A re-visit to Marrakech after some twenty plus (!) years was well worth it. The medina has not lost any of its charm, despite the fact that busloads of tourists flood into and out of the city continuously. The famous square Jma al-Fna has become a fairly well-organized and commercial yet unescapable tourist trap but you can still be easily attracted by improvised gnawa sessions there, if you are patient enough. The best thing to do in Marrakech is to take a deep dive into the souqs and discover what’s on offer. You may also from time to time need real skills to talk your way out of the shops without buying anything, but that’s only part of the fun!  

Porcupine’s latest craft finds from these souqs include some exciting recycled stuff: tyre picture frames (see above) and pierced tin lampshades. We also bought some cute picture tiles and coin-studded shoulder bags, and more is to come soon.