08 MAY 2017.DAY 2.- PART ONE - MARRAKESH.MOROCCO.
This is the screen shot of Marrakesh Map.
It shows places we saw yesterday & ones we will see today.
To see interactive map go to https://goo.gl/fxaMBb. How to navigate through interactive map has been explained earlier.
After break fast Started our Marrakesh sightseeing. First place to be visited was Minara Gardens.
MINARA GARDENS, MARRAKESH.
Minara Gardens, as per wiki, are botatanical gardens. I defer. I will explain as I go along.The Garden is spread in a large area with a Water basin(artificial lake) and a Pavilion with Pyramid shaped Green roof.The garden derives it name from this Paviloin, as the Pavilion is called Minara.Actually Minara means "Light House". There is no light house ,but locally ,any tall building, building on high ground or tall structure is called Minara. As the Pavilion is built on relatively higher ground,hence the name.
Original Gardens were established in 12 century. The lake is to irrigate the gardens and surrounding grounds. Water is drought to the lake by under ground canals from Atlas mountains, some 30 odd KMs away by an ingenious and innovative hydraulic system. Quite an achievement for those times.
Paviloin and some other structures were added in 1869 by Sultan of Morocco who used to stay here during summer season.
During our visit what we saw were rows and rows of Olive Trees. Some Palm trees along the boundary of the garden. We did not see wide variety of trees or plants of different species or variety.There was no well laid garden with manicured lawns with fountains nor any types of flowering trees or palnts with riot of colours expected of a "garden". To me it was only Olive Orchards planted for commercial purposes,by no stretch a"Botanical Garden".
Panoremic view of lake and the Pavilion.
The Minara,(Pavilion).
Atlas mountain in the back ground.
Board at the main gate.In pretty poor state.
In languages we did not understand.
Kesai group on long walk from main gate to the central Pavilion
Both sides of the road rows of olive trees.
.........And more olive trees........
Finally reached the Pavilion.
Viewing stands and the baths.
On opposite bank from pavilion.
One of the valves to control water flow from the lake.
Water collection and distribution pond near the valve,
Sales outlet of a local Artist. Minara Gardens.
Out of the Garden, by road side we saw plenty of
Malta trees laden with fruit.
Out of the Garden, by road side we saw plenty of
Malta trees laden with fruit.
On exit, near the gate saw this Victiria. Source of livelihood for locals
and joy rides for the tourists.
To see all the photos of Day 2 ,8 May 2017 go here.
(Photos .https://goo.gl/photos/kHPoGDxM1szHRt667 )
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