Overnight train from Tangier and Marrakech. June 5

The overnight train was an experience. Looking back it was pretty fun and definitely something we are glad to have done but oh my god did we have the worst sleep ever. So after turning out the light and closing our eyes, the next 8 hours were the worst ever. Well not ever but close. Ash was on bottom bunk and luckily had an eye mask. Elise was up top and did not have an eye mask but did have a window that constantly kept opening the entire journey. What a winner. So the train would go super fast, then suddenly stop, for like 20 minutes. At these stops the AC would also stop. Then boom all back on, loud noises and zooming train again. This went on constantly allllllllll night. Prime sleeping conditions. Also the not so smooth braking and taking off made it tough to stay in one position. We did however get a bottom sheet, top sheet and pillow each. Us crazy kids in travel land had our pillow cases to put on which made us seem like travel gods. Also Ash (finally!) got the opportunity to whip out her blanket that she thought was necessary to bring all the way across the world with her. It was perfect too because the sheets were stiff and weird and she was so comfy tucked in her blanky. The on/off AC made it hot the cold and thus sweaty then dry then sweaty, on repeat. Elise was constantly waking to shut the crazy window and Ash was constantly readjusting her bottom sheet because she'd roll over too much then get stuck to the delightful vinyl bed. Overall experience 10/10.

We woke pretty early, between 6-7, when the sun rose, got dressed and got off the train at 8am. Marrakech was ridiculously hot at 8am. Instant sweat to add to the already plentiful layers on our skin. We all looked like total babes too. We cabbed it to our hotel in the new area of Marrakech, we scored 6 people in our cab, mmmm more sweat. Luckily, so so luckily, our rooms that were supposed to be ready at 1pm were ready at 8.30am! Yay for showers!

After some decent showers we met the group in the lobby for some map time and orientation, we were led to the street corner to be shown the Main Street and as soon as we were set free we ran to the nearest cafe (by ran I mean Khaled took us because what do we know about anything) and got coffee. Then pastries.

Finally we were a little more ourselves and in the 38 degree heat at 10.30am, walked the 30 minutes to the main square, getting slightly lost on our way. Our poor British friend Erin was in major struggle town and we were a little concerned she would pass out at any point. Have no fear we made it to main square, Djemaa El-Fna. On the way Phoebe earnt her second nickname, Hannah Montana, she is so lucky! We found a shady cafe and got some refreshing drinks. At this point Erin had to catch a taxi back to the hotel because that walk destroyed her. We (ourselves and Sam and Phoebe) endeavoured on, insistent that the heat would not defeat our only full day together in Marrakech. First to the Palais de la Bahia, the name meaning brilliance, it was built in the 19th century. It was set up by the Grand Vizier of the Sultan for his harem and has a central courtyard surround by rooms for his concubines. Just lovely. It was pretty nice though and although we didn't have a guided tour we accidentally stalked a German one and picked up on a few facts here and there.

Nearly drowned in our own sweat we moved onto the Saadian tombs. These date back to the 1570's and were discovered in 1917 and have in the mausoleum about 60 members of the Saadi dynasty. The most famous room is that of the twelve columns which we got to see whilst it was covered in yellow scaffold, under some sort of reno. The place, you will also see, was really beautiful and the architecture, although simple, is very appealing. On the way back to main square we saw the minaret of the mosque, another example of intricate and very Moroccan architecture and design. As we walked past the mosque it was full of people in prayer, which was amazing to see so many people all at once in deep concentration and commitment, which was the first time we'd seen into the mosque during this time on the trip.

As the worst hagglers in the world, we got a taxi that was overpriced back to our area of Marrakech with the intention to get some mcflurries. Yes more, no not Oreo. Instead we found an air-conditioned restaurant where we were able to get sandwiches and paninis! Not tagine today. We then got our mcflurries after lunch. Twix flavour today, pretty good, still not an Oreo though. All four of us went back to the hotel for a solid nap. Elise was the only one who didn't nap, poor choice. After our nap we got a little dressed up for our final group dinner, although in the end, it was just in our hotel.

At the dinner we had some tasty cocktails, and a bottle of wine from Khaled, as we had convinced him in Chefchaoen that we had all jumped into the pool one night and that having 'fulfilled our dare', we needed a reward. If you haven't picked up on it yet, we definitely never jumped into the pool. We also ate some pretty tasty pizza. One of our group members, Kim, also wanted a bottle of wine, so actually, right in front of us all, and the other diners, dived into the pool fully clothed. Shame she didn't know we didn't actually get in the pool and a little deception could have easily won her the wine prize too. But it was hilarious. Khaled was so concerned she would hurt herself or ruin her clothes or something because he was trying so hard to get her to not jump, promising her wine anyway. She still jumped because she lurveeeesssss water.

We then enjoyed our wine and went out to a place in the city where live music is played in a lounge area, followed by dancing it a more DJ area. It was really nice and a great way to spend our last night with our friends. We stayed out pretty late and were shocked to find that even at 4am it is hot in Marrakech. How?!

Love A&E.