“Good morning. Just looking.” We must have heard this phrase a hundred times during our two day stay in Marrakesh, it’s the favourite saying of all the souq traders trying to tempt you into their shops. But be warned: there is no such thing as ‘just looking’. Once you show any glimmer of interest in their wares or pause for even a second, you will find yourself with a berber scarf on your head, a carpet in one hand and a lantern in the other, all of which you can purchase for ‘a very good price my friend’.

Despite the constant hassle from lantern sellers, henna painting ladies and snake charmers, Marrakesh is a wonderful place. Yes, it’s dusty, busy and unhygienic but it’s also exotic and exciting. Sitting in the square on our first evening it was clear we were on another continent, this was not like home: The smell of spices, the ‘call to prayer’ heard over the tannoy system, mules and carts in the main thoroughfare and stalls full of exotic goods.

We spent our couple of days in Marrakesh getting lost in the winding alleys of the souqs, drinking the prevalent mint tea (traditionally taken with heaps of sugar) and retreating in our riad style hotel which was an oasis in the madness.