It's probably better that I'm writing this post in Essaouira instead of Marrakesh, where I'm much more relaxed and, quite honestly, less traumatized. Yes, big word, but I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's go back to Marrakesh.
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| The souk at quieter moments |
On our second day in Marrakesh we took some new friends from the riad to the Artisan Ensemble. The souk in Marrakesh itself is a good time for many, but I found it a bit harassing - I don't need people clamouring for my attention (and money) as I walk by. If you actually stop and look at something, let alone touch it, it's all over. They're going to be on you like a cheap suit. At the Artisan Ensemble, every craftsperson is vetted, and you're ensured that the items are indeed made in Marrakesh (as opposed to China - no lie). Also, it's pretty much a no-haggle zone so people pretty much let you look without stalking you. Don't get me wrong, I like to drive a hard bargain, but sometimes I just want to pay a good price and walk away having both me and the seller feel good about the exchange.
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| View from the roof terrace restaurant of the Maison de la Photographie |
Three of us went on to the
Maison de la Photographie which houses a great collection of early images of the Moroccan people. It's really hard not to get taken in Marrakesh and as we walked, a young man offered to guide us to the museum. We kind of knew better but no one made a move to refuse his "help." It turned out that we were really only 100 feet of so from the museum, but he took us up and down these alleyways, making it seem like it was really far. Of course, then he wanted money. We gave him 10 dirham, which is about $1.00, so in the end he really only screwed himself.
I had decided to wear my Patagonia dress - comfortable, flattering, and cool (temperature-wise). I did not think I had dressed provocatively (I'd seen lots of tourists in questionable outfits already) - it was just a sleeveless dress that fits. Now I know my tattoos are of interest to many and that in and of itself does not bother me, but when it leads to what I'd call unwanted attention, it's a different story. It's hard to really communicate, but I have to say that that day in Marrakesh - where we went to the Artisan Ensemble, the Maison de la Photographie, and then out to dinner in the "new" part of Marrakesh - was the first day that I blamed myself for the almost constant negative attention I received. Yes, I was blaming the victim - me. By the end of the day I could not get back to the riad fast enough. The level of sexual harassment was traumatizing and quite honestly, I understand the burka. The men were pigs. Yep, those are strong words, but even as I write this post, I feel anew the trauma of the whole experience.
I believe the following two photos were taken from the same vantage point, just in different directions.
Yep! That's the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. It was a beautiful day.
