Tishka Pass to Marrakesh with DTK

The last leg of the father and son reunion went through some of the desert country, over the famous Tichka Pass with winding roads and bus barf bags, then down to one of the most touristy places Marrakesh.  Livestock can be just around the corner and slow down progress.  Snow was evident in the high peaks as we wound our way up and down.

Arriving in Marrakesh to the main bus station is always an experience.   We actually came in on the CTM bus which is much less hectic.  The hustle and bustle of dozens of buses coming and going, cab drivers, assistants who come up to you and want to help you on your way to wherever you are going for a small Dh fee.  It gets obnoxious after you have been there a few times and know where you are going.  These guys follow you from getting out of the cab to the bus window and expect a couple Dh even if you told them to leave you alone.  Walk fast and they tend to leave you alone.
I checked in to a hotel I stayed in with the Peace Corps and Dustin and I went on a tour into the souk market, Djemma El-Fna.  This is where the recent bombing took place.  Tourism was definitely down from when I was there previously.
Destination Ben Youssef Medersa and the Sultans tomb.  The16th century tomb area was walled up by the sultan's successor so that the subjects would not compare the new guy to the memory of the last.  The tomb remained sealed until it was discovered in 1917.

The Medersa built in the 14th century and renovated as late as the 19th century is known for it's size and magnificent carved wood and intricate plaster details.  Thee is a pool on the center courtyard and student rooms look down onto this area.  The area stayed cooler than the intense heat elsewhere in the town.  I would not like to be there in the heat of the summer though.

The student rooms were small but probably very comfortable for the era.  I understand that the lack of plumbing eventually drove students to study elsewhere.

We could have spent more time in the Medersa but it was time to get Dustin to the airport and off to Madrid.  I had a great time visiting with Dustin, bonding and showing him around Morocco.  The times we had with my new friends and the opportunity to introduce him to them will be a memory I will hold forever, or until I get Alzheimers and can't remember. lol.
Come back again when you get a chance, Dustin.  Love you.