Lucky 13: Morocco 2024 with Intrepid and my fourth continent!
Morocco has been on my radar for a while. I was debating going there or to Madeira, Portugal for some hikes. Morocco just stood out so much more because I have never been anywhere like it. Not to say Madeira wouldn't have been amazing too, but I thought seeing the Sahara would be an amazing experience. That lead me to how I chose my tour. Typically I look at either GAdventures or Intrepid. I have never done Intrepid before but had heard great things from other travelers I have met. They had a tour that included more of what I wanted and so I chose their; One Week in Morocco: Sahara & Todra Gorge. I also decided to leave a few days earlier to have some time on my own to do more things!
Travel Day Nov 24-25th:
The day I wasn't looking forward to. Just under 24 hours of travel time (it was actaully 24 hours before I got to my hotel in Marrakech), and three planes for this journey. To my surprise all the planes were pretty well on time. The last one was delayed a few minutes, but not bad. I flew Halifax- Montreal- Zurich- Marrakech. The Swiss airlines flight was nice. I was able to switch my seat for free and got the one between the premium economy and regular economy cabins and had tons of leg room. I was worried for a second that I didn't have a screen but to my relief it was hidden in the armrest. I knocked out Kung Fu Panda 4 and Dispicable Me 4 before trying to get some sleep. The food was pretty good as well, chicken and rice and later on a nice warm croissant. They even gave out a small piece of Swiss chocolate. The funny thing is, in April my mom and I will be doing the same beginning route on the way to Porto. Hopefully we can snag the same seats with extra leg room. One day I'll get to Switzerland and not just the airport!
The flight in to Marrakech was really cool to see from the window seat. I could see some desert areas and as we got closer to the city more green areas popped up and I could begin to see buildings.
We arrived just around the expected 1240, maybe a little later. Passport control took forever! The line was ginormous. There must have been a few arrving flights all at once. It must have taken close to an hour. But no issues going through. They asked for my boarding pass but I do it all electronically and it doesn't show after the flight is over. I was worried that may cause an issue but they just asked where I flew from and what my job was and off I went.
On my way out I noted the exchange bureaus. I had some listed in Marrakech that may have a better rate than the airport, but for convenience sake I just converted 200 euros right then and there to have on me. I can exchange more later. That's something I read before hand. You have to exchange for the Moroccoan Dirham in Morocco and they are apparently very cash friendly. You also are not allowed to take the currency outside of Morocco so I decided to just do the 200 euros to start.
Next step was to find my driver. Intrepid offers a pick up and drop off service from the airport. If there is no easy transit or no Uber, I like to book this option. I did the same with GAdventures when I was in Costa Rica. It took me a little while to find my driver but I eventually saw the sign. He had Intrepid hand written on a sign. Then I was on my way to Hotel Amalou.
The roads are pretty busy. I don't think I'd want to drive in the city. Motorbikes cut though cars quite a lot. I saw some camels on the way in. I was excited to see them in person the next day!
I was able to check in as soon as I got there. It was just after 1430. I debated for a quick second about walking around for a bit, but I felt tired and gross from wearing the same clothes for 24 hours. Decided to hit the shower and rest up for the busy week and a half I had planned. In the morning I would be heading out for a walking tour and then later that evening the Agafay desert! So I definitely wanted to be well rested!
Day 1: Nov 26
To start the trip off, I did a walking tour near the Medina area. I grabbed a quick bite to eat at the continental breakfast and made my way to the meeting spot. It was 50 min walk so I made sure to leave early. Along the way I saw some cats and got to see some of the newer parts of the city. I didn't really stop to take pictures as I did not want to be targeted as a tourist (though I definitely already looked like one with my reddish hair!)
The driving in Marrakech is crazy and it seems like everyone j-walks. Even in a crosswalk you feel like you are j-walking. The odd time you have a signal light telling you to walk, you still have to be super aware. Cars and motorbikes still were going through the walkway even though it told me to go. Since then, I have tried to time my crossing with other pedestrians.
The meeting spot was popular for a bunch of different walking tours. Mine ended up with only three people. Myself and two woman from the Netherlands (funny coincidence, since at the time of writing this, I now have a trip booked to the Netherlands!)
We started our tour at Koutoubia, the largest mosque in Marrakesh. We were not able to go inside as we were not Muslim, but it was still a spectacular building to see from the outside. Our guide told us the one in Casablanca was even taller and allowed non-muslims to go inside.
