During your lifetime, there are certain sightseeing attractions one just has to experience, you might call them the modern wonders of the world, like Machu Pichu in Peru, the Great Barrier Reef of Australia or Sugar Loaf in Rio de Janeiro.
Africa offers visitors some “wonders” on a different scale.
Visit Morocco and head for the garden city of Marrakesh. Here is located the legendary square of Djemaa El Fna, where visitors are presented with the most exotic show in the world by strolling minstrels, clowns, street entertainers, acrobats and fire-eaters. As you watch the performers, you realise you are privy to an age-old tradition, still surviving despite the onslaught of modern life.
The water-sellers in the adjacent souks will offer you their beverage, but don’t drink the water, rather pay for it, as it is said to bring you luck dealing with these colourful vendors. This is also the place to buy beautiful Moroccan carpets.
From Marrakesh, if time permits, take a drive to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Make your way along an old tribal road to Ouarzazate passing through the village of Ait Benhaddou, the location of a number of Hollywood movies including Lawrence of Arabia as well as Soddom and Gomorrah.
Everyone knows about or have watched the film, Casablanca. It is such an exotic name that initially one is disappointed with this port, but it is certainly worth the while to visit the mammoth Hassan II Mosque, a magnificent example of Arabic architecture at its very best.