underlining its importance for traditional culture, trade and entertainment.

To escape the hustle and bustle for a moment, we seek refuge in one of the restaurants that offer an elevated view of the action. Up here we can relax with a cup of cappuccino and watch the spectacle below us. A waiter tells us that the square is transformed into a huge open-air restaurant in the evening, where the chefs light their barbecues and prepare traditional Moroccan dishes such as tajine and couscous.

“Let’s continue exploring the medina,” Tanja’s voice brings me back to the table as I watch, fascinated, a group of acrobats building a human tower at least 6 meters high that has just collapsed. “Did you see that?” I ask excitedly, hoping that none of the artists have been injured.

Minutes later, we are back in the narrow passages of the souks. Bicycles, scooters and motorcycles whizz and roar past us. The loud roar of the engines and the constant honking of the vehicles mingle with the aromas of the spices and the food, contributing to an intense sensory experience. For us, this hustle and bustle is fascinating, but also overwhelming. We cannot ignore the fact that the high number of vehicles, which often drive too fast through the lanes, can pose a risk. But despite these challenges, we let ourselves be enchanted by the magic of Marrakech and continue to immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of the medina…