The next stop was the Saadian Tombs. Our guide was a fast walker and we went through some areas I'm not sure I would have gone down alone, but when we arrived he explained that he wanted to make sure we got to see the tombs in a timely fashion as the queue can get long very quickly. They are definitely worth seeing. The architecture and detail was incredible. So many coloured tiles and even the ceiling was heavily detailed. The outside walls was damaged by one of their earthquakes so you could see wooden pillars supporting the walls.
After that we walked through some really cool looking walkways that remind me a little of Agrabah from Aladdin and made our way to Bahia Palace. The architecture in here was also stunning with all the mosiac tiled rooms. Some rooms we were unable to view as they were damaged by the earthquake and still under repair.
That would normally have been the end of the tour but there was still some time. Our guide took us to a pharmacy type place that had natural products. The woman talked about all the different argan oils and products made from it such as; massage oil, anti aging products, cream for stretch marks, and many others. She went over some of the spices they have for cooking and even allowed us to try some mint tea that Morocco is known for. She also offered a short shoulder massage and after one of my group mates went I decided to as well. My shoulder were a bit sore from carrying my bag through the airports. In was only 20 dirhams, so not too bad. Afterwards she asked what we were getting and I think we all felt inclined to get something.
After the tour I went for lunch with the woman I was on tour with. We went to one of the rooftop restaurants overlooking the Medina. The food was quite good. I just got a chicken burger and fries but it tasted amazing!
I then said goodbye and made my way to Hotel Islan to get picked up for my next tour. I was a bit early so I had to wait a little bit. Once aboard the van we were on our way to the Agafay Desert!
Agafay was about 40 or so minutes from Marrakech.
First we did the quad biking. It was really fun. Similar to the time I went snowmobiling in Iceland but I found the quad bike easier to use. I felt like I was in Mad Max or something with the rock desert as my landscape. So after an hour of driving around the desert we made a stop at a local place where argan oil is made. The process is very tedious. They take the argan nut and crack it open and grind it to make the paste for cosmetics. They roast the nuts for the ones for cooking. We got to try some different pastes made from argan oil to dip some bread in to and I got my second glass of mint tea of the day.
A little further along we made it to the camels! While another group was going we went to the top of some stairs to take in a nice view of the desert before it was our turn to go. It's amazing seeing these huge animals kneel down. Their legs look so skinny and fragile. There were a few baby camels that walked along side us. They were so cute! This just made me super excited to ride the camels in the Sahara!
Now on to the last part of this tour: the dinner and show. I was a bit worried for what would be served. I am a very picky eater and could easily just live off of pastries and chicken on my trips. Thankfully I really enjoyed the food. We had some soup. I'm not sure what exactly it was. Tomato based perhaps, but it was tasty. The chicken cooked in the tagine along with some couscous was also tasty. Of course we also had some more mint tea!
The show was entertaining. They sang some songs, some I knew and some I didn't. For instance they did Waka Waka by Shakira that was fun to listen to. The fire dancer was incredible. He even did some fire eating as well that was very impressive. The finale was when we went away from everything flammable and he spun the fire in a way that it made it look like a giant sprinkler. Very cool to see!
Then I got dropped off at my hotel to rest up for another busy day. It was a little after 10 by the time I got back.
Day 2: Nov 27
Today I went on a day tour to the Ozoud Waterfalls. I was able to find a tour that would pick me up from my hotel. Then I had to ready myself for a long journey. It said it would take 3 hours to arrive to the waterfalls and that we would stop at a halfway mark for snacks and bathrooms.
Once we got closer to the falls, the drive began to get more and more interesting as the landscape grew slightly more mountanous. Not quite to the scale that I would later see in the Atlas Mountains, but still made for a great view.
When we arrived we were told to stay with the group and were introduced to our tour guide who would lead us around the area.
Just from the start, the sights were beautiful. We were at the top of the waterfall looking down and could see the valley below. It looked like a tropical oasis with the greenery spotted within the sandy areas. The monkeys we came across made for amzings centerpieces for the photos and were so fun to watch as they jumped around in the nearby stream.
