Amy Laughinghouse visits a bohemian beach town where Arabs and Western hippies enjoy the melting pot medina.

MARRAKECH — You’ll never truly experience this place known as the Red City until you get lost in its labyrinth of narrow streets. There’s no “right turn” in Marrakech. The best way to feel its pulse is by leaving your map behind and following your feet.

MARRAKECH - The “Pearl of the Desert” has so many things to discover, it’s impossible to see it all in just 48 hours. But that’s all I’ve got, so here goes — the adventure begins with a sunrise hot air balloon ride for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding desert and the ancient imperial city. It’s a breathtaking sight.