Tag: Travel

The Imperial City Surrounded by the Atlas Mountains – Marrakesh, Morocco
Travel Date: March, 2024.

Marrakesh, or Marrakech as it is alternatively spelled, is the fourth largest city in Morocco and one of the region’s Imperial Cities. Founded in 1070, this city has a lot of history and is a popular North African destination for sunny skies, outdoor adventures, and delicious food. The ancient city is surrounded by the snow capped Atlas mountains, which create a unique contrast against the famous orange clay buildings and sunny blue sky.

The view of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains towering over the Marrakesh skyline.

Note: Sadly, I lost the photos from this trip. I have included the photos I was able to retrieve from social media posts, hence their poor quality.

Sights & Attractions

Arguable the main attraction in Marrakesh is the main square in the Medina called Jemaa el-Fnaa. This square is the heart of Marrakesh and is surrounded by souks and narrow winding streets. The square itself is a hive of activity, with various vendors, stalls, and rather unfortunately still snake charmers and monkey handlers. On the outskirts of Jemaa el-Fnaa are rooftop restaurants and cafes with views overlooking the bustling square. The square is located at the center of the Medina so it serves as a great reference point as you try and navigate the ancient maze of narrow streets.

Watching the sunset over the lively square of the Marrakesh Medina.

I spent hours wondering around the streets of the Medina, getting lost, and then finding my way around again. After a day or two, you’ll begin to recognize stalls and specific sections, making it much easier to get around. I’m not going to lie though, having Internet connection on my phone to be able to pull up my maps did help a lot at first.

Exploring the hidden squares of the Marrakesh Medina.

Other than the Medina area, there are fun neighborhoods to explore, many offering unique experiences. I spent some time exploring both the Gueliz and Mellah neighborhoods. The Gueliz neighborhood is the new city, with your typical modern necessities, restaurants, shopping malls, and new buildings. I walked up the main boulevard, Avenue Hassan II, popping in to some of the shops in the area. Souvenirs, gifts, and food were noticeably cheaper in this area, likely as it is less of a tourist spot. It was also interesting to see what the “day-to-day” life of the younger and business-orientated population looked like.

On the way to Gueliz, I stopped at the Park Arsat Moulay Abdesalam, or the Cyber Park, which is a public garden and park near the Medina. It was very hot and dry when I was in Marrakesh, so walking around and relaxing in this green space was very welcomed. There is no admission fee for the park either, and it was relatively well maintained. Walking to the Cyber Park from the Medina, you pass the main mosque in Marrakesh, Koutoubia. Founded in the 12th century, Koutoubia is known for its tall minaret, Moorish architecture, and the surrounding gardens.

The iconic Koutoubia Mosque, an example of Moorish architecture.

Additional sights to view and things to do include:
- Visit one of the famous palaces, such as the Bahia, El Badi, or The Royal Palace.
- View some of the historical landmarks, such as Bab Doukkala and Madrasa Ben Youssef.
- View the date trees or take part in some outdoor activities in Palmeraie.
- Visit the Jewish quarter, The Mellah, and explore the Tinsmiths Square.
Activities & Experiences

My favorite activity from my trip to Marrakesh was definitely just wondering around the Medina and the various souks such as Souk Semmarine or the Plaza Rahba Kedima. There are many stalls in the souks, selling various items from souvenirs and gifts, to textiles and kitchen wares, to every type of spice or herb you can think of. But be prepared to barter if you stop to buy something. The prices of most of the goods are inflated for tourists and to allow room for bartering, so you’re loosing out if you don’t take part in the bartering. Don’t be scared to walk away if the price is too high, you will pass many more stores selling the same items.

Walking through the vibrant and colorful streets in the Medina

On the second last day of the trip, a friend from the hostel I was staying at found out about a local football match going down later that evening. As an avid sports fan I had to try and get some tickets. We heard that tickets could only be purchased from a kiosk at the training grounds of the local football club, KAC Marrakesh. We made our way to the ticketing office in the afternoon, only to be greeted by absolute chaos when we arrived. It turned out that the match later that evening was a derby game against fierce rivals HUS Agadir and the amount of tickets available were limited to try and control the crowds. There were hundreds of people trying to force their way towards the front of the queue, with the police arresting the fans that were getting out of hand. We waited at the back of the crowds for over an hour in the hopes that the crowd would become more manageable, but the kiosk was closing every couple of minutes to determine how many more tickets were left to sell. Eventually, a few people emerged from the large crowd with a handful of tickets and we were lucky enough to buy a couple tickets from the one fan after offering him a good price.

