vendredi 26 février 2016

A visit to Jemaa el fna in Marrakech

 Jemaa el Fna (also known as Djemma el fna) is one of the main focal points of Marrakech. It is a square located in Marrakech, and it can be quite an eye opener to someone who’s never seen anything like it. It’s one of the biggest tourist attractions in Marrakech, and it’s definitely an experience of a lifetime.

 Jemaa el Fna is a square / market place in the Marrakech Medina Quarter. The square is commonly used by both locals and tourists, because it is basically, a market. There is lots of entertainment to be had, including snake charmers and other things. The square also goes through an extreme change from the day to the night.

 In the day, you will normally see lots of Orange juice stalls, Snake charmers, chained Monkeys, and Water sellers in exotic costumes. You will also see other tourists obviously, but there will be a lot more tourists as it gets closer and closer to night.

 Many people are a bit underwhelmed by the square in the day, but once they see the night, they understand why the square is such an attraction.
 

 

Jemaa el fna at night


As it gets closer to nightfall, more tourists and people in general will show up. Boy Chleuh dancers will come out to entertain. Girls won’t be doing anything similar to this because it is against their custom. Also, Magicians will come, and people selling traditional Medicines. Lots of people say the square begins to come alive as darkness approaches.

 At night, the square literally turns into a big open air Restaurant. Tons of food stalls come out, serving a great variety of Moroccan dishes. There is still no shortage on entertainment, so you won’t be bored. There are people everywhere, and lots of visitors said it was like their senses were coming alive.

 At night, there are food stalls selling huge ranges of food to choose from. In general, the prices are all pretty fair due to the amount of competition surrounding you. Some stalls will be more expensive than others.


 Also at night, there will be multiple performers and market sellers. You will have to be a bit careful sometimes. If you even say hello to some market sellers, you may be practically forced into buying something. Lots of former visitors have said that lots of the sellers simply can’t or won’t take no for an answer.

 There are lots of women giving out Henna tattoos. They aren’t permanent, and they fade in a week or two, but be careful. They are one of the groups that is most commonly associated with not taking no for an answer. You have to be firm, and if you do want a Henna tattoo, enjoy it! Henna tattoos do look amazing if I say so myself.

 But Jemaa el Fna is mainly known for how it looks, feels, and just is at night. It’s a beautiful place, and it really is a lifetime experience you won’t forget. Lots of people somehow end up with monkeys on their shoulder, and I don’t think that’s something you’d forget any-time soon.

Jemaa el fna safety tips


 Because it is so crowded, it is typically wise to keep a close eye on your wallet, and other valuables. Some people have been pick-pocketed here, but what can you expect? At almost any crowded place there is always the threat of being pick-pocketed. Just be wary and be careful. But you don’t need to worry about security. There are police constantly patrolling the area discreetly.

 Jemaa el Fna truly does come alive as darkness falls. At night there are sounds, sights, smells, feelings, everything. It is something that a lot of people don’t enjoy. Lots of people have described that night time is like drinking too much coffee or caffeine. They say their heart is pounding, and it’s really just complete sensory overload.

 Lots of tourists who come to the area, don’t just go there once or twice, but every single night they go. It becomes their night-time destination. The food is obviously different as well. It won’t be like eating a cheeseburger, you will be eating authentic and exotic foods, that your taste buds will most likely enjoy.

 So essentially, Jemaa el Fna is a truly unique place to most people. It is a sensory overload of sorts, that almost everyone who goes, does genuinely enjoy. It’s an intriguing place in the day, but at night it truly does come alive. There are street performers, tons of food stalls, and even plenty of Café’s. Night-time is when the square is truly at its best. Just be aware of the people around you, and be firm in saying no, but all in all, the experience of Jemaa el Fna is not one anyone will soon forget.

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