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| Coke fans all over the world |
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| High Atlas Mountains - very barren landscape |
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| Ait Benhaddou |
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| Ait Benhaddou |
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| Sunset over Ai |
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| Doors in village in mountains |
The next leg of the tour is travelling via mini van over the High Atlas Mountains. The views are simply mind blowing. First it was lush vegetation, apple and almond trees, irises and a tapestry of crops. People are out tending to the crops with antiquated farming tools and donkeys whilst wearing top to tail clothing that protects them from the sun.
Along the way we have various toilet, food and drink stops. This time it wa somewhere for a good quality coffee (lovely and strong), and then lunch at a cafe high in the mountains where tagines are cooked at the side of the road.
As we drove further across the mountains the landscape changed dramatically - very dry and barren but lush crops and date palms along the river. There are still mountains in the background sprinkled with snow. The weather is hot and dry - very limited moisture in the air. At our highest point we were 2260 metres above sea level.
We arrived at our accommodation at Ait Benhaddou late afternoon and all ran for the showers or the pool as we hadn't had the opportunity to wash since the morning of the previous day. It was amazing how good one feels after having a generally warm shower for 2 minuts maximum (water ran out!) and applying moisturiser to incredibly dry skin.
Before dinner we went for a walk to explore the red mud brick kasbah that was used for films including Lawrence of Arabia, Jewel of the Nile and Gladiator. With a few Hollywood touchups, it still resembles what it looked like when built in the 11th century. Climbing to the top there are magnificent views of the surrounding palmerie and stony desert.
Dinner was the local specialty - lakalia (type of tagine including turkey, peas, tomato, onion, carrots and saffron). Early night - heat and fresh air are getting to me.
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