We arrived in Marrakesh at night and the main square was alive with energy. Locals played music, snake charmers did their charm thing, everyone tried to convince you to eat at their food stall, and you could get the most amazing glass of fresh squeezed orange juice for only 40 cents from one of the 30ish juice stands (my favorite was #23). Meandering down some cat filled and dim lit alleys we found our hostel. For $6 US dollars we could stay the night, have wifi, a shower, and breakfast was included! I still can’t get over the price, even if my mattress seemed to be made out of cardboard. The next day we spend our time getting lost in the local market area. Everything from trinkets and souvenirs, meat and fruit stalls, and spice stores, you could find everything in the crowded streets filled with venders. We got pulled into a spice shop since the salesman was so good. He made us tea and showed us some of his herbal products as he demonstrated one of his favorite muscle creams with a few minute massages on each of us. We all ended up buying something from this guy when it was all said and done but it was worth the entertainment and the goodies we purchased.

The next morning we headed out and caught a bus to Essaouria, a coastal city. We spent some time on the beaches, ate more mystery meats, fried whole fish, and crepes every night. Our hostel was small, but cozy in the heart of the medina. The old medina is the busiest part of the city. It houses the majority of the cities vendors, shops, and walking area that is surrounded by a fortified wall from the late 18^th century.