Morocco Odyssey 23: Marrakesh (ii)

We began our next morning in Marrakesh by taking a ride in a traditional horse-drawn calèche. Initially, we rode through the modern part of the city, which was built by the French in the early 20th century. Below is our driver.

Eventually, we parked and walked through some lush gardens to the Koutoubian mosque, the largest in Marrakesh.

It was near the mosque that we encountered three ‘water men’. In an earlier post, I mentioned one of them for having his picture on the side of a bus. Tradition has it the watermen supplied drinks [carried from local wells in goatskin bags] in brass cups. They announced themselves by ringing the bells. Today they earn their livelihood by posing for pictures with tourists.
 

We proceeded on foot to a number of attractions, including the Saadian Tombs, which date back to the late 16-18th centuries. It is a small ‘palace’ whose rooms serve a mausoleums  for the Saadian princes and royalty, and various favorites of the ruling monarchs. They feature ornate capitals on columns and intricately carved doorways and ceilings

Outside the buildings are burial plots of various chancellors, their wives, and some military personage.

 The Palais Bahia [Palace of the Favorite] was only short walk away from the Tombs. Built at the end of the 19th century, it consists of two parts, both containing apartments built around marble-paved courtyards.

As in the Saadian Tombs, wonderful tile work, woodwork and carvings adorn all the rooms.

It was in the Palais that I encountered four lovely young women from South Africa, who agreed to let me take their portrait.