And Peggy. . .

During the previous days, Rachid kept talking about Peggy, a mysterious California woman who he had befriended from the first time she and her husband came to Morocco perhaps a 15 years ago or so.

After he felt comfortable guiding us, he kept bringing up us going to her Riad (house with a courtyard) in the medina and meeting her.  (For those who do know it, the "and Peggy" is a reoccurring line from the great American musical, "Hamilton.") The name of the home is Riad Amirat Al Jamal.

So after lunch, Rachid led us deep into the medina, taking lefts and rights, finally bringing us to Peggy's Riad.  He referred to the area as the Beverly Hills (nice riads) of Marrakesh.  You really can not tell (although there are quite nice doors) because there are no windows -- just walls.  Muslims value their privacy quite a bit, and makes it harder for anyone to break it.

Her door was opened, and we were to a comfortable room just off the courtyard.  Peggy and her brother Tom were there (Tom was in town to visit).  They were splendid company, as Peggy and Carol hit it off right away.  Peggy is a Central Valley California descended from 49ers; she is quite out-going, friendly, and interesting.  We sat and chatted for a good while, and then Peggy showed us around the Riad.

She had purchases the riad a number of years ago (she is still married, but this was a separate transaction so that her husband did not have to be present for signing papers, entering contracts).  It was in disrepair; many of the great riads get torn down and replaced with modern homes or apartments.  She spent about four years (forgive me if I'm off on the time period -- I may be confused exactly on timing) fixing it up.  

The riad doubles as a bed and breakfast, and Rachid serves as the manager of the B&B.  

Each sitting area is beautiful decorated with Berber antiques and artwork.  She also proudly showed off one of the guest rooms.  Stunning in its beauty, Peggy has spared little expense.  Working with Rachid, Peggy has clearly put an amazing amount of effort into the Riad.  I would definitely stay there the next time we go to Marrakesh.

If you are going to Marrakech, you should consider staying there.  The website has more information, including fees.  

The piece de resistance are the rooftop patios.  The courtyard pool looks refreshing, the sitting rooms are inviting, but to have the views the patios have are amazing.  In one direction is the minaret of the Koutoubia.  In another, views of the Atlas Mountains.  As you know, I do not like to just "sit and relax" when on vacation, but those two patios are places I could spend some time -- just make sure you wear sunscreen!

And Tom. . .he was also a delight to talk to.  Both were very nice to welcome us in and talk/see the place for nearly two hours.  Trying to reciprocate, I actually drank all the mint tea (better than others I had tasted), as I'm not a tea or coffee drinker.  The homemade cookies were also a treat. 

Peggy reminded both of us of our friend Marney, who also would spend time fixing up places just right.  I wonder if it is something in the water in California!

All in all, it was a very neat visit to meet Peggy. . .and Tom, as well as see the inside of a lovingly refurbished Riad.