Cup of Beautiful: Marrakech, Mid-Atlas Mountains, & Essaouira

We had a great trip to Morocco full of exploration and inspiration. Marrakech is an intense and chaotic city, bustling with colors, smells, and beautiful architecture. Thankfully the riads (guesthouses/palaces with small courtyard) we stayed in were a peaceful oasis within the insanity. We took a day trip to the Mid-Atlas mountains and the Ouirgane valley where we hiked through small villages where they had gotten electricity a mere few years ago and visited local argan oil women's cooperatives. After a day back in the city we ventured to the coastal town of Essaouria by bus. Essaouira may have been my personal favorite as it was a more laid-back fishing town set on a powerful and rugged coast. Back to Marrakech for the weekend where we enjoyed a great stay in another beautiful riad and explored the multiple museums and monuments as well as some indulgent and lavish restaurants. It's safe to say I wasn't ready to come home! Below are just a few photos from my many hundred ....