Day 24 - Rif mountains

Day 5 of the tour and instead of using a local bus to get to the next destination - Chefchaouen (heading north, it is situated in the Rif mountains).  We have hired a driver and mini-van for more comfort as one of the ladies doesn't feel well and one of the guys has claustrophobia so was struggling on the the crowded transport.  Six of us got up early and had breakfast in a cafe before looking at shops, buying postcards and visiting the post office (experience in itself!), bookshops and markets.

The mini bus trip was comfort compared to previous transport so we spread out and made the most of it.  The scenery along the way was spectacular as we climbed higher into the mountains.  Again we saw many wildflowers, orange and olive trees, lush green crops and passed through tiny towns.  Shepherds watched over flocks of sheep and goats and we saw numerous donkeys.

We arrived in Chefchaouen and I fell in love - this place is the most amazing town I have ever been to.  It resembles the Greek islands with blue and white washed buildings but also parts of India eg Jaipur where the buildings are all painted the same colour and there are narrow laneways between the homes and shops.  We are surrounded by mountains and the river flows down and it is chanelled through the town to the washing area (women washing clothes), hammam etc.  Our hotel is also fabulous - bright colours on walls, upholstery and drapes.  There is a pool but it is too cold to swim.

We had noticed that it was windy outside but became aware how strong it was when we got off the bus and walked through the town to buy supplies (beer and tonic).  The wind got stronger to the point we were running into lanes to avoid being hit by falling debris and trying to keep on our feet.  It was a fierce wind storm and the sky was a pale brown colour - sandstorm from the Sahara we were told. 

Dinner was at the hotel, I had a delicious chicken pastilla - pastry, chicken, icing sugar, almonds, cinnamon.  Four of us drank a bottle of gin - lovely evening.

Points of interest:

• in different towns the colour of the petite taxis changes - so far red in 2 towns and pale blue in another
• bird poo is used in the tanning process because it naturally contains ammonia
• I am back on the right side of the road again!
• there is  a huge Jewish population in Morocco
• trying to communicate in french/arabic/english and sign language is hysterical
• the king of Morocco is a very popular man but generally the people aren't happy with the government
• there are limited road rules in Morocco
• mint tea is the drink of choice and is referred to as Moroccan whisky
• spring is a fabulous time to travel in Morocco - not too hot, wildflowers and orange trees in bloom (dazzling red poppies_, green country-side
• the diversity of the food is incredible and the products so fresh
• kasbah is a fort/citadel; medina is an old city; mellah-jewish quarter of a medina; riad is a traditional townhouse set around and internal garden; souq is a market; ville nouvelle is the new city built by the French alongside existing towns; zellij is the ceramic tilework used to decorate buildings.

Note: the tour leader has stated his intentions to have me as his forth wife so we are negotiating my dowry.  He is very open with all the group about this so they even refer to our tour leader as my husband.  All very funny.  I am surprised that a Moroccan from the Sahara understands Australian and NZ humour, and can contribute to our quick banter.

Breakfast

Rif Mountains

Rif Mountains

Local soccer match at Chefchaouen

Sahara sand storm rolling in

Chefchaouen

Some of the locals