places I love (marrakech).

after two red-eyes in a row, a quick run around nyc, 6 hours in a spanish airport + one last little flight...here we were. 

morocco. 

squinting into the african (AFRICAN!) sun as we hopped off the plane, we (hi sarah!) knew we were in for something pretty great. 

a new continent, two new countries. 

stop one was marrakech. 

our welcome to this beautiful part of the world was every bit as intense, dusty, colorful + disarming as I thought it would be. 

marrakech, you were beautiful and loud and disorienting in the best way. you reminded me of home + in the same breath were unlike any place I've ever known. 

you held so many secrets behind your doors. every quiet alley was home to a dozen of the most beautiful places we'd never see. oh to have the time to knock on a few doors and explore. 

at every turn you were a contradiction. both overwhelming and peaceful, open and full of mysteries, confusing and so clear. 

we were off to the very best start. 

if you go (and if it wasn't abundantly clear...you.should.go), I can't recommend these places enough: 

stay at riad dar sara.

make a reservation + have a dinner at sunset on the rooftop at nomad. one of the best meals of the trip. 

visit the maison de la photographie, medersa ben youssef + without question spend a morning getting lost in jardin de majorelle, the beautiful treasure gifted to marrakech by yves saint laurent. 

spend most of your time trying to get lost in the medina. it's pure magic. when you need relief, pick up some modern moroccan goodies at 33 rue Majorelle.

slip through the door of riad el fenn and treat yourself to one of the most beautiful spaces I've ever been. ask to go to the rooftop for the ever elusive cocktail and snacks. even better, splurge and stay there. 

we were two days in, and already I was in love. as we boarded our train bright and early - I was certain there was no way anything could be better than this. good news? I was completely wrong...