Marrakech to Skoura

Breakfast at 6.30 am, not part of my vocabulary, but essential today as we had a big day ahead. This bright plate of tomato and cheese set a happy note.

We left Marrakech and headed for the High Atlas Mountains. What could have been a long dull trip was actually totally enthralling. The scenery was amazing, the geological features were spectacular and the many stops made for a great day.

It was another occasion of too many photos to choose from so here is a random selection, all taken from a moving bus.

At the Tichka Pass we were able to have a photo stop.  We were at 2260 metres above sea level, and what a view. The air was so clear and crisp.

We had been travelling through Berber country most of the day and as we climbed higher we saw how these indigenous people have survived in this rough terrain. On their small plots of land and very humble homes they continue to work hard in a simple subsistence life. We just could not imagine how they survive such a tough life in the Atlas Mountains in winter.

The fortified Berber village or 'ksar' of Ait Ben Haddou sits amidst the barren landscape like a jewel. It is a traditional mud brick village and a fine example of the architecture of southern Morocco. It is UNESCO World Heritage listed.

We were able to visit the village and also go into one of the homes where we were welcomed with mint tea. It was a bit of a climb but well worth it.

Morocco is a very popular place for filming movies and they have two big studios in the Ouarzazate region. We passed both studios, then later stopped for lunch at Le Berbere Palace where they have a big collection of film set pieces from some of the movies made there. Of note to me were Gladiator and Asterix & Obelisk.

Lunch in a lovely garden setting at Le Berbere Palace revived us.

Ouarzazate is a big modern city where most of the population is employed in one way or another through the film industry.

Leaving  the city we continued on to our traditional guest house or riad Dar Panorama. We were warmly welcomed by Mr. Aziz and his family and shown to our delightful rooms in their big house. 

A riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an indoor garden or courtyard and fully enclosed. They are usually located within the old city medina walls. As we are right out in the country this guest house differs a little. This photo taken by Jen from their bedroom balcony gives an overview of where we are staying.

But first our driver negotiated an unsealed road to get us there.

Our welcome included traditional mint tea, fresh dates and cake. Although usually served sweet, we have enjoyed the tea sweet, mildly sweet and sugarless. It certainly is refreshing.

Our room is a riot of colour with quirky features and a view. Note the collection of floor rugs and little table.

Being a riad or guest house they are unable to serve alcohol so we had to bring our own. Drinks were enjoyed in the courtyard before we went to dinner in the dining room.

For dinner we were served a soup made with rice, salad greens and potato. The chicken and vegetable tagine was superb, the best we have tasted, and we finished with a large bowl of fruit.

A spectacular day with the temperature in the low 20s ... and no new COVID cases.

I have had several reports back that people are unable to write comments. Unfortunately I do not know the answer as I cannot write on a friend's Blog. You can do a search for How to ... but it did not solve it for me.

I am really pleased to hear that so many are enjoying our trip vicariously. 

Morocco should be on your trip list if you have one.