Travelling by train from Casablanca airport to Marrakesh, I soon found myself at Bab Doukkala and the entrance to the medina. Besides nearby the palacial riad that I was staying in, I was immediately besieged by the sounds, smells, sights and tastes of the souk. Here were stalls selling brochettes, tangerines, dates, live chickens, flat bread, ceramics and a thousand other necessities of life.

Over the next few days I explored this city, seeking out huge and decorated palaces, tiny synagogues and a massive Jewish cemetery.