Making our way slowly towards the bottom we walked through what looked like a small village. There were houses around with laundry on the line. We stopped by a shop local shop where they made products from Argan oil. I got to see how it was made again (and it would not be my last time on this trip, haha). Got to have another glass of delicious mint tea and saw another cute cat.
We continued our hike down the mountain. There were so many little shops set up along the way down, it would have been neat to have had more time to browse their wares. The group tour is great for solo travellers though, otherwise I would never have made it there at all.
We stopped at the bottom where there was some shelter from the sun and some chairs to recoup. Not to mention a lovely view of the falls. Once everyone was good we made our way closer to the falls and towards the little boats you could go on that took you right underneath. This price was included in the tour price I had paid.
On the way up we had a couple stops with some really nice views of the falls. They seemed so much larger up close. Ozoud is the 2nd highest waterfall in Africa and the highest one in North Africa.
The last stop with some fantastic panoramic views also had so many monkeys. Someone placed little nuts in my hand and a monkey climbed right on me. I got some really cool photos from it! There was also a cute baby monkey that was just so much tinier than the adult ones. While squatting down to take a photo of the monkey, one of the adults jumped on my back. Thought to myself that this must be what Ash feels like when Pikachu is on his shoulder.
After our bite to eat at the top we were on our way again back to Marrakech. We were not going to stop on the way back but someone requested a bathroom stop. It was good to stretch a little from a 3 hour drive.
All in all, I would say the tour was worth it if you did not plan to drive around Morocco yourself. 6 hours is a lot of driving in one day but the waterfalls are truly incredible to see in person. Not to mention the adorable monkeys.
Day 3: Nov 28th
Today marked my last day solo. Later in the evening I would meet up with my Intrepid group whom I would adventure with for the remainder of my trip.
For my last solo activity I decided to go on a cycling tour of the Medina. I walked to the bike shop which was about 45 minutes from my hotel. Navigating the Medina even with Google maps is a little tricky. Sometimes in reccomends streets that appear a little vacant for my liking travelling on my own, or it is easy to get turned around with so many walkways. But I found the bike shop: Pikala Bikes.
Pikala appealed to me because it said that their tours were led by youth who grew up in the old city and could share their experiences growing up there.
Our first journey sent us through narrow alleys and sharp turns until we came upon a place where we were told to not take photos. Many blind men would come to this secret area of the Medina to prey in the hopes of having their blindness cured. In the past you could take photos of the buildings and architecture, but of course, idiots ruined it by taking photos without permission of the people who were there. Now, no photos at all!
We also at this time learned a little about the indigenous people of Morocco, the Amazigh (or Berbers). It is why sometimes, aside from Arabic, the Berber language is also seen through out Morocco. Not many can read it now, but they are trying to get it taught in more schools.
Continuing on we came across a bit of a challenge with our cycling. A very short alleyway that we had to duck under to get through. I managed to make it through the tunnel but went a little sideways in to the wall after. I did not fall off, so I was all good.
Our next stop was a workshop where workers carved and made mosaic tiles. It was crazy to learn that every tile was hand carved individually. The workers squat down while they carve evry piece. I do not think I could sit like that all day. The real amazing thing is how they put the art together. There are multiple center pieces for different patterns that will be face up and the rest will be placed facedown. Then once flipped over the art is complete and near perfect every time. Makes sense why these authentic pieces from Morocco are so expensive. So much time and effort goes in to them!
Continuing on, we stopped briefly in a square with many different spices and herbs. Some were presented in such articstic ways that looked like art. Separated by colour and sometimes shapes were in the design.
Next stop was a local oven that locals can bring their bread and the worker there will bake it for them. At the end of the day you can return and have your bread ready to eat. It is a really neat concept! Locals will have different cloth wrapped in the bread and the worker knows whos belongs to who. They used to be more common but there are still a few left within the medina. Our guide said he used to pick it up after school for his mom when he was younger.
Following that we came across another local spot, a bath house. While these are common tourist attractions, you can even as a tourist go to a local bath house for a fraction of the cost and get a more authentic experience. Unlike the tourist ones, you would have to bring all of your own washing supplies. The coolest part about this particular one, is that behind where it is heated by coal and fire, locals can bring a jar containing meat and cook it in the hot ashes. Later in the day you can retrieve your meat fully cooked!
