Since moving to Morocco, Becky's birthday has always fallen on the weekend of our school barbecue. This year was to be no exception. As we couldn't get away for Becky's actual birthday we planned to take a day off and go to Marrakech the following weekend. As luck would have it, the barbecue date pushed back a week at the last minute. Becky and I quickly contacted our riad, adjusted our plans and for the first time since moving here were able to get away for Becky's birthday.
Early Saturday morning we boarded a train for the 3 hour trip to Marrakech. The ride was a little cumbersome as we had not only luggage (which included presents), but also a 2 layer cake and icing. Upon arriving in Marrakech we picked up some McDonald's from the train station and then headed off to Riad Khabia where we were warming greeted by our friends and riad owners Dany and Julien. And what a welcome. Not only had they been accommodating by letting us change our reservation by a week, but they also bumped us up from a normal room to the beautiful Sheherazade suite. On top of that, I was pulled aside and asked what type of wine Becky liked as they wanted to surprise her with a bottle.
After relaxing in the room for a bit, we headed out to the tinsmith's square where we did some birthday shopping as well as picked up some things for family and friends. After dropping off our purchases it was off to Earth Cafe for an early dinner where we each had 2 of their delicious cucumber and orange juices. As the sun set we walked through and around Jemaa El Fna square.
Though a day early, Becky wanted to have her cake that night so upon our return to the riad I was given access to the kitchen where I put the finishing touches on Becky's cake, iced it and added the candles. Dany and Julien joined me in singing "Happy Birthday" to Becky. After Becky blew out her candles we all had a slice of cake and sat talking and enjoying the evening.
The next morning it was Becky's birthday! After a delicious breakfast we headed off to the Majorelle Gardens. Though it was our third time at the gardens it was as new and beautiful and enjoyable as our first trip - even more so actually. We wandered about the grounds looking at familiar sights and finding new ones. Afterwards we had lunch across the street before heading back to the riad where Becky was finally allowed to open her presents!
We then strolled around through the city, meandering through the streets and alleyways and souks, stopping at different shops and picking up more birthday goodies and gifts. Becky had decided on Italian for her birthday dinner. Dany and Julien gave us some recommendations and we chose an Italian restaurant right across the street from the Koutoubia Mosque.
That night at the riad we set out the rest of the cake and Dany and Julien presented Becky with their surprise bottle of wine. Another round of "Happy Birthday" was sung, Becky was toasted and we all enjoyed some more cake.
The next morning we had to say good-bye. Though a short trip, it was an amazing weekend and a wonderful birthday trip.
Happy Birthday Becky! I love you so much!
To view all of the pictures from Becky's Birthday Weekend, click HERE.
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