
Old meets new as a man in traditional Moroccan dress chats with a friend in motorcycle attire.
We’re people watchers (especially when we travel), fascinated by how people work, worship, and live in countries other than our own. And in Marrakech, how people move from one place to another was in stark contrast to how we get around in the U.S. Rarely did we see cars in lanes (lines on the street were merely a suggestion in some places), and ingenuity ruled the day as far as transportation went. People got around any way they could — from carts to motorcycles to bikes to skate boards. Here are a few glimpses of transportation, Marrakech style.
Horse-drawn carriages
Not just for tourists in Jemaa el-Fnaa. Locals hopped on, too.
Donkeys with carts
Piled high and to the breaking point.
Donkeys alone
Waiting to deliver the goods, a donkey stands tethered in a Marrakech marketplace.
Carts piled high
Adding a third wheel actually doubles what you can haul!
Carts piled low
Have flatbed, will deliver — open and airy transportation, for sure.
And carts filled to overflowing!
No comment needed. We have no idea how people negotiate mile-high loads!
Walking gets you there.
Ladies at Koutoubia Mosque get around by foot — possibly the most expedient way in crowded tourist areas.
And so does riding.
A cyclist whizzing by? Not following the lanes? Just another day in the streets of the medina.
But at the end of the day, a cart can be anything you want it to be.
For more of Marvelous Morocco, check it out here!
jrdobbin
A whole new world. It`s amazing that in North America we wouldn`t dream anymore of loading up a cart by hand and pulling it ourselves into town to then unload by hand. You guys take such good pictures.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much for the compliment, but the photos are just real life as we see it. Morocco is full of sites and scenes that we might consider “old world.” But the work gets done, no matter how. And we love the ingenuity of so many people around the world. Best wishes for a great new year and the chance to see many new places.
janaline's world journey
I just love this post and all the different modes of transport!!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks! I’m sure you’ve seen a lot of transportation in the countries you’ve visited. People whizzing by aren’t unique — it’s just that many people are more creative than I am when it comes to getting by.
tappjeanne
love your pics Rusha – last one especially made me smile
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks, Jeanne. Marrakech is a busy place, and sometimes I couldn’t get my camera in time to snap someone or something rushing past. Michael would have a ball here — so many pictures every where we looked!
Sue
Yikes – busy, busy! A colourful glimpse , Rusha!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much for taking a look. It seemed that no matter what people were driving or riding, they were flashing by. We learned quickly to watch left and right!
Sue
Bet you learnt fast!
Joanne Weir
Wonderful, thoughtful and creative! Love it Rusha!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much, Joanne. I’m sure you have memories of more transportation methods than the ones I showed. In fact, I loved our van that took us from Jnane Tamsna to downtown the best!!! Hope all is well with you.