Later that evening the six of us that managed to secure some tickets headed over to the Grand Stade de Marrakech before the game, located outside the city to the north. Only one entrance was open due to security reasons so we queued up with the rest of the fans and waited to enter. The queue was taking very long and the fans were getting irritated. Eventually a group of supporters broke down the fence by the entrance and everyone stormed in. We got bumped and pushed around as everyone made a run for the stands. After making it to the main supporters stand, we sat down and were almost immediately threatened by the home ultras before one supporter told us we better move to the “quieter” stand before the game started. Kick-off was delayed because of all the fireworks and bottles being thrown onto the pitch. Eventually the game started as the intensity of the crowd erupted. Throughout the game the home crowd was chanting and lighting flares. After many more stoppages because of the fireworks and television reviews, the home team ended up winning the game. This was easily one of the wildest sporting events that I’ve experienced!

Experiencing the electric atmosphere at the Grand Stade de Marrakech for a Kawkab Athletic Club of Marrakesh football match.

Another interesting activity to do while in Marrakesh is visiting the tanneries. The tanneries are located on the northeast edge of the Medina, in the Bab Debbagh neighborhood. I walked to the tanneries from the Jemaa el-Fnaa, which took around 20 minutes. As you get further away from the Jemaa el-Fnaa, the surroundings become more residential and much less tourists are seen. It was interesting to see some of the regular residents and houses of the city. It is said that the tanneries are centuries old and it was interesting see how they have been making leather hides using the same ancient methods and tools. It is advisable to look from afar as the workers have been known to demand money from tourists walking in and around the tannery vats. It is also a good thing as the vats are quite stinky!

If these activities aren’t your cup of tea, maybe try some of the following ones:
- Visit some of the museums, such as the Marrakech Museum, House of Photography, Dar El Bacha, Yves Saint Laurent, or the Dar Si Said Museum.
- Explore or relax in one of the many gardens in the city. Notable gardens include Le Jardin Secret, Jardin Majorelle, and the Menara Gardens.
- Take a trip down south to the small town of Imlil to hike in the Atlas Mountains and see the beautiful waterfalls.
Food & Drink

The Moroccan cuisine is world renowned as one of the best from the African continent, and for good reason. Incorporating Mediterranean, Arab, and Berber influences, this cuisine is famous for its hearty stews, spices, and rich flavors. Staples of this cuisines include tajines, grilled meats, couscous, teas, fresh fruit juices, and sweet treats. I tried various types of tajines, including chicken, lamb, and even tajines made with camel meat! I tried the camel tajine at Cafe Amornakoch while overlooking the main square. The lamb tajine at Les Almoravides was also delicious, and comes with arguably better views of the Almoravid Koubba on Rue Azbezt.

A classic Moroccan meal: a hearty tagine served with fresh bread and sweet mint tea.

If you are looking for something more casual, there are some great and very affordable food spots in and around the Derb Dabachi street area. One of my favorite meals was the mixed meat sandwich at Chez Omar. This sandwich comes includes a soft pita-type bread with various grilled meats, veggies, cheese, and a special sauce all for slightly more than a dollar at the time. This is up there as one of the best bang for you buck sandwiches and meals I’ve had!

