From the High Atlas to the Sahara (and everythign in between)

We just got back from the most amazing three days in Morocco. Who would have known you could see so much diversity in one place. So as I said at the end of the last update, Haley and I met a small group of Australians (Chaz, Selwyn, Travis, and Nyree) and signed up for a three day tour from Marrakech to the Sahara, through this trip we would visit the High Atlas mts., the valley of roses (no roses though?), a palmary (oasis), a famous Kasbah (desert castle/village), the Dades Gorge, and many many other Moroccan gems. We spend about 7 hours the first two days in the car and then 12 hours the last day, needless to say - our butts where very sore. I am going to just mention a few highlights from the past three days - so much has happened and once again we are sooo tired.

Walls - I don’t know what the deal is but Moroccan’s LOVE walls. Everywhere you go is surrounded by walls. Every village, every house, even parts of the desert. It is a little bit out of control.

Haley’s carabineer (sp?) - That little thing used to rock climb or hold on to your keys. Has become quite the popular item, countless people have tried to buy, trade, beg for it. We are not sure if it is simply because it is shiny and an American/south African has it. Or if they could actually use it….I think she is going to eventually pass it on to some kid before the trip is over.

Haley has also been putting her French to work….she has played the translator for numerous tourists/backpackers (including me). Speaking with my hands actually works pretty well, but Haley can actually have conversations with people. Thus we spend a lot less time wondering aimlessly along (although sometimes that is fun)

Camel Trek - after 14 hours of driving we finally made it to the Sahara desert (the part with dunes) we had countless adventures along the way but you will have to hear about those in person (later). Camel riding is ummm…really uncomfortable, is all the wrong places. So to pass the time we tried to come up with all sorts of stuff, first of which was naming our camel. Haley’s was periwinkle and mine was chino short for cappuccino. It earned the name cappuccino because it was always frothing at the mouth (we think it had rabies). It was a mean son of a bitch. Camels smell, are loud, and really awkward….but that is what makes them fun. Camels are also always pooping, and since we spend a lot of time walking along the dunes we would often witness camel crap races. The little camel turd balls would roll down the dunes and we’d cheer our respective camels’ turd on to victory.

Another funny thing to note is the fact that Haley had the hardest time remembering out traveling buddies names….she would CONSTANTLY call them ALL by the wrong name. I am horrible with names my self but I have never witness such a spectacle. Haley continued to provide entertainment by brushing up against a cactus at lunch. This resulted in about 1000 tiny little spikes going into her skin, which could only be removed by….rubbing tomatoes on her back? I don’t know but the Berber trick worked pretty well.

Next time you see us make sure to ask us about:
Our guide getting into a fight
The cardboard box quest
Fatima and Mohammad
Pooping in a hole
Sleeping under the stars in the middle of the Sahara (that was amazing)

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