Greetings from Marrakech

You have probably noticed that it has been a bit quiet for a few days. Its because I have whisked hubby off on a surprise holiday to Marrakech to escape the winter and bask in a few days of glorious bright sunshine.

I came here about ten years ago and whilst the locals are as nice as ever, it certainly feels like the increase in tourism has taken its toll. English is much more prevalent, gone is the slow charm of the locals (although it still exists, but you need to dig a bit deeper), and for the souq addict like me, gone are the amazing prices. You can almost get to them, but it takes far more effort and persistence.

Typing a blog on a French layout keyboard is excrutiatingly painful as all the letters are jumbled up, so I will stick to my favourite moments only. In the Djemaa al Fna which is the main square which inludes shops, storytellers, cafes, henna artists and so on, we were approached by the guys trying to persuade us to patronise their cafes. The food is "bloody good" said one. "Asda price" said the others, both quite serious in their Moroccan/French accents.

On the other hand, Ive been overwhelmed by the colourfulness of the niqabs that women have been wearing here, and the personality that shines through the modest coverings. I particularly liked one woman who sped past on a motorbike, face covered, but she looked us both right in the eye with the cheekiest look. Now I call that wearing your niqab with pride and personality.