Home in Time for Tea

"I'm not buying anything - I'm just going to look" I announced to Jess as we sat Googling pictures of Marrakech's endless souks and planning our impending trip with a frenzy of excitement. "I've got nowhere to put anything anyway - my house is full..." I added, as my friend turned her attention back to the description of the traditional labyrinthine markets we were so intent on visiting. "I'm taking an empty suitcase. I'm serious! I'm stocking up - I won't be happy unless I've got to buy at least one more house to put all my lucky finds in..." she replied. Accompanied by my mum and my shopping-hating husband, Jess and I made our way across the Djemma El Fna, let loose in the hubbub. After a delicious fresh orange juice for 50p at a stand in the square, we headed into the narrow and bustling alleys beyond. In our first shop, we were immediately pounced upon , with all the 'ah, suits you lady'...

        A labyrinthine expedition into the souk markets of Marrakech's old town had us re-emerging into the daylight clutching armfuls of Eastern treasures, blinking and squinting into the sun. I couldn't have been happier, and I even couldn't wait to get home to accommodate my new found delights, but we had a whole travel adventure ahead of us to enjoy first.. Hotel Pullman Palmeraie We stayed at 5 star hotel Pullman Palmeraie, in the peaceful Palmerie area outside the city, which smells of rosebuds on arrival, and is set in the most beautiful exotic gardens. Scarves on sale in one of the many souks As we got deeper and deeper into the souk markets, bargaining and haggling became more and more addictive and fun. Prices that are 'impossible' suddenly become possible with a casual sweep of the hand and a warm exchange, and the regular offerings of items like rusty taps when we originally v...

      Going to a Concert at the O2? Why not make a day of it and add some sightseeing, shopping and possibly a 4/5 star  hotel... After a day shopping at the enormous new Westfield shopping centre in Stratford City (East London), and a trip on the cable car across the Thames to the Greenwich peninsula where the O2 is located, I was inspired by the possibility of combining these activities with a concert at the O2. (At this point I'm angling for a trip to see Maroon 5 but it depends how much money I can not spend this month)... It seems like the perfect day out in the City. Especially if you add in a night's stay at the beautiful and modern 4/5 star Grange City Hotel (beside Tower Gateway DLR station). Shopping in East London - Westfield at Stratford The Stratford Westfield is simply enormous, I can't explain it any simpler than that! The M&S is amazing, the biggest one I've seen. There was so much...