We then road out of the medina for a brief moment to take in the contrast between the new and old of the city. While cycling is easier in the new, the old city is still so much more interesting. Going through the narrow alleys and through the busy markets of the medina has to have been one of the most frightning and exhilarating experiences. I was not expecting it! I was amazed by everything I was seeing, but at the same time was terrified I was going to hit someone or worse, hit a poor kitty! I was quite impressed with myself that I made it out without incident, other than the very early mishap, but that was just myself and a wall, so no big deal. Overall, I loved the experience. Would I ever cycle in the Medina of Merrakech again though? Probably not!
Afterwards we dropped by the Pikala cafe and were treated with some snacks and of course some mint tea! A great way to end a fantastic tour. I feel like I had learned so much about the local lifestyle.
Heading back to my hotel I stopped by a currency exchange. When possible I know it is better to avoid exchanging at the airport. Then, for supper I went to the McDonald's. I always like to try the local McD's to see the differences. This one had a a rooftop terrace that was really cool to sit at.
Then it was time to chill until the meet up time with my Intrepid group. I met my tour leader and the fellow travelers I would be with for the next 8 days. We had a nice mix of countries; UK, Germany, Italy, and USA, and of course myself from Canada. One of my favourite part about doing the small group tours is that you get to know your group mates fairly well, and you get to learn about other countries at the same time! We went out for a dinner to get to know each other better before resting up for our adventures.
Day 4: Nov 29th
Today I embarked on day one of my tour with my group. It was a comfort to know I would be with the same people for the next week.
The drive at first was similar to the drive to the Ouzoud Falls, but it did not take long before the flat dry scenery grew into mountins as we approached the Atlas Mountains. It was an amazing drive. At times it seemed we just kept going higher and higher. The views were spectacular with the mountains of reddish brown stone with a layers of green overtop. Our first stop was for bathroom breaks and snacks. The shop had a rooftop terrace that gave stunning views. We even found an adorable cat sleeping on a chair that we all loved. Good to know I was with fellow cat people!
A little further along the scenic drive we came to a lookoff that of course, also sported incredible views of the mountains. Even saw some goats nearby in the hills.
We stopped for lunch in Ouarzazate where I had my first tagine with chicken and couscous. There were a lot of fruit that I did not eat, but the chicken and couscous was really good. Also had another mint tea that was delicious as always. After eating I made sure to take a photo of the beautiful scenery around us. We were surrounded by sand coloured buildings of stone. I had never seen anything like the architeture before. And of course, another cat photo!
After getting back on the road we made a little stop at a store that manufactured products made from rose water. They had some neat products like perfumes and creams, all made locally.
The drive towards our hotel for the night was lovely. We drove by the town of Tingir and the it looked so cool with the sand stone buildings and the areas of greenery. We were told we would get to stop at a lookout the next day before we left.
We reached our hotel Kasbah Toborihte. It was amazing. Situated between a canyon and we had to walk across a small bridge to get to it. The sun was almost down so we could not see everything, but I was excited to see what everything looked like in the daylight.
After getting situated in our rooms we came down to a common room for supper and some music from the locals. A great way to end my first day with my group!
Day 5: Nov 30th
The wait for the next day was worth it! Seeing the canyon in daylight was quite the sight to see! We grabbed some breakfast and got our luggage ready to be packed up as we got ready to go on a short hike to Todra Gorge.
Half of us had crossed the bridge again when we were alerted that we did not need to cross it. We made a u-turn and rejoined everyone else to begin our walk. I did manage to grab some nice photos before returning. The walk was so nice. We passed by little streams, through an old abandoned town, by agricultural fields, and into the gorge itself. One of my group mates grabbed a pomegrante fruit and we all had some seeds. It was my first time having pomegrante. The canyons in the background of every photo was otherworldy.
Walking through Todra Gorge felt like walking though Tatooine. It was easy to imagine that a podracer would fit right in driving between the gorge. There were some merchant sellers set up along the canyon. Scarves were a very popular item. We were instructed to wait as we would be stopping by an authentic shop to buy a scarf if we chose to, to protect from the desert sand. We also saw an old hotel that is no longer in use. It would be amazing to stay right in the gorge itself, but it due to potential hazards, it no longer is open.
When our time was up at the gorge we returned to our van and contined our adventure. We did get a chance to stop at the lookout, and marveled at the stunning view of the town of Tingir.
Just over an hour later we arrived at the shop where we got to try on traditional dress. I chose a one green as it is my favourite colour. Once we were all dressed, we went outside for a group photo.
