After our quick stopover for a few days in London we arrived in Morocco just over a week ago. We have now finished our tiring tour of Southern Morocco venturing from hectic Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains and two gorges into the Sahara desert and back again. Now on our way to Fes to explore a bit of Northern Morocco, so thought it appropriate for an update.
We had an interesting tour of the souks in Marrakech, seeing how some of the spices and oils are produced, and just wandering around looking at all the crazy stuff being sold. They had such nice preserved fruit and nuts and Damien even had a cozy encounter with some of the friendly cobra's in the central square! Afterwards, it was very pleasant just relaxing in one of the rooftop terraces above the square having mint tea and watching all the stalls and people.
We left Marrakech with our new tour pals to drive through the bumpy and windy High Atlas mountain pass, which left us with incredible views but also incredible nausea, on our way to the Dades valley and gorge. Next day we drove to the Todra Gorge for a walk through the surprisingly lush and green valley floor, then to rock climb up the side of the dry red walls of the gorge. At frequent stops we would always have some delicious Moroccan mint tea, which seemed to get sweeter and sweeter, the block of sugar the gentleman is holding for an 8 person serving might explain it! Damien had an interesting experience abseiling back down the wall, almost back at the bottom the short skinny gentleman easing him down had trouble holding his hefty breadth and went skidding into the side of the wall and almost up it! (Exact moment caught in photos below).
Next was our journey to the Sahara Desert for a sunset camel trek into a traditional Berber campsite in the middle of sand dunes which was pretty incredible. We went sand dune boarding and then slept out underneath the Saharan stars. Was amazing being that far from everything (except the Algerian border just 50kms away!), and was definitely a highlight of the trip. Awoke early to ride the camels back at sunrise, then began the long journey back to Marrakech, stopping overnight in Ouarzazate where a bunch of films had been shot (such as Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven), and to ride some quad bikes around dirt tracks. The drive back was very bumpy and we were all glad to be back in a bigger city, except for the overwhelming main square in Marrakech for dinner, which was crazy!
We are now enroute to Fes by train and are a little bit over the same mystery-meat tagines and bread for lunch and dinner so hopefully will try some different food there, but we are having a great time none the less.
L + D
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