Some restaurants and cafes to try:
- Park up at a cafe and people watch, either Cafe Clock, Cafe Mazel, or Zeitoun Cafe are great options. For a more luxurious option, try Bacha Coffee for some delicious coffees.
- Try one of the many street side fast food stalls such as Chez Omar and Dabachi Chez Cherif, or one of the many spots around the Jemaa el-Fnaa.
- Try a sit down restaurant with great views of the old Medina buildings including Chez Brahim Restaurant, Votre Table, and my favorite, Les Almoravides.
Transport & Accommodation

Most will be flying in and out of the Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK), which is situated to the southwest of the city. The lines at passport control were very long when I arrived, and many people, myself included, were being ushered off into the side offices for further questioning by the border officers. The whole process did seem quite unorganized and unofficial. I purchases an e-visa online and no one even asked for my visa when I passed through the border. Once you eventually get out the airport there are many taxis right outside the main entrance fighting for their next customer. It is recommended to first setup a SIM and exchange money for the local currency, Moroccan Dirham, before leaving the airport. Another tip I found useful to avoid scams was to walk away from the crowds and find a taxi driver on the outskirts of the pickup area and then negotiate and agree to a fixed price before climbing in the taxi. This allows you to verify that you have enough cash for the trip, also only hand over the money once arriving safely at you destination and after taking your luggage out the vehicle.

I stayed at the Hostel Riad Marrakech Rouge, right in the heart of the Medina. The hostel was quite popular with backpackers and young travelers. Its great location in the city meant we could easily pop back to change clothes or drop off some souvenirs before heading out again. The facilities were basic, but for the price I paid I can’t complain. The stay even comes with a delicious complimentary Moroccan breakfast.

Final Thoughts

Marrakesh is a wonderful city filled with history and unique experiences. The food and dining options are a must for any person wanting to experience new and unique cuisines. I would love to return just to try more of the local cuisine. Walking around the Medina and experiencing the hustle and bustle of the many souks was a unique experience, and one that I hadn’t experienced before. If you are looking for something a bit more crazy, definitely try and get some tickets for a local football match, you won’t be disappointed.

Daily life unfolds in the narrow, cobbled alleys of the Medina.

Browse these spots and more before for your trip to Marrakesh!
February 25, 2026
Doha in the Dark – Doha, Qatar
On a long flight from the USA to South Africa, I had an 18-hour layover coming up in Doha. My original plan was to try to catch some rest at the airport, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I, as a South African national, didn’t require a visa to visit Qatar. This meant I could rather spend the layover exploring the country’s capital city than being stuck in the airport!

Doha is the largest city in Qatar, with a population of almost 1.2 million, and is home to the vast majority of the country’s population. Qatar gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1971, and since then, Doha has been developed into one of the main financial centers in the Middle East.

Doha Skyline

Although I felt very safe when strolling around Doha at night, the effects that the recent FIFA World Cup had on the city were clearly visible. Standing at certain intersections and roads, you see brand new and fancy buildings on one side, with old and somewhat run-down apartments and shops on the other.

Sights & Attractions

The city of Doha has a lot of attractions, most of which are either fancy things to do for the rich or culturally orientated attractions related to the Islamic culture and the Qatari national heritage.

The Flag Plaza is located down by the Doha Port and is open for anyone to view free of charge. For the avid travellers, this makes for a fun game of spotting the flags of the countries you’ve visited in the past. Just behind the plaza is the MIA Park and the grounds that surround the Museum of Islamic Art, one of the iconic attractions in the area. This park is also open for walking around, and you can follow the road around the Old Doha Port, which has some colourful traditional buildings surrounding the marina.

Flag Plaza

Like most Islamic states, there are many mosques all around the city. These buildings have beautiful architecture, and some even contain artworks. Whether you are religious or not, seeing these buildings firsthand is still quite awe-inspiring, especially when they are lit up at night. I viewed the Al Shouyoukh Mosque with its tall minaret and was lucky enough to be allowed inside before one of the calls to prayer.

Looking out over the Doha Bay is the government office for the Qatari Emir. On the site of these buildings was once an old fort, which was renamed Amiri Diwan when Qatar gained independence. Some of the grounds around the Amiri Diwan remain open for the public to walk around.

Most recently, Qatar is remembered for the World Cup it hosted in 2022. Since the country is so small, most of the stadiums and associated event venues are situated close together and can be easily accessed. For sports fans, Doha is a fun place to try to see a couple of the newly built stadiums. I stopped by Stadium 974 on my way back to the airport, which has a capacity of just 44,000. Interestingly, the stadium was originally planned to be a temporary structure that would be disassembled after the World Cup, so it was built from almost a thousand repurposed shipping containers.

