Organized Chaos -- Market Day
Most of the time spent shopping as done in traditional Moroccan souks -- or markets. While most of our time in these souks were spent in Agadir -- and thus the bulk of our shopping -- there were also two excursions into the Marrakech markets. With three days spent in Agadir, and two days spent in Marrakech, it would be nearly impossible to list the attributes and images of both markets alongside each other. In general, the same format is withheld in each market: an artisan section, a produce and spice section, and a central point (more so in Marrakech) with performers and small vendors. In both accounts, the markets of Morocco prove to be hectic, and yet opportunistic, giving the impression of an almost organized chaos.
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A day in the city -- a day so familiar to this trip. When not experiencing travel delays [traffic], or going on guided tours of Marrakech, most can be found enjoying either a breakfast, lunch, or all together, in a rather festive manner, dinner. If not for the quality of the food (no complaints, by any means), then for the pure sake of energy consumption to fuel the day at the markets...the centerpiece of stereotypical Moroccan hustle and bustle.
Outside of the chaos. A 20 minute, 15 dirham ($2.00) taxi ride from the hotel, outside of the wall separating us from a maze of bartering and deal breaking. This maze, this wall, this gradient is almost paramount in the experience of Morocco. Behind that wall, in fact, lies nearly every souvenir purchased, nearly every overwhelming moment...
For what seems like miles, the rows of shops stretched on. More so than just the volume of shops was the volume of people -- so dense that it appeared nearly impossible to weave in and out of -- something that holds true even for the driving in Morocco. After every step there was a tug on your sleeve, or an innocent "Dutch, French, American?" from shop owner...
While the shops were piled high with beautifully painted and crafted pottery, leather, and glass -- the distinctive bartering process truly gave way to the nature of the markets. With light skin, and touristy gaze, we presented with fat pockets -- giving the excuse to raise the initial offer (price) by a rough 200%. And in fact, both we and the shop owner's were highly aware of the supply of similar products nearby -- eventually giving way to a dramatic drop in price to our advantage...
Second to the arts and crafts were the spices and herbs -- a truly picturesque time. In general, both Marakech and Agadir shared the same format of market. An enclosed periphery, an entrance with a courtyard and events, the artisan aisles, and the produce aisles. Indeed, upon stepping from the artisan to the produce, there was both a change of atmosphere, and a change of aroma...bundles of fresh mint for under $0.30 USD, to 2 grams of saffron for under $3.00 USD.
It's hard to go wrong with purchasing produce with prices 1/100th of American, in some cases, and with a selection that trumps all western stores in comparison...
From herbs and spices to leather and crafts...
From leather and crafts to the central meeting point -- where it becomes common to have a monkey put on your shoulder, or a cobra draped over your shoulder...both the central point of the market, and the entrance to both the crafts, and the produce...Less crowded, with just as many surprises...
But at the end of the day, the city is the city, is Morocco. Crowded and unpredictable, and yet appealing to those with a sense of exploration -- or with a keen eye for deals. The meeting place of those looking to give each other a hard time in the name of a purchase. When it's all said and done, and the intimidation passed -- the method of purchase in Morocco leaves one drained and yet accomplished -- ready to observe the commotion from afar.
Agadir in the evening...After a long day...