The train ride last night was wonderful. I was a bit worried at first because each cabin had 4 beds so that meant sharing with 3 other people. I am usually a very private person and have had trouble sleeping already. There was a French couple above me and a man in the bunk across. It was very tight in there with barely A/C running. I met another 2 American girls wihle boarding who I would later share a taxi with to the city center.

I thought for sure I was doomed in the hot cabin and wouldn't be able to sleep. Fortunately my drained body couldn't take it anymore and I was able to sleep. It wasn't the best sleep but again, much needed.

I woke up around 6:30am and stood in the hallway to look outside. The sun had already been up for an hour. I got to see the Morrocan country side I had been waiting for. Much like the tirp in Spain it was filled with rolling hills and dotted with small villages. Morrocans get to work early. I watched shepards herding their sheep, women bent ovre on the farm and children helping out. Some of the poverty can be seen when passing through the larger towns.

The scenery eventually turned into flat plains. Less villages and more sheep. You could see extremely far in the distance.

We arrived i nMarrakesh at about 8:30am. Me and the 2 girls headed to the Djemma El-Fna via taxi. It is the main square in the medina of Marrakesh. Pronounced "Jamal Elfna" (kind of, still haven't figure out the exact way to say it)

We split up and I went to look for my hotel. It took me a few wrong turns but Imade it. I am staying at Hotel Ali. It had been recommended by a lot of people. It is a backpacker's hot spot. The room is simple but clean. Hot showers, A/C, king sized bed and is right off Djemma El-Fna. For 150DH/$15/night it isn't bad at all.

I dropped off my stuff and headed out to explore. I stlil hadn't showered and figured three would be no point. Marrakesh is not exactly the cleanest city but it had a very comfortable vibe to it. I had been advised not to wander in the medina with out a guide or map. I went with out either just for a stroll. I kept telling myself to turn back but each turn in this labrynth of markets stalls, shops, homes and restuarants had my curiousity held . So I got lost.

I really nevre felt too olst because at any time I could ask a kid to sohw me back to the main square for a small tip. It took me about 2 hours but I Found myself back at the hotel.

Marrakesh is a sensory overload. So much to look at, so colorful and at the same time crowded and dirty. There we no garbage cans which amazed me because when I say dirty I don't really mean with trash... it is more or less just the muddy streets and side avenues.

Mopeds and bicycles own the narrow streets while donkeys pull carts at a steady pace carrying their loads. My sense of smell has picked up an assortment of aromas. One minute I will be taking the scent of freshly squeezed orange juice in Djemma el-Fna and the next I'm choking on the foul scent of donkey droppings. The markets or "souqs" had scents so strong I sneezed several times. Spices, incense and other aroma inducing items were abundant.

I am now resting outside of my hotel in a park where other Morrocans seem to have the same idea. I was able to shower and change into more comfortable shorts. It isn't too hot as long as you don't sit in the sun for extended periods. It is trying to rain but the sun won't allow it. I think the temperature is in the high 80's or low 90's with almost no humidity.

I moved up to the terrace of my hotel overlooking the square. I can see the row of orange juice stands an dperformers playing traditional music with a panoramic view of the city and the High Atlas Mountains in the background.

I'm not doing much more today other than relax near my hotel. The stress of the last 2 days is still lingering. No more walking today. At 5pm I am supposed to meet a girl named Liz from New York that is currently on an around-the-world trip. It will be nice to have another person to wander around with.