MARRAKESH

Stay forever? That was never the plan. But falling in love? Why not? Excited and full of expectations, we set off: a group of 14 travelers flying non-stop to Marrakech on a Tuesday morning.

We arrive in the "red city" just after noon. The flight passes in a flash - each of our fellow travelers talks about his own expectations and ideas. It's exciting to wonder if all these individual desires will come together in a group trip.

The answer is a resounding yes! Thanks to perfect organization, a varied yet relaxed program, wonderful, authentic accommodations, and a tour guide who leaves us plenty of room for individuality but is always there with discreet support. Anytime again with this small, fine travel agency - Chapeau!

Our hotel, a traditional riad in the Kasbah district, is located behind the massive city walls of Marrakech, close to the Royal Palace and a short walk from the famous Djemaa el Fna square. Our driver navigates safely through the maze of narrow streets, past busy merchants and bustling squares. Finally, he pulls up to a nondescript door - nondescript, but what lies behind it surpasses all expectations.

A riad, traditionally with a green courtyard or garden, welcomes us with modern elegance and Moroccan charm. The courtyard is an oasis of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city. We enjoy tea and dates under shady trees, the swimming pool offers welcome refreshment, and comfortable lounge furniture invites us to sample delicious Moroccan snacks. The rooms, lovingly decorated in an oriental style, exude a sense of comfort and luxury.

This riad will be our home for the next few days - more beautiful than we could have ever dreamed! Together we make our way to the square of the jugglers. Just a few steps away, we are immersed in a completely new world, full of surprises.

A journey that is much more than just a trip - an immersion in a fascinating culture, a piece of newly discovered joie de vivre and an unexpected fall in love with the magic of Marrakech.

Strange sounds and intense smells surround us - strange, but not threatening. Wherever we go, we meet friendly faces that characterize the vibrant atmosphere of this city.

Marrakech impresses as a city that is not only lively, but also remarkably clean and welcoming. As we move through the streets, we deliberately take detours. After all, there is more at stake here than just the destination. Across from a mosque, surrounded by splashing fountains, we discover a small, authentic Moroccan restaurant. We spontaneously decide to end the evening there. The roof terrace offers a fantastic view of the lively square.

We continue on our way and finally stand in front of the "Djemaa el Fna", the "square of the jugglers" - huge and impressive. Once known as the "Square of the Beheaded", it is now the beating heart of Marrakech and the setting for many famous movies. Snake charmers have been vying for tourists' attention here for generations, always keeping a watchful eye on their animals. The brave can have a "poisonous" snake wrapped around their shoulders - an unforgettable photo opportunity for a small donation.

I am particularly fascinated by the countless stalls of merchants and farmers offering everything you need for daily life - and a lot of things you don't. You can even buy teeth and dentures here.

As dusk falls, the square is miraculously transformed. The market stalls disappear and in their place thousands of light bulbs illuminate the improvised food stalls. The cooks invite us to stay with their noisy charm, but we have other plans.

The next morning, Bahir, our guide, greets us with a smile. He is looking forward to showing us around Marrakech in German after a long time. The sun accompanies us on our tour of the city's historic sites: the magnificent Bahia palace, the mysterious Saadian tombs, and the impressive Koutoubia mosque. Bahir guides us skillfully, sharing facts and anecdotes in a pleasantly reserved manner. He especially enjoys showing us the lively, narrow streets and squares off the beaten tourist track.

Finally, we reach the Grand Souk, a labyrinth of spice and leather stalls - just two of the many fascinating markets waiting to be discovered.

Resisting the friendly merchants? Not so easy! Haggling is so much fun, and if both sides are satisfied in the end, I have achieved my goal - and I am!

Marrakech is loud, lively and flashy, but it is also full of peace, beauty and nature. Among the most famous oases are the Jardin Majorelle and the Anima Gardens, a still largely unknown insider tip just outside the city.

These havens are not only retreats, but also sources of inspiration. In the 1980s, legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent revived the Jardin Majorelle, originally created by French artist Jacques Majorelle. YSL, who considered Marrakech his second home, also created his unique collection on Berber history and culture.

I find an opportunity to linger on the benches under the shady trees. I take in the impressive variety of plants and trees and immerse myself in the intense majorelle blue of the clay pots and mosaic fountains. This environment feels protected and almost private.

André Heller's extensive garden is quite different: Anima - Le Retour du Paradis. As soon as I enter through a heavy wooden gate, I feel transported to another world. Tall palm trees, mighty cacti, bamboo forests, colorful ceramics, sculptures and a Berber tent on a hill - every corner offers a new surprise and perspective. A fascinating paradise, just as Heller had dreamed.

I also take the opportunity to immerse myself in the secrets of Moroccan cuisine. I am particularly enthusiastic about cooking in the tajine, the traditional Moroccan clay pot. The right mixture of spices is an art. We are served a delicious meal in the AMAL garden. It's hard to believe that I cooked it myself! I enthusiastically buy an original Moroccan tagine from a pottery - unique, of course.

If my tajine experiment at home doesn't work out, I have a good reason to come back. And I definitely will, because I have fallen in love.

Marrakech - a real fairy tale from 1001 nights!