Local markets
The beach down at the fish market is covered in colorful wooden boats, many named after European football clubs. When the boats return from the sea (mostly around afternoon at 3pm) men gather around to carry the catch to the nearby fish market, while others lift the boat out of the crashing surf. It's an extremely lively and chaotic place, and can feel intimidating at first, but people (mostly Wolof and Fula) are friendly and mostly indifferent of your present.
Chefchaouen is named the Blue City after its blue-rinsed buildings. It's a colourful twist that set Chefchaouen's small medina apart from the other old Moroccan cities frequented by tourists. However, it still offers the obligatory narrow, tortuous and winding lanes that are impossible not to become lost in. Just with a slight blue glow to it. The atmosphere here is also less chaotic, and there is less hassle than in other destinations favored by visitors. Tugged away in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is also in the middle of a vast cannabis growing area, something that could explain the relaxed atmosphere. It certainly explains why it is a famous hippie and backpacker hangout. This brings with it a few particular scams that should be mentioned here. Expensive, but poor quality hash is sold on the street and touts will offer invitations to cannabis farms, where they eventually will pressure any "guests" to buy their products and take a commission for showing them around.
Boasting the most impressive sunset in Morocco, a windy beach, and a UNESCO-recognised harbour, Essaouira is well worth the two-hour drive from Marrakesh. Here is lively, but no hassle. The harbour is dominated by dozens of small, blue fishing boats, a market, and a citadel, which walls extends all around the medina (old city). Both the walls and the citadel offer unobstructed views of the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean – as does most of the city's roof terraces. In fact, the old town is almost overflowing with romantic spots. The picture perfect beach extends for many kilometres south of the city. However, strong winds and dunes make it more suited for the wind- or kitesurfing and quad biking than for swimming and sunbathing.
The world's biggest Islamic medieval city and accidentally also the world's largest car-free zone. The medina, Fez el-Bali, dates back 1200 years and is one of those places where time has been at a standstill. It is a labyrinth where getting lost is inevitable, where goods are still transported by donkey and where it is quite impossible to expect what awaits around the next corner. Especially famous are the city’s tanneries where leather is still dyed in pits as it were hundreds of years ago. If it all become too hectic, the peaceful Bou Jeloud Gardens does offer some tranquil relief. The same does Fez el-Jdid, or New Fez, which is only 700 years old(!) and less affected by tourism. It almost goes without saying that the medinas of Fez are on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Jemaa El-Fnaa Square in Marrakesh takes on two contrasting, yet equally captivating personas. During the day, you’ll find endless orange juice and date vendors vying for your business, along with snake charmers and monkey handlers hoping for photo opportunities with tourists. Hopefully, by the time you make it to the square you have experienced enough of Morocco to know better than to expect anything for free, because there are definitely no complimentary services in this square! By night, the square becomes crowded with food stalls offering a good range of Moroccan cuisines. Once you've had your fill of harira and grilled sausages, grab a ginseng tea with cinnamon and ginger and explore the mind-boggling array of entertainment. From public storytelling, magicians, political speeches and musical performances there's plenty on offer. Do not miss the opportunity to watch the square come to life as night falls. Secure a spot in one of the rooftop cafes surrounding the square and watch as the transformation happens before your eyes.
In the old town of Marrakech (the Medina) there is a giant maze of intricate alleyways filled with markets, so-called souqs. There are whole streets dealing for example only with furs, shoes, pottery, bronze items, vegetables, meats, etc. It is great fun to go into this colourful maze, but it can be difficult to find your way around - and there are not many street names to help. There are also many good restaurants and roof terraces in the Medina, but you must know where they are located, since they are well hidden in closed riads (courtyards).
Like most of rural eastern Nigeria, the countryside around Zaki Biam is dotted with villages made up of round mudhuts with thatched roofs. The town itself has a big bustling market. The local people seems curious, though a bit shy, probably because they don't see foreign travelers that often.
Nizwa is an ancient town once protected by an old desert fort. Even today the old souq (market) is still the centre of trade and traditional goods are changing hands as they did a century ago. It even becomes better on Fridays when it's goat auction day. From early morning, Bedouins come in to buy and sell. In an open arena goats are dragged around by their owner in front the observing audience. A potential buyer calls over the goat, squeezes its testicles and decides whether to buy it or not. Besides the goats and the occasional camel, the other attractions are the colourful Bedouin women who attend the market. Some have their face covered by a finely decorated cloth mask, half as an out-of-this-world fashion statement and half as protection from the strong sun. They sure will make an impression.
Lahore is a surprisingly pleasant and interesting city, but the real charmer is the walled Old City. It's a place of narrow twisting alleys, skinny houses (some traditional havelis), colourful shops and elbow to elbow crowd - and of course low hanging power line spaghetti. As elsewhere in Pakistan, people are super friendly and easy-going, and the only hassle would be the many invitations for tea. The major sights are the two mosques Badshahi and Wazir Khan, and Lahore Fort (which is an UNESCO World Heritage site), but the true experience is to just wander aimlessly around.
Souq Waqif is Doha old market place. The souq and the area around it are in the final phase of a makeover to make it all look like an iconic old Arabian souq. At first it can feel a bit disappointing when a closer look reveals that the adobe buildings are made of cement and home to chain coffee shops, among others. But when you start exploring the souq, you will happily realise that it is a real souq - not just a tarted up tourist market. Locals do come to buy tools, nuts, spices, perfumes and the latest fashion in abayas (the black cloak for women), and old porters will push their way through the narrow lanes with their wheelbarrow full of cargo. The pet and bird corner is surprisingly well-stocked, where you might catch a glimpse of some falcon chicks. The main street is lined with coffee shops, restaurants and tea houses where you can take it all in while puffing a shisha (waterpipe).