Day 11: All Aboard the Bus to Marrakesh

February 26, 2023

Easy rainy day

"The Call to prayer lasted a long time this morning," Patrick says. On the coast in the smaller towns, the Call seemed less lengthy which surprised us. This morning seemed more the normal of what we have experienced. In Indonesia and Turkey, there even appeared to be competing calls between minarets. We've cycled during Ramadan in both of those countries. Our last week in Morocco will be the start of Ramadan this year.

We have our hotel breakfast at nine then re pack and wait in the room until about 1030 to cycle to the Bus Station.

Patrick had researched bus lines to Marrakesh. When we arrived in Essaouira, he immediately went to the Supr@tour office and bought tickets for 100dh each. He confirmed there was no problem taking bikes. When we arrive at the bus office, we are informed we also need a ticket for each bike at 50dh ($5.00).

This all goes so easy and orderly. The man helps Patrick load the bikes fully loaded in the bus luggage hold. "I gave him 10dh," Patrick says and Rachel agrees, "Builds good Karma for the next cyclist."

The tickets for the bikes goes on the seat

The bus ride is about 3 hours with a 20 minute stop half way. We see lots of olive groves. It rains most of the way. When we arrive at the bus station in Marrakesh there is still a light rain. We are near the railroad station, and Patrick checks the tablet to navigate us about 3km to Hotel Agnaou through the busy city streets dodging puddles.

The alleyway to the hotel that is on the right

We think we are in the honeymoon suite, rose petals everywhere. No top sheet though, so we use our own sheets.

The rain continues and we go to the restaurant that is attached to our hotel. While we wait for our food we have mint tea, perfect for a chilly rainy day.

We are served a tray with a tea pot, a glass filled with mint, a glass with a napkin and a huge clump of sugar.

A wet day in Marrakesh. We are only 200 meters from the large square, but since we are here for three nights we decide to save the sightseeing for tomorrow.

There is a torrent of rain as we eat. Rachel says, this is a good time not to be in a tent.

The Marrakesh Express song was written by Crosby Stills and Nash in 1969

Looking at the world through the sunset in your eyes
Travelling the train through clear Moroccan skies
Ducks, and pigs, and chickens call
Animal carpet wall-to-wall
American ladies five-foot tall in blue
Sweeping cobwebs from the edges of my mind
Had to get away to see what we could find
Hope the days that lie ahead
Bring us back to where they've led
Listen not to what's been said to you
Wouldn't you know we're riding on the Marrakesh Express
Wouldn't you know we're riding on the Marrakesh Express
They're taking me to Marrakesh
All aboard the train, all aboard the train
I've been saving all my money just to take you there
I smell the garden in your hair
Take the train from Casablanca going south
Blowing smoke rings from the corners of my mouth, my mouth
Colored cottons hang in the air
Charming cobras in the square
Striped djellebas we can wear at home
Well, let me hear ya now
Wouldn't you know we're riding on the Marrakesh Express
Wouldn't you know we're riding on the Marrakesh Express
They're taking me to Marrakesh
Wouldn't you know we're riding on the Marrakesh Express
Wouldn't you know we're riding on the Marrakesh Express
They're taking me to Marrakesh
All on board the train, all on board the train
All on board

Today's ride: 5 km (3 miles)
Total: 379 km (235 miles)

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