In Awe in Marrakech

One of the most evocative places in the world;
and how to create an awe inspiring experience

Marrakech, Morocco at the Palace El Badi

“Wow!” is a natural reaction when one’s senses are heightened to a state of awe.. 

My experience of Marrakech is just that.  I remark at its natural ability to stimulate and turn people on.  To make you feel as if you’re in a dream world.  To transcend you completely into the moment.  

Why?

The smells, the colors, the sounds, the contradictions and elements of surprise, the unknown and the mystery. 

The souk is the marketplace in Marrakech which was my first stop as a tourist, I wanted to throw myself into the heart of it right away - dress myself in brilliant robes, douse myself with argan oil and incense, and drink Moroccan mint and rose tea until the sun goes down.

Within moments, I was lost.  Each alley looked the same, there appeared to be no way out, and when I asked for directions…they always pointed the opposite way (most probably towards their cousins shop).  Not what I had envisioned with my skills as a well versed traveler…but just what I needed to be humbled and acutely aware.

Now I have officially tuned in.  Not that the King of Morocco conducted this experience on purpose, but the perfect accident has provoked an intense state of wonder.  Suddenly I can hear the tins clanging, the low drum at a distance, the smoke rising from unknown places.  Every corner I turned appealed to another sense.  One area was the most brightly colored spices you have ever seen (I honestly did not realize they are made in nature with such brilliance!), 50 feet further is all the wood craftsman, the alley next to it is all oil and tar from the blacksmiths, and then behind it comes the smoke from all the meat cooking on the bbqs.  Its dirty, its corrupt, its imposing, and its beautiful!

Giving in to the Souk is the best thing one can do.  Childlike exploration is the key to enjoyment (and a real keen sense of bartering!).  Not to mention the gems that can be found in the far corners if you’re lucky!

After 5 hours of sweet torture in the Souk and a divine lunch on a magical rooftop overlooking hanging laundry and chaotic terra cotta structures, I was stimulated enough and exhausted enough to feel I was properly “in” the culture and ready to give in to the decadent side of things.

Here comes the party!

In my opinion… A party becomes an experience when Moroccan natural laws are applied, and what appears to be chaos is in actuality perfect harmony.

I have now witnessed that when all of these elements combine in perfect rhythm, it has the ability to transcend the human experience.  This is what we refer to as a Flow state - where time stops and we are completely and utterly present and therefore experiencing ultimate joy.

I approached a Palace through an unassuming alley where rose petals dropped from the sky in colors of the rainbow.  The smell of frankincense and the faint sound of the dong in the background welcomed me.  I entered into a mist coming from unexpected sunken orange orchards below the Palace floors.  A Souk appears in the middle of the Palace with camels to ride, garments and spices to buy, a drum circle of 30 people in rhythm, and parades of beautifully dressed people with faces of excitement floating in. Buffets with all the flavors that can satiate a palate.  A gorgeous unbound white horse and his master enter with a harmonious dance putting their soul connection on display.  While a DJ heats up within the Palace walls.  Meanwhile the mist of the orange orchards react in waves of lasers to the beat of the music. And the sun rises…

All in sync, all perfectly orchestrated, and in this case, an experience of a lifetime.

MORAL OF THE STORY

Surrendering to your senses is the best way to feel your way through an experience, as well as playing with the senses is the best way to create an experience.  Setting the stage, trusting in the chaos, and allowing the magic to unfold.  We can learn from the best, learn from Marrakech!