My flight from Porto to Marrakech was delayed (as all flights seem to be lately), so I arrived in Morocco much later than anticipated. Thankfully, the chauffeur I had arranged with the Riad still awaited me. Recognizing him by the sign he held, he took my suitcase and led me to his van. The ride through Marrakech was fascinating – so many people were on motorcycles, and families were outside with children playing. It was almost 2 am, so I was surprised to see so many people out. My driver explained that since it’s so hot during the day, most people come out at night when it’s cooler. That makes sense!

A Riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an indoor garden and courtyard, typically within the old “Medina” walls. These buildings are usually fully enclosed inside, insulated with high-strength, neutral walls and minimal vents to prevent heat and street noise. Nowadays, a Riad is often a traditional home converted into a hotel with guest rooms. The Riad room I rented is in Medina, and the narrow streets meant the car couldn’t take me directly there. The driver took me as far as he could and then dropped me off. The hotel manager met us and led me through the narrow, winding streets. I won’t lie, I was terrified. The streets were loud, crowded, and incredibly narrow! One was so tight my suitcase barely fit through. I just knew I would get lost in this Medina maze! I felt very overwhelmed, intimidated, and frightened by the unfamiliar surroundings.

We finally reached the Riad, and Malik, the manager, showed me to my room. It’s on the roof floor with a private balcony. The bathroom and shower are outside my room but are private for my use. There was an air conditioner in my room (thank baby Jesus), and I turned it on immediately because the room was very hot and stuffy. As Malik showed me around, I noticed a cat lounging on the rooftop. I was instantly smitten. Malik told me her name was Leyla. I started fawning over her; she loved my pets, purring loudly and kneading the chair. She’s a gorgeous calico with thick black eyeliner. I love her. Leyla seemed to love me, too, because she followed me into my room and slept with me that night! I left my door slightly open so she could leave whenever she wanted. I feel very safe in the Riad.

By the time I made it to bed, it was 3 am. I decided to reschedule the walking tour I had planned for the morning because I knew I wouldn’t make it in time. I moved it to Monday instead.

Malik and Dodo are from Senegal and live here in Riad, where they manage it. They help with preparing meals for guests (you have to request meals, which are an additional 4 Euros), cleaning guest rooms, doing laundry, and ensuring everyone is okay. They are both so kind. Dodo told me that if I ever got lost in the Medina, I should call him, and one of them would come to get me wherever I was. I am so impressed with their kindness, friendliness, and warmth.

The next morning, I woke up pretty late (for me), around 9:30 am. Malik had his brother, Dodo, prepare breakfast for me, and I ate in the main garden area on the first floor. I had Moroccan mint tea, coffee, fresh orange juice, and bread with butter and jam. Many other items were on the table, but that’s what I had. They also offered brioche buns, a boiled egg, yogurt, etc., but I didn’t have any. The bread captured my heart. It’s a round loaf, and you can taste all its grains. It’s SO good. I am obsessed with this bread!

On my first day in Marrakech, I didn’t do much. I wandered out of the Riad for dinner at a nearby restaurant because I was afraid of getting lost. I did not get lost and felt pretty safe in the Medina streets.

On my second day in Morocco, I booked an all-day tour to visit the Ourika Valley, and I’m looking forward to that!