normally at this time of year I'm about to celebrate my birthday by swimming 5 hours a day, as I do in winter and summer, often in Marrakech, Morocco. But that wonderful country is currently suffering PanicDemic too. Although, as with everywhere other than the Death Five, a mere under 2% mortality to cases. It's time the UK was declared a Third World Country (as it will be after stupid Brexit) and Morocco promoted into the First World. Personally I think it should join the EU.

Stayed in Marrakesh last year, and found the people delightful. In a beautiful hotel between the Koutoubia Mosque and the medina quarter - with its square and the souk.

As you know the souk is the traditional North African market, with no vehicle traffic - but many Barbary apes, snake charmers and Lawrence of Arabia types. Intrigue abounds.

The place is totally unique and enthralling - with storytellers, musicians and performers as well as the stalls. Officially called 'Jemma el-Fnaa' and recognised by UNESCO; I see why you return, I will.

Yes 65 years I've been there; Djema El'Fna - I sit at the very table at the Argana Cafe that the suicide bomber sat at when he blew himself (and many others) up. Now refurbished. I'm still there.

JK2006 wrote:
Yes 65 years I've been there; Djema El'Fna - I sit at the very table at the Argana Cafe that the suicide bomber sat at when he blew himself (and many others) up.


Only 300 yards from my hotel, I frequented the Argana Cafe too - although, then, I wasn't aware that it was the location of the 2011 bombing.

65 years ago coincided with the filming of The Man Who Knew Too Much (Alfred Hitchcock; Doris Day; James Stewart), which was largely around the medina in Marrakech. Parts of Lawrence of Arabia (1962) were also filmed there - and Gladiator (2000).

And later, Sex and the City 2 was filmed around the Taj Palace hotel - and Mission Impossible 5 in the Selman Hotel and the Marrakech Stadium.


Netflix brought the Game of Thrones to Morocco and The Old Guard was shot there this year. The Mummy, The Night Manager and Mamma Mia were also filmed there.

But you knew of these - and the hundreds more movies, over the years.

The only thing I didn't like, in Marrakech, was not being able to have a cool beer on my travels around the warm city. However I made up for it on my return to the hotel - where an excellent bar was available to residents - with a pianist called Sam, who sung As Time Goes BY on the quarter hour!

One of the several reasons I love "The Man Who..." is that it shows Marrakech as I first knew it. The Night Manager was filmed in my hotel as I was staying there.

ESG&R?

Out of my league, pricewise!

Les Jardins De La Koutoubia hotel (near the souks) was excellent.

Old world inside, with 2020 efficiency.

300 yards away, in the square, time has no meaning.

You feel you might just meet Orson Welles - who made Othello there.

I know Les J well but then I know everywhere in Morocco well; one of my very favourite countries.

And for anyone tempted to visit; one of the many things I love about Morocco is that several cities are like totally different countries. I love Fes, Rabat, Meknes, Casablanca, Tangiers, Marrakech and visit each every year. They are all unlike each other and wonderful in different ways.