Some other attractions include:
- The 2022 World Cup statue on Old Palm Trees Island.
- Katara Cultural Village and the Pearl Island to the north of the city.
- The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum, which houses some cool Formula 1 and automotive exhibits.
Activities & Experiences

I was in Doha overnight, so I wasn’t expecting to find many things open other than a few late-night restaurants. Unfortunately, I got out of the airport after the museums had already closed, but I walked past some of them to see them from the outside anyway. There are numerous museums and cultural centers in the downtown area. The main ones are the Museum of Islamic Art, pictured below, and the National Museum of Qatar, with is interesting architecture. Admission to the museums is fairly well priced, so look into visiting one if you’re in Doha during the daytime.

Museum of Islamic Art

A popular activity to do in Doha is to take a ride on one of the dhow boats. There are many different operators, with most situated around the Dhow Harbour near the souq. I didn’t catch a ride this trip, given the time constraints. Most of the boats operate late into the night between the harbour and the Doha Corniche area. If a boat ride isn’t your thing, you can head down to the Doha Fishing Port and check out the fish market, which is also open quite late.

Doha is centered around the famous Souq Waqif, which is the city’s largest and borders the Doha Bay on the south side. The word “souq” means bazaar or marketplace in Arabic, and most Islamic cities and towns are built around them. This souq is not as old as some of the other, more historic souqs in the Islamic world, at just over a century old, but the architecture and winding streets and alleyways are fun to walk around and explore nonetheless.

In the souq, you’ll find various small restaurants with local eats. The area is a great place to do some souvenir or garment shopping. Even though it is very touristy, I was surprised that most of the shops and restaurants were still relatively cheap.

A Blurry Souq Waqif

Near the entrance to the souq is the Souq Waqif Art Center. This center has various Islamic and Middle Eastern artworks on display and even hosts some workshops. You can walk around and see the artists painting late into the night. I randomly spotted this Mr. Bean portrait on my way out and was very tempted to buy it!

Some other activities that could be fun include:
- Walking around and viewing the modern skyscrapers in the Doha Corniche area.
- Doing some shopping at one of the big malls, such as the Villaggio Mall or the City Center Doha Shopping Mall.
- Exploring the Al Bidda Park or the park at the Aspire Zone.
Food & Drink

The downtown area, especially around Souq Waqif, has many restaurants and places to grab some food. I was only in Doha for a long night, so I wanted to try the most iconic dish of the local Qatari cuisine. After some Googling, I set out to find some majboos or machbous, the national dish of Qatar. It wasn’t long before I came across a place serving this dish in the souq, and for very cheap too! After dinner, I found some delicious dolmas to snack on for dessert.

You can find various restaurants serving a wide range of Middle Eastern and local foods. I noticed restaurants serving Mediterranean, Egyptian, Iranian, and even Palestinian food. Muslims are not allowed to consume alcohol, so bars and restaurants serving alcohol are not common. Certain establishments and luxury restaurants do have permits to sell, but this comes at a premium. Fresh fruit juices, different types of teas, and of course Arabic coffee are very popular and cheap. I really enjoyed the mint tea and pomegranate juice.
- Qatar is almost entirely surrounded by the ocean, so seafood is a staple in the country. You can find restaurants serving up freshly grilled fish.
- Another popular dish is madrouba, which is a type of savoury porridge made from overcooked rice and various spices.
- Sweat desserts and treats are also popular. Some include luqaimat, which are a type of sweetened doughnut ball, khabees, which is a type of date and toasted sugary flour mixture, and various rice and sago puddings such as Umm Ali.
Transport & Accommodation

I flew Qatar Airways to and from Doha. This was my first time flying with them, and I have to say I was very impressed with the airline and the service. The airport in Doha is the Hamad International Airport. This is a large and relatively new airport with lots of shops and places to eat, although these are much more expensive than the places in the city. There are also some fun things to do to keep you entertained in the airport, such as walking around the indoor garden, the Orchard, or finding some of the sculptures, like the Small Lie large wooden teddy bear. Just note that there is no luggage storage at the airport, which I was quite surprised by.

