April 17: Ben Youssef Medersa

After a tasty breakfast, we packed and moved from the luxurious Riad Dar Silsila to a lovely AirBnB in the heart of Marrakesh.  Ashley made ramen for lunch and we took a brief nap before heading out to explore the vibrant city by day.

Our first stop was to the oldest restaurant in Marrakech — Dar Cherifa for a fresh juice drink and flavorful couscous dish.  The manager was incredibly gracious and helpful as he gave us valuable information when purchasing Moroccan rugs.  

Next, we made it to the peaceful Secret Garden, which experienced a rebirth in 2006.  The ever present water, pools, exotic trees and plants created a stark contrast to the bustling streets of Marrakesh — the perfect retreat to clear the mind.

We continued our city tour by visiting the spectacular Ben Youssef Medersa — a former university turned tourist spot. Like most riads in Marrakech, it had a grand outdoor area in the center with a glistening pool surrounded by high intricately decorated walls that kept the outside noise at bay.  The tile mosaic walls, columns and floors were spectacular.