Goods that grab your attention. Even when you don't know what they are. All photos by Anna Petrow.
MARRAKECH – I've traveled extensively. I've been to many places. But by far, the wildest place I've experienced is the souk in Marrakech. The open-air Berber marketplace is a completely foreign and entirely authentic world. No hoards of tourists. No visible Western influence. Just the pure and beautiful culture of Morocco.
I could describe the labyrinthine soil paths winding back into the bowels of the Grand Medina. I could tell you about pungent spice stalls, glimmering jewelry, and silver light fixtures that cast their intricately patterned glow on colorful rugs woven by ancient Berber tribes. I could relay the surprise and wonder I felt after discovering that snake charming is real, and yes, it's taking place next to a fresh-squeezed orange juice stand in the center of the bustling marketplace. But I won't tell my story with words.
I'll do it with pictures. Because, on top of the conflicting smells of live animals and silky spices, above the sounds of desperate hawking merchants and street music, it's the striking imagery of the marketplace that stays with me to this day.
Carpets line souk walls inside and outside of shops, encouraging would-be buyers to stop in.
Colorful Jars
Everything from curries to seeds to vibrant fabric dyes are displayed in clear jars.
Bicycle
You never know what you're going to see coming down the narrow paths of the souk.
Bag Stall
How low can you go (when negotiating for goods)?
Spices
This man was offering his wares from the back corner of his stall. When I showed a friend this photo, he asked me how the spice seller manages to get out from behind the piles of spices. I wonder!
Bakery
Tantalizing sights and smells.
Bazar Chichaoua
Fancier goods are merchandised in little shops tucked away in the souk.
Donkey Rider
Make way for all vehicular traffic.
Camel
Camels and their owners wait roadside to offer rides (for a tip) to tourists.
Eggs
Live chickens and fresh eggs are sold side by side.
Herbs
The makings of very strong and very sweet traditional Moroccan mint tea.
Chameleons
Creatures among the bizarre items for sale in the center of the Medina.
Merchant Messenger
This is casual elegance.
Lanterns
The Moroccans know a thing or two about mood lighting.
Market Stall
Note to self: Bring an empty suitcase for all the souvenirs you are sure to take home.
School Exterior
A gorgeous wash of colors.
Orange Crate
Orange crates resting next to an orange juice stand.
Orange Juice Stand
On a sweltering day, nothing is more refreshing than fresh-squeezed juice.
Shoe Salesman
A man and his shoe fetish.
Shoes
Slip into something a little more comfortable.
Spice Baskets
Now's the time to buy in bulk.
Spice Stall
Pick up snacks for later.
Snake Charming
Snake charmers and monkey owners wait in the Medina for curious tourists willing to tip for photo-opps.
Goods in Transport
Will you pick up the goods or let them ride away?
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