Small Lie Teddy Bear Sculpture

To get between the airport and the city, you can take the metro, a bus, or a taxi. I used the metro to get to the Souq Station downtown, and I was very impressed with the facilities. The Doha metro might even be my favourite one yet. It was clean, on time, ran regularly, had good air-conditioning, and was well priced. I would favour this mode of transport if I find myself back in the country again.

Final Thoughts

Although I only spent one long night in Doha, I managed to find lots to do and see. The local food was particularly good, and something I hadn’t eaten before. The city is quite tourist-oriented, with these areas being very clean and well-kept. I was impressed with the metro and how easy it was to get around Doha, even late at night. Being an Islamic state, Qatar operates under Sharia law. It’s best to look into such things and plan accordingly before arriving in the country. It would be nice to have a longer stopover in Doha in the future, hopefully during the daytime, to experience some of the sunny weather and beaches.

How did you find your trip to Doha, or what are you excited to do when you visit Qatar?

Download this map for your trip to Doha!
November 7, 2025
Another Wet Day in the Pacific Northwest – Portland, OR
I’ve been given conflicting opinions about Portland over the years. With some noting the unfortunate issues with the unhoused population, while others highlighted the great brewery and street food scene. Back in March 2024 I found myself up in Seattle for a work trip with a weekend off, so I decided to get a bus down to Portland for a day trip to see the city for myself.

Iconic White Stag Sign

Portland, Oregon is the second largest city in the Pacific Northwest region with a population of around 650,000. The city is surrounded by beautiful woodlands and green spaces, with the Willamette River winding through the centre and out into the Pacific Ocean. Arriving in Portland, you are greeted by the various industries in and around the city’s waterways. I arrived at Union Station on a cold and wet Sunday, so the downtown area was a bit quiet and lacked the typical hustle and bustle one would expect from a city of its size.

Cloudy View of Downtown Portland from Vista Bridge

Sights & Attractions

Steel Bridge

I hung out mainly around the Downtown and Central Eastside neighbourhoods, and there was plenty to do and see here. After a short walk form Union Station I arrived at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. This narrow park follows the Willamette River from the Steel Bridge all the way down to the Marquam Bridge, crossing under 3 other bridges along the way. The Portland Market is held here on Saturdays and its a popular with joggers. This park makes for a nice spot for a picnic or to park off for a coffee with a view of the river and bridges.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Walking around Portland it was evident that the city has a good art scene. I stumbled across many sculptures and interesting street art murals, from a robot sculpture with a heart to a realistic T-Rex dinosaur. If I get the chance to come back in the summer, I’ll definitely try find a walking street art tour!

Some other highlights include:
- Viewing the USS Blueback submarine from the jetty behind OMSI.
- Seeing Mill Ends Park which is said to be the smallest in world.
- Head up to the Pittock Mansion for great city skyline views.
- Head out to Forest Park to see the Witch’s Castle.
Activities & Experiences

It’s not hard to find things to do in Portland. I had a great time just wondering around the downtown areas and popping in to browse random stores or looking at the city’s architecture.

With a view of the courthouse and some of the older buildings downtown, the Pioneer Courthouse Square is a good place to start. A couple blocks behind the square is the Multnomah County Central Library which is a nice place to grab a souvenir for the trip. On Southwest Broadway are a few concert halls and theatres. No events were on the day I was in town, but this is a cool street to walk down. The Southwest Parks are situated around the corner opposite the Oregon Historical Society. These parks are home to various interesting sculptures and make for a fun walk.

If you’re a sports fanatic like I am, you have to go see the Providence Park stadium. Home of the Portland Timbers, the stadium has a unique architecture with ivy growing up the entrance walls. Unfortunately, the Timbers weren’t playing this weekend, but I always enjoy seeing the local sports venues nontheless.

I stopped in at The Cheerful Bullpen across the road from the stadium. With sports memorabilia covering the wall, this cosy dive bar was a good pit-stop before heading up the hill to Washington Park. On the way to the park you walk through a residential area with some beautiful Redwood trees. I went up to the Vista Bridge as well to see the Downtown skyline. Although its a pity the views are somewhat obstructed by the safety fence.

