We have finally returned (more permanently) home after what feels like a long time traveling. Rather than go through the ordeal of flying long distance, we opted to take a trip to Marrakech, and from there spend a little time in England visiting Nass and co. With some aprehension of what we might be getting into, we dove in and off we went. And all turned out fine!
We had a great 6 nights at the beautiful Dar Beija Riad. There we were taken care of extremely well by the manager and housekeeper, and as the only guests for the first 4 nights, we had a run of the place. Our room on the top floor was exquisite, with a beautiful balcony and views of the city around us. The location of the riad was perfect for twice daily walks to the main square - Djemaa el Fna, and from the all the intricate winding streets of the Medina souks.
Liam on the bed in our beautiful suite (the Tasslite suite)
We managed to keep Liam's schedule in tact and after we put him to sleep we were able to have a wonderful quiet dinner downstairs at the riad. The food came from their restaurant (Kozybar) and was delicious! Despite sleeping in the same room as Liam and hearing the call to prayer at 5am, we had pretty decent nights.
Wandering the streets of the medina
Self portrait at the orange juice stand
Liam and James in the Souks
Liam loved heading out in the stroller or ergo and watching all the colors go by. There was so much stimulation in sight, smell and sound! He was also motivated to practice walking independently as he was without his walker. He took his first few steps multiple times in those days. An all time favorite for him was the fresh squeezed orange juice sold all around the square for just 4 Dirham (the equivalent of 50c) a glass. The first time we gave him a taste with a straw he sucked it back like his eyes might pop out!
Liam sucking back a glass of some very tasty orange juice
Finally a family picture at the Bahia Palace
An incredible full rainbow over the entire square
More oj
Liam loved the Berber pillows on our floor. It made for good climbing and walking buffers!
For some reason Liam was terrified taking a bath, so we started showering with him and he adored the gorgeous rain shower we had!
At the Majorelle gardens - Liam points out the fish
Christmas day - they even put up a Christmas tree for us
Najia (the housekeeper) and Rachid (hotel manager) were so great with Liam, and so often just taking him from us so we could have a moment to eat breakfast etc.
James managed to find candyfloss, and a lot of it, somewhere in the heart of Marrakech
View from our room terrace. The tree in the distance is a giant Eucalyptus tree that towers over the 3 story buildings of the Medina
We also managed to find a few bits and pieces to bring home as memorabilia, since we realize that we travel so much but have no sign of it in our lives. Along with candlesticks and pillow cushions, we ordered a cedar mirror and camel skin small trunk. Now we wait to see if those arrive!
My absolute favourite picture is him drinking the orange juice - the way his mouth is shaped around the straw cracks me up - he is probably biting down on it to make sure it doesn't go anywhere! I also love the one of him in the shower - sweet moment, captured prettily!
ReplyDeleteHope the trunk and mirror will arrive!