ARABIAN NIGHTS

It has been a little while since Clementine & Bloom took a holiday- June to be precise for our Parisian Dash. So we booked a last minute deal to Marrakech to catch ourselves some rays. Truth be told we bought back more than just a suntan, having visited this wonderful city five years ago we knew in advance to pack light so that we had plenty of room for all the treasure we intended to buy.

When you step off the plane it's not just a change in temperature that awaits you, Morocco is a wonderful concoction of bold colours and pattern - Clementine & Bloom's mantra! I've included a few examples as there are just too many to share; turn the corner in the souk and you are greeted with another fantastic and intricate doorway. Sit down to dinner and be surrounded by vibrant colourful interiors. What's not to love?

For anyone who is thinking of going the first 'must' is to stay in a riad inside the Medina, traditional Moroccan homes built around a courtyard. We stayed in Riad Lorsya, just a stones throw away from our second 'must' the souk. The Medina of Marrakech is a maze of alleyways (the souk) where you can spend hours browsing, and in our case buying, wonderful artisan products. And when you emerge from these you should find yourself in our third 'must' the Jmaa el Fna - the heart of the Medina where by day you will see snake charmers, tooth pullers and henna tattooists. But at night the square really comes alive, locals and tourists flock here to see musicians and eat at the food stalls. The noise, sounds and smells give it an exciting carnival atmosphere.

There are several places of interest to visit whilst you're in Marrakech, my best advice would be to buy a guide book, not only useful for its maps but they list some great restaurants where you can eat traditional Moroccan cuisine. On this visit we ventured outside of the Medina walls to the Majorelle gardens, lush greenery against the most beautiful vivid blue that made me want to rush home and repaint the house! It was like stepping into an oasis where we could relax away from the hustle and bustle of the souks.

And finally, perhaps most importantly, I know you are all dying to know what we bought. I've included a few of my favourite pieces: these beautiful patterned bowls are a welcome addition to THE kitchen,

jazzy new slippers (babouches), making us the most stylish ladies in loungewear,

and best of all this brass lampshade; now all that's left to do is find the perfect spot in my home for it...