I entered Washington Park at the entrance at the top of Southwest Park Place. As you enter the park you pass the Lewis and Clark Column with the Sacajawea Statute just behind it. The park was empty when I got there so it was nice and peaceful. A bit further into the park is the amphitheatre, the International Rose Test Garden, and the Portland Japanese Garden. Unfortunately the rose garden was being landscaped when I was there, but the walk around the area and the other garden were worth the trek up from downtown.

Sacajawea Statue

After strolling around the park, I decided to walk back down into Goose Hollow to get a bus back down to the Willamette River. I hopped off just before the Hawthorne Bridge to walk over bridge to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). This museum houses various industrial artefacts and has rotating exhibits. I didn’t go for the full admission as the the turbine hall was free to view. On your way out, walk around to the back of the building see the USS Blueback submarine and get a beautiful view of the Marquam and Tilikum Crossing bridges.

Old GE Turbine

After the museum I walked across the tram tracks to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. This center houses a couple antique and vintage locomotives that used to be in operation in the Pacific Northwest as well as an old workshop used to maintain them. The center is volunteer run with a small souvenir shop to raise funds. At the time I visited there was no admission fee, so I bought a fridge magnet on the way out to give thanks.

Here are some other ideas for things to do in Portland:
- Make a wish at the Wishing Tree on NE 7th Ave.
- Explore the historic underground Shanghai tunnels. The tours are a bit pricey though.
- Head up to Mount Tabor park for great views of the city.
- Browse through the books at the Iconic Powell’s City of Books.
- Explore the Hoyt Arboretum visit the Redwood Observation Deck.
- Wonder around some of the other green spaces such as the Lu San Chinese Garden.
- Visit the Oregon Zoo.
Food & Drink

Portland is known for its street food, food trucks, and brewery scene. Just stumbling around the Central Eastside and Buckman neighbourhoods you’re bound to find some delicious food and good beer. There is also a good coffee scene, with lovely cafes and coffee shops all over the city.

My first stop was for a bite to eat at Nong’s Khao Man Gai. I had heard about this Thai resaurant before coming to Portland so had to stop in and try the Khao Man Gai Piset chicken and rice dish. To this day I still think about how good this meal was. Perfectly tender chicken and rice, with flavourful and fresh dips, what’s not to love? The next time you’re in Portland make sure to add this to your itinerary!

Khao Man Gai at Nong’s

There are many breweries and dive bars on the east side of the Willamette river. I really enjoyed B-Side Tavern for its laid back dive bar vibe and tasty beers. Walking down East Burnside, Southeast Stark, and Southeast 6th streets are good places to start. Most of the breweries and bars have nice outside seating, perfect for a lazy summer day!

Food and drink ideas:
- Tour the city for the best doughnuts. Don’t forget to stop in at the famous Voodoo Doughnut shop.
- Take one of the many brewery tours.
- Grab a drink at the Huber’s Cafe, the oldest bar in Portland.
- Check out some of the other dive bars, such as Billy Ray’s Dive, Speakeasy Tavern, or My Father’s Place.
- Do your own food truck tasting tour.
Transport & Accommodation

I took a FlixBus to Portland from Seattle and back for a day trip. The bus dropped off and picked up around the corner from Portland Union Station and was cheap and clean. I don’t think a metro pass is needed for a short trip, as the downtown areas of Portland are very walkable. I took one trip on the metro bus and the light trail tram, and would use the public transport again for getting around the city when I’m not feeling walking.

I didn’t stay over in Portland, but the west coast, unlike the east coast, is known to have a couple of good hostels. You should be able to find a good hostel for under $50 a night.

Clock Tower at Portland Union Station

Final Thoughts

I was pleasantly surprised by my trip to Portland. The city often gets a bad wrap, but I think this is a bit unfair. Albeit short and a bit cold and rainy, I had a fun time. The city boast a bunch of cool breweries, street food spots, and quirky neighbourhoods. Situated on the confluence of two major rivers and surrounded by the Pacific Northwest forests, Portland is also great city to visit to explore the nature in the area. Keen to make it back to Portland in the near future!

Highlighted spots for your trip to Portland!
November 6, 2025