1) Airport pick-ups are arranged for those of you requesting it. You will pay the Riad when you get there. You will find someone with a sign and the name "Riad le Perroquet Bleu" at the airport exit.
2) We have a meet and greet 5 PM on the 25th at the reception area.
3) The exchange rate is approximately 10:1 Moroccan Dirham to US dollar.
4) This is a nice article on things to know https://thetravelquandary.com/things-to-know-before-travel-to-morocco/
5) If you want to budget your expenses have a look at tnis https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Marrakech
6) ten day weather forecast https://weather.com/en-GB/weather/tenday/l/MOXX0004:1:MO Here's how to figure out the temps in Farenheit. Where you see a number in Celsius - like 20 for example. Double it and add 30. That gets you close.
7) my cell will be +1 917-273-7768
Here are some more tidbits of information that you should have a good look at. But first look at this.. and bookmark it https://www.1worldarttravel.com/countdown.html
1) Always a good idea to make a copy of your passport and keep it with you, but of course separate from your passport.
2) Have you considered travel insurance? Remember the site that I gave you the gives you comparative quotes www.insuremytrip.com
3) The Riad can help with laundry by sending it out to a 'pressing'..
4) the airport pick up is arranged by our Riad and is 15 euros for one or two people and is payable at the Riad. I will try and put people together who are either on the same flights or at least arriving around the same time.
5) On the morning of the 26th before our guided waking tour I will arrange with you our dinner menu for that evening.
6) Can make reservations for the Hammam day before you want one.
7) There is Wi-Fi there but probably strongest in the central reception area. We'll have to check that out when we get there. And don't forget your adapters to adapt to the European receptacles. You can find pictures of that again on that webpage where I'm posting all these letters. https://www.1worldarttravel.com/marrakech-letters.html
8) The Riad is full so there will not be any opportunity to switch rooms, and I know how much people love to switch rooms thinking the grass Is always greener.
9) I was suggesting a minimum $50 a day in local currency and euros for spending money. You need to think about dinners, some tipping and other miscellaneous items..
10) Each room has a small fridge in it.. so I've been told.
11) My doc suggests I get one innoculation - for typhoid. So I decided I will do that. I suggest that you talk to your doc for their opinion. Some people don't get 'em and some people do.
12) Here is a link to your travel itineraries including day of arrival and departure. Please check it out and make sure it's correct.
We're less than three weeks from our meeting in stunning Marrakech. There are some things we need to focus on now.
1) itineraries. I need your travel itinerary as soon as possible, including arrival and departure dates and airplane reservations. Today or tomorrow at the latest. I need to coordinated your information with our Riad. The only itineraries I do have are from Teresa and Nancy and Louise and Jenny and of course my own. If you believe you've already sent yours then humor me and send it again. If you're coming early or staying late you will be responsible for paying for those extra days.
2) The Riad will help with airport pick-up. They will charge 15 euros for any 2 people arriving at the same time. Once I have your itineraries I can see who might be arriving on the same flights or at least around the same time. More on that later.
3) I have organized a camel ride February 1 Saturday for those interested. It will take about 1/2 a day outside of Marrakech. It is our last day do keep that in mind. So... I must have a count on who is in for the camel ride.
4) There will be laundry available - not in the Riad but in a pressing establishment in town.. again - more on that later.
5) We have first night's dinner included but I might move that to the second night: the 26th.
6) Currency: Euros are widely accepted so I suggest you buy some before you arrive. Try your bank first and if they can't get them to you contact AFEX to buy them online. I would also buy some local currency, the Dirham. You can find them by clicking on the drop down box and clicking on United Arab Emirates - Dirham.
7) As usual I will add this email to the list I have on my website here https://www.1worldarttravel.com/marrakech-letters.html
Here is a link to our itinerary.
1) This is a reminder to paying balances on our trip. Some of you have already paid so please ignore this part of the message. If you haven't yet received the invoice let me know.
2) If you're planning to bring an iPhone or iPad or computer your devices are dual voltage which means they're designed to operate on 110V and 220V. So you don't need a voltage converter but you do need an adapter for their outlets. They look like this: Notice the two round prongs. This will work in most European countries as well.
3) I have T-Mobile and their web site indicates that cell service is available in Marrakech. If you have AT&T, Sprint, Verizon or any other check with them. There is WiFi in our Riad.
4) I've booked my flights on Delta/Air France leaving JFK on the 23rd and returning on February 2nd.
5) At some point I will send out the standard release form for you to sign and e-mail back to me.
More information will follow.
4) I've booked my flights on Delta/Air France leaving JFK on the 23rd and returning on February 2nd.
5) At some point I will send out the standard release form for you to sign and e-mail back to me.
More information will follow.
A couple of reminders.
1) Rooms are available on the 24th - one day early. If you want to arrive on the 24th leaving the states on the 23rd let me know as soon as possible so I can lock in your room. The Riad will bill you separately for the extra day or days.
2) The dates of the workshop are January 25th to February 2nd. The listed arrival day is the 25th which means we start our itinerary on the 26th. February 2nd is the day of departure from Marrakech so keep that in mind when you make your reservations.
3) Trip insurance is always worthwhile and I do recommend it. A good place to start looking for policies is www.insuremytrip.com. You plug in some numbers and they will give you a list of competitive policies for you to consider.
Just to let you know that yes, we are going to Marrakech. The trip is a go! Cooking, touring, painting, shopping?? Can't wait!
I will be sending out final invoices tomorrow and Monday. If you've paid already then you can ignore this unless you want to pay twice.
Let me know what you find in the way of air travel. I would like to have a look at what you find before you book it just to be sure. And I would also check the expiration dates of your passports and make sure that date is at least 6 months after your arrival in Marrakech. If not I can give you the link to renew.
Any questions? I'm around.
I found this nice description of Marrakech the other day:
"Visiting Marrakech is a unique experience and the city is like nowhere else in the world. It’s chaotic, fun, frantic and totally addictive and the eclectic mix of a distinctly Middle Eastern culture, a close proximity to Europe and a touch of Africa in everything it does makes the vibrant Marrakech a city with something for everyone."
I had no idea that the second Sex and the City movie was filmed in the heart of the Medina, near where we will be lodging. The gals spent 8 weeks filming there.
Time to start researching airfares. If you have any questions let me know.
1WorldArtTravel
69 bank Street Suite 102. NY, NY 10014-2184
phone: 212-414-8875 fax: 866-501-6873
e-mail: philip@1worldarttravel.com
69 bank Street Suite 102. NY, NY 10014-2184
phone: 212-414-8875 fax: 866-501-6873
e-mail: philip@1worldarttravel.com