To Merzouga

Tuesday, 19 November, 2013

We drive from Fez through the Middle Atlas to Merzouga where we are to watch the sunrise over desert dunes. The way to the desert goes through pine forests covered in snow. Rather unexpected

in 'sunny Morocco'.

After the mountains we go through towns. The houses are lovely -  red and yellow and shaped like sand castles. So much more suited to this country than the  art nouveau Casablanca  old buildings.

Merzouga.

We are in  a desert oasis, Merzouga.  We shall sleep in a hotel which looks more like an inn. Rather primitive but oh, so romantic.    There is a terrace on top from which people would watch caravans approach.
In front of the inn camels are waiting

.
Jennifer rides a camel and I take photos.


Wednesday, 20 November, 2013

This is a special day. We get up at dawn and ride in jeeps to the sand dunes to watch the sunrise.  it is really cold, and I am wearing the quilted jacket I wore in Alaska.  It is  very dark and  I can see the dunes only as ghostly shapes. We wait, shivering for the sun.  It does appear, but oh, so slowly.  It is beautiful though, because the air is so clear and the surrounding  scene so bare that the rising sun is seen in all

 its glory.

Later, same day.

I didn't think I would be impressed by mountain views in Morocco. After seeing the Alps, the Carpathians, and Bryce canyon, not to mention the Grand Canyon I have become a bit blase. But Todra Gorge is truly spectacular. It rises as a huge straight wall of stone faced by another huge wall of stone both faces enclosing a narrow path.  I got giddy only looking on, yet I saw a brave soul actually climbing the sheer stones.

The blue patch is a climber

The houses are also remarkable. They are so designed that they appear to grow out of the stone.

The day is not over yet. We go for a walk in an oasis where we learn from our guide Mohammed about sustainable growth in an oasis. I

It is a very fragile environment and the land is worked with care (by women)

We stay overnight at Hotel Tombuctou. designed in memory of the camel travel.  Each room is different and named after caravan; chambre Audahost, chambre Fes, chambre Beni Sbih, Taoudeni,... Very romantic.