Where Woud Anyone Want to Go In North Africa?? Marrekech, Morocco

If you were able to only visit one city in Morocco, this would be the city to pick. Just in the Medina (the "old city") alone, you could spend days taking everything in. All the pictures on today's post are ones I took when I visited a few years ago. The only thing I didn't like about this city: the heat. Marrekech is situated at the base of the Atlas Mountains and is a few hours away from the foot of the Sahara Desert. Despite the heat, the city was amazing.

Djemma el Fna

The Djemma el Fna is the heart of Marrekech. It is a large, open square near that transforms from day to night. During the day there isn't too much going on, except some fresh orange juice vendors. Early evening, the square suddenly becomes the place to be. Mobile kitchens and restaurants pop up out of seemingly nowhere, dancers, water sellers, snake charmers, and henna artists all ply their trade. 

Despite the beautiful city, there is an veil of spiritual darkness that hangs over the city. You cannot go very far in any city of North Africa without seeing a mosque. The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrekech. Please join me in prayer for this spiritual darkness to be lifted by the Light of Christ.

Where Woud Anyone Want to Go In North Africa? The Pyramids of Giza

Considered to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Pyramids of Giza are located in the suburbs of Cairo. Built as tombs for Pharaohs, there are three major pyramids along with the Great Sphinx. Throughout Egypt there are more than 90 pyramids, but those at Giza are the most famous.

The Great Pyramid was built for Pharaoh Khufu. The largest and oldest of the great pyramids, it stands 481 feet tall and was the world's largest man-made building for over 3,000 years. The 2nd largest pyramid was for Pharaoh Khufu's son, Pharaoh Khafre. Since it was built on a higher part of the plateau, this pyramid at first glance almost appears to be larger than Khufu's pyramid, but falls 35 feet short. The last of the great pyramids is the Pyramid of Menkaure, Pharaoh Khufu's grandson.

As I was researching about the Pyramids, I came across  a website advertising for a Sound and Light Spectacular Show.  Every night of the week, they have a show that will tell the story of the history of the pyramids. Generally, each night has 3 scheduled shows in various combinations of 9 languages (one per show). I thought that was quite interesting. So when you are looking to go visit the Great Pyramids, keep that in mind!

I mentioned in my first post, this is more than just the amazing places of North Africa. The people of Egypt need the Truth. Having just under 84 million people, they are a country steeped in Islam. Please pray for more laborers to go, and encouragement and strength for those who are laboring there now.

Why would anyone want to go to North Africa???

To be honest, I never dreamed I'd ever desire to go to North Africa. Many people that I talk to admit that they have never considered even visiting. I am putting together a series of blog spots to help show you some of the interesting destinations throughout North Africa. More than just a list of places and populations, I hope you see the people. There is a rich history and culture that goes back in history so much further than most things in the United States.

As you read about these amazing places, I hope you will pray for the people of these places. Above all, the people need to hear about Christ.