Everyone looked so great in the colours they chose. We then chose a scarf to wrap around our heads to protect from the wind and sand. Our tour guide said the ones here were made properly and unlike some of the cheap tourist shops, these ones would not have the colour bleed.
With our new scarves bought we walked a little ways down the road to the place we would eat lunch. There were a bunch of other tour groups there as well. We had a long table outside for our group and then we went into a little outdoor cave looking area with a buffet of food. Of course there was another cute kitty! I love that there are so many around!
Then back on the road for another hour we then stopped by a shop with some art pieces made from fossils. There was a lot of neat things. From large tables to small dishes, there was just about anything you could imagine.
Finally, the moment I was most excited for on this trip. We were making our way to the Sahara Desert. It was amazing. Lookout out into the dunes of sand, they just went on and on. We put our luggage away in our tents and got ourselves ready for a camel ride into the desert! The camp set up was really cool. Four tents set up on either side with carpet down the middle leading into the desert.
We got on our camels and began our venture into the desert. Despite already having been on a camel just a few days prior, it was still a fantastic experience going through the Sahara. After about 15 minutes we reached a point where we would watch the sunset. We got off our camels and enjoyed ourselves sitting on the dunes. One of the local guys with us impressed us all by doing some flips along the sand. Then I took the time to take in the moment. I was sitting on a sand dune in the Sahara desert, watching a sunset after having just ridden on a camel. It was definetly a moment I would never forget. It was so surreal!
Back at the camp we enjoyed some supper and then went outside to enjoy some music around a fire. There were only three showers for all of us, so I took my chance while I could, and then returned to the fire. It was a very fun evening. To finish the night off a few of us went out to the sand dunes to find a place to watch the stars. The sand was actually quite cold. They don't joke when they say the desert can get really cold in the nighttime. We laid down on the sand and looked up into the night sky. There were so many stars! I think the only time I had seen so many was either Kejimikujik back home or Mount Carleton in New Brunswick. Both of which are dark sky sanctuaries.
It was a great end to a fantastic day. I saw a couple shooting stars. Then it was off to bed so I could wake up for the sunrise.
Day 6: Dec 1st
We woke up early to catch the sunrise in the Sahara. It was worth it for sure! It was so peaceful and tranquil. Just staring out into the endless sands as the sun slowly rose. A truly surreal experience for sure!
Then after a little breakfast we said our goodbyes to the desert as we made our way back to civilization. On one stop along our long drive for bathrooms I found myself with some nice views overlooking a city. The sight was so beautiful with the sand coloured buildings, green plantation in the middle and the blue sky above.
We then arrived to our stop for the day; Ait Benhaddou. The next day we would go on a tour to the ancient city, but for today we could admire the city from a distance. A small number of families still live in the city. There is no electricity so most live in the newer areas nearby.
For lunch we ate in a small area just inside the city where we had a home cooked meal in the tagines. There were a few cute cats that made an appearance. One wanted to come up with us but we had to shoo it away.
Our guide brought us to a shop that made authentic moroccan rugs. They were so beautiful and seeing how they are made and the amount of time required gave me a new appreciation for them. I would have loved one, but only bringing carry on luggage has its downsides at times like these. They are truly pieces of art. When properly made, they can take many months of work. I did grab a buisness card so perhaps one day I will order one for myself.
Dinner at our hotel was excellent as usual. The group stayed in the common area a little later tonight to play a game called Dobble. It was so fun! I had never heard of it before. Some of the local hotel staff joined in as well. The game required saying one of the objects on the card, and since not everyone had English as a first language we had everyone say the image in their native language. It was really great to hear the different languages going around during the game.
Day 7: Dec 2nd
Today was our tour through the ancient city of Ait Benhaddou. I was so excited. The little bit I saw of the city yesterday was spectacular. It also happens to be a fairly popular film site. Gladiator had parts filmed here! And when you look at the city, it does really feel like something out of a movie.
Of course a day in Morocco would not feel complete without cats! I saw a few on our walk through the city. There were quite a few vendors selling art and rugs, and scarves. One man that caught my attention was one that used natural dyes in his art and then would hold it over a fire to bring out more details. It was so cool to watch the art come alive under the fire in real time. I ended up getting one of his pieces and he wrote my name in the Amazigh language.
