Two Extremes

Place Jmaa El Fna is the huge, huge square in the centre of the old Medina, here in Marrakech.  It originally - in 1050 - was a site for public executions. this grislu occurrence has been replaced by snake charmers, prancing monkeys on leads and henna  ladies I took this photo at about 10.30 am and it shows not only our enormous blue summer Moroccan sky but gives some idea of the size of the square. I could not find out exact acreage as apparently it keeps growing as car parks and gardens are swallowed up . If you come very early you may think it sparse and empty but by evening it is a total and extreme opposite. At night you can barely move as it becomes a cheek by jowl melee, a hub for hungry tourists, shoppers hunting for bargains, opportunistic touts and street performers. It maybe a little daunting for some, so if that is the case head to a rooftop cafe on the fringes and watch the circus.