The next day at 8:30 am (Thurs Sept 25) we took the tramway near the marina to the Rabat train station to board a train for Marrakesh. We bought our 1st class tickets for 16 euros each at separate ticket counters, only to discover later that we were given assigned seats in different compartments. This caused considerable confusion when the conductor made his rounds, but it was sorted out finally. The train ride was over 4 hours but was smooth and pleasant.
The New Zealand friends met us at the train station with their tour guide and van, so we enjoyed a brief afternoon tour of some Marrakesh highlights. The city was full of tourists and the normal hustle-bustle of vendors and traffic. Trees and greenery around the ancient city walls really made Marrakesh feel like an oasis.
We had booked a room that night at the Riad Mirage in the old city center. A "riad" is a small hotel usually converted from an older family home. Only a door shows on the street and the rooms open to an inner open-air courtyard, all hidden from the street. Because our Riad was in a pedestrian area only, the tour van dropped us off with our small backpacks of luggage to a man with a hand cart. He led us down many narrow streets and had to stop two times at other Riads for directions. We were getting very concerned that: a)we would never find the Riad Mirage (appropriately named it seemed); b)if we did find it, how would we ever find our way back out the next morning; c) the quality of the hotel was questionable because the alleys got more narrow and dark as we went!
Finally the hotel/riad was found and all our concerns vanished as we were led into a beautiful courtyard, served the usual Moroccan mint tea, and finally taken to beautifully appointed rooms.
We met the New Zealand group in the famous central square and enjoyed a rooftop terrace restaurant with a perfect view over the busy square. There were many "food stalls" and vendors set up just for each night, along with snake charmers and monkey keepers. It was hard to believe this much activity goes on here every night.