At the top of the city we had some spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes and the city below we had just walked through. Going through this ancient city felt like going back in time.
Then once again, we were on the road again. This time towards another very different type of location; the mountain village of Imlil that was situated in the Atlas mountains.
We had seen a small snippet of the mountains as we drove through them on day one of the tour, but now we were headed into the heart of them. I was excited for this. I love mountains! We would spend two nights in the mountains and get to do a hike the next day.
To get to our mountain refuge we'd be staying in, we had to hike to it. Donkeys would carry some of our belongings but we were urged to only take what was necessary. Before the little hike up, we stopped at the bathrooms where my anxiety of always needing toilet paper on me paid off! The bathrooms had run out, so I was able to provide some for some of my fellow travelers.
I absolutely loved that we got to hike up to our lodgings for the night. Despite having to dodge donkey poop on the way up it was so much fun. The air felt so clean, and the scenery was breathtaking. I am literally hiking in the mountains with sheep and donkeys around, with beautiful mountains as a backdrop and a mountain town off to my left! This made me even more excited for the acutal hike further up the mountain the next day!
We got ourselves settled into our rooms and had this very nice little common area where we could meet for dinner that had a fireplace going and an outdoor deck we could go out on to see the mountains better. We had so much mint tea at our disposal and the meals were so good! Similar to the desert there were so many stars in the night sky! We all really loved this spot. We had the whole mountain gite to ourselves which was lovely. The family cooked all of our meals for us and as I just mentioned, seemingly bottomless mint tea!
We played some more games with our group and chatted a little before going off to bed. Tomorrow would be another busy day. We were all glad that we would spend more than one day here. One because it is a beautiful spot, and two, it is nice not having to pack up and leave again. While the desert was very cold and I had to wear a sweater, hat and mittens. The mountains were even colder. I had to wear all of that again and covered myself with all of the thick blankets I could find! I seemed to handle the cold better than some of my travel mates from warmer climates. In the common area by the fire I found myself comfortable in just a t-shirt while some from the warmer countries had their winter coats on. I didn't even bring a winter coat, haha.
Day 8: Dec 3rd
Today was hiking day! We woke up to a wonderful buffet breakfast provided by our gracious hosts. The night had been very cold. I had three very large blankets on, on top of my hat and sweater. I'd say more cold than the desert even.
To start off our journey towards the mountains was... surprise surprise, an adorable little kitten. I wish I could take them all home with me! The weather for today looked perfect. A bit of a chill in the air due to the elevation, but the skies looked clear. Could not ask for a better day for a hike. The path was rocky and like the little hike to our mountain gite, there was donkey poo to watch out for!
The scenery was amazing. The more we hiked the closer we got to the snowy caped mountains. There was not much in the way of greenery, but there were a few small green shrubs on the mountains. At one point we hit a checkpoint where we had to show our passports. I can't remember the exact reason why we had to do this, but this is a thing if you ever do the hike in Toubkal National Park!
I think we did about 5 or so kilometers before we reached the point we would stop. The trail does continue on for quite a ways. You would have to camp overnight in the moutains to continue. But our day hike ended in a little rest spot along the trail where we would eat lunch. It was wonderful to have warm tagines and delicious mint tea while in the mountains!
We soaked in the last of our time in this part of the Atlas Mountains before beginning the trek back down. We saw some goats along the trail this time around. It is crazy the spots they can get themselves to sometimes.
Before heading back to our lodgings some of us continued walking around the town of Imlil to explore a little. The town seemed as if it was almost built into the side of the mountain. Walkways made of dirt and stone led you further into the town.
On the way back from town we stopped a cafe for drinks and tea. The cafe was on rooftop that we sat at to enjoy the views and enjoy the drinks. It was a very cute little spot. Then returning to the rest of our group we sat down for dinner again and more games while heating up by the fire.
We played some card games and some of my travel mates were asking the English first language speakers how to say some German car names. I don't think I said Volkswagon as funny as they were expecting because I know we English speakers normally put a strong accent on it, so I tried to say it the proper way by pronouncing the "w" as a more of a "v" sound. This eventually led me to showing some indigenous place names in Nova Scotia that you would not expect to find in Canada if not from Canada such as Kejimkujik, Tatamagouche, and Musquodoboit. It was amusing to see no one able to pronounce them correctly.
