Travel Diary, Bahia Palace, Morocco

Hi! It's been a while, yes. I hope that all is well with you. You may have noticed through Instagram that I was recently in Morocco. Even though I had originally hoped to visit Ethiopia, circumstances were not coming together easily to that end. My friend and I surrendered to the situation and decided to go to North Africa instead.

It was my second time in Morocco and while we didn't reach other places like Chefchaouen or the Sahara Desert, I was pleased to have more time than during my first trip to soak in what Marrakech has to offer. One of those offerings is the architecture. As someone who enjoys learning about history and design, spending time taking in a former royal residence, for example, was my cup of tea. With good reason, Moroccan architecture is widely celebrated. It is resolutely exquisite. The creativity and ingenuity of Moorish and Islamic design prevail. Gorgeous doors, zellij tile-work, arches, geometric and floral motifs are generously incorporated into Moroccan residences and public spaces.

One of the structures that showcase these elements is the Bahia Palace (Palace of the Brilliant and Beautiful - aptly named, dare I say). Every centimeter of its surface is laden with intricate artistry. Built in the 19th century, the Palace is a treasured piece of Moroccan heritage. It's no wonder why tourists flock to its premises. After paying the requisite 70 dirham for entering, I happily realised that there weren't too many other visitors present. I sauntered around admiring and taking photos of my surroundings. From the courtyards to the interior spaces, there were so many details to relish. Tracing my fingers against the carved Arabic calligraphy, I wondered about the Moors who once ruled swaths of Northern Africa and Southern Europe. The impact they left is stunning and profound. The design of edifices such as the Bahia Palace is a testament to this.

Once I had my fill of picture snapping and strolling, I sat with a book of poetry. The settings seemed ideal for practising a bit of mindfulness. Even now as I write this, I feel inspired by having been somewhere in which beauty and craftsmanship were given such pride of place.