The souk in Marrakech is fabulous entertainment! It can initially be overwhelming as the stall holders are rather persistent, so on the first visit, just wander, look and become comfortable with the environment - a guide is also worth it as the labyrinth can be very disorientating. It is loosely divided into various areas, the wool dying area with the intense coloured wool hanging to dry, the metal area where men beat out beautiful brass lights, the wood area where timber pieces are turned by feet and the leather area with hundreds of brightly coloured bouches (slippers) are ready for sale. You will have to be very strong to resist the lure of buying a carpet, even if you have no intention of doing so, and the herbalist gives a wonderful explanation of the strange looking items he sells. It is important go with a sense of fun in order to enjoy the banter, for the art to bargaining is indeed a game and these men are very well practiced!