Later that night a few of us brought out the thick blankets to lay down outside to watch the starry sky. I saw a few more shooting stars! Like out in the desert, there were so many stars visible! We played a few rounds of would you rather while star gazing. It was a good laugh when one of us would see a shooting star when others missed it! By the end I think we all saw at least one. A wonderful way to end our last night in the mountains.
Day 9: Dec 4th
Today we were returning to Marrakech and to our last day as a group. We returned to our van going back down the trail and said our goodbyes to the mountains. I'd say I almost enjoyed almost as much as the desert. Though both are equally worth going to! Part of why I chose the tour I did was so I could see both!
Before Marrakech we stopped at a place that made argan oil. This time around I did pick up some cream for myself and some soap for my parents. They allowed us to try some bread with some of the various dips they make from argan oil. The bread was so good! The oil dip was tasty too.
Now back in Marrakech we were going around as a group, one place we were going was the palace that I had already been to. There were a few others that did not really want to go in so we found ourselves a restaurant in a riad that we spent some time in while we waited for the group. The restaurant was stunning. The one thing I missed with this trip was staying in a riad, but this restaurant scratched a little of the itch. It looked like a palace on the inside. The tile work was so beautiful. We ordered ourselves some mint tea and small pastry snacks. The tea came in a cute little tea pot we could pour ourselves. A worthy side stop for sure!
Then rejoining the group we headed to a place for lunch with rooftop views. I got myself a pizza that I think insulted the Italiens on our tour. I thought it was tasty though! From there we were still going around as a group. Myself and another girl I was traveling with had been hoping for more free time. We decided to break off from the main group to explore the Old Medina and Souks ourselves. I was more than happy to do this. I wanted to when I was here earlier but really wanted to have someone else with me. We both really enjoyed this solo time exploring the maze of shops. There were so many spots selling freshly squeezed juice. We wanted to try one. Every shop was trying to get our attention while we walked. One shop had a cat sitting in front of it, so naturally that was the one we chose. The poor thing was missing an eye so I won't post its picture. The poor thing! The guys at this juice place were super friendly. My travel buddy even got up with them and got a picture! The juice was very tasty and refreshing in the warm Marrakech weather!
Drinks in hand we continued exploring, going through a varity of shops. One I really enjoyed in particular was full of wicker baskets. The shop was huge and you felt like you were going though a maze. There were so many options for magnets so it took me a little bit to select one for myself and my cousins. I managed to pick up a few other small souvenirs for some other people as well, including one for a secret santa at work.They may never know what they received is from Morocco!
One interesting memory I have of going through the souks is when we were looking at some items for sale just inside a small alleyway. A man told us there were some more art pieces inside and further in the alley. Looking back it probably was not the best idea to go inside, but we did! It was quite interesting. There was some really neat pieces of art in the building we went in. I would not have gone down if I had been by myself, but with my travel buddy we were both more confident I suppose. Everything turned out fine and it is now a memory I likely won't forget!
After our adventures in the Old Medina we made our back to the hotel. Others in our gorup were heading out for one last dinner together as a group. I decided to join in to enjoy one last evening with my travel group. It was an enjoyable last evening, though a bit bittersweet. You get to know your group quite well as you spend many many hours together on the road and on so many fun adventures. I am always greatful of all the new friends I meet on my adventures.
The journey home
The next morning I had to leave fairly early. Two others leaving at a similar time joined me in a cab to the airport. We had a crepe together at the airport before we split ways going on different flights home. I went Marrakech-London-Toronto-Halifax. My flight to Toronto was awesome. A whole row to myself. I watched the first two Harry Potter's while attempting to get some sleep. A quick stay overnight in Toronto and then I was home at last!
Morocco was an adventure I will never forget! I loved learning about the culture and seeing all the amazing landscapes. There is so much variety in this country, and there would be even more if I had had the time to visit a coastal town as well. This trip had a lot of travel time, but it is necessary if you want to see both the Sahara and Atlas Mountains in the short amount of time I had. Being from Canada, I am also not new to long road trips. Going though a company like Intrepid was a great experience as well, especially for me as a solo traveller. I feel like I got to experience more culture and food this way. On my own I would have stuck to food I know, and there are many experiences I would not have had on my own either. If I had the chance I would come back to Morocco for sure, but there are also lots of other countries to see!
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