So much to tell since last time and writing on an english /arabic keyboard this might take some time! Here goes...We finally crossed into Morocco from Marbella last Thursday (11th). We headed into Tetouan in search of some lunch and of course, green eyed, fresh off the boat we immediately got swept away by the first moroccan 'guide' on a motorbike who showed us the only open restuaurant in town (it was Ramadan) He then took us through the Medina and the Kasbah and so on....4 hours later after tea with his brother and visits to all his local salesman friends we headed out and onto Chefchaouen.
We camped out for a couple of nights in this beautiful town in the Rif mountains and enjoyed the friendliness and hospitality of everyone we came across, especially Abraham who could not kiss us enough. Palli, Magga and Haukur delved into the world of Star Wars and bought wonderful Jalabahs. Now the force is definately with us!
After doing some filming with Osman, a Moroccan farmer we had met there 6 years ago we made our way to Volubilis, a world heritage site, with ancient roman ruins. We spent the night at a Gite, shared the most enormous dish of couscous and then toured the ruins in the morning.
Then onto the Cascades D'Ouzoud, a natural paradise with huge flowing waterfalls and beautiful walks into deep valleys.
Here we said our goodbyes to Magga, who had to return to Iceland. (Thanks for coming this far with us Magga and see you at home in the New Year)
We explored , and walked, and lazed about and ate, and then after a great storm on Wednesday night, the beautiful cascades became a chocolate brown river ( much to Pierre's delight!).....but decided to take another day there to do some filming and then got on our way to cross the High Atlas mountains yesterday.
Unbelievable views, breathtakingly so. The road seemed endlessly higher and higher, reaching over 2.5 kms high. Phew! Haukur could not bare to put the video camera away it was all so beautiful.
But the sun sets quickly here so we headed down the other side to the large town of Ourzarzate, where we are now.....the doorway to the desert.
Still considering various visa issues about crossing into Mauritania- all guide books say we can buy it at the border, various Moroccans say only in Casablanca, Casablanca office just closed down, traveller reports from March said they bought at the border, we just heard the law changed in mid september- visas only issued in Rabat (north morocco). and now someone crossed over 2 weeks ago and got it at the border, so thinking we will take our chances to cross. Still need to cross the Western Sahara first so a few more days to decide!
Well with all these exhuasting things to think about, we are all off for a good wash and a rub down at the local Hamam!!!
We camped out for a couple of nights in this beautiful town in the Rif mountains and enjoyed the friendliness and hospitality of everyone we came across, especially Abraham who could not kiss us enough. Palli, Magga and Haukur delved into the world of Star Wars and bought wonderful Jalabahs. Now the force is definately with us!
After doing some filming with Osman, a Moroccan farmer we had met there 6 years ago we made our way to Volubilis, a world heritage site, with ancient roman ruins. We spent the night at a Gite, shared the most enormous dish of couscous and then toured the ruins in the morning.
Then onto the Cascades D'Ouzoud, a natural paradise with huge flowing waterfalls and beautiful walks into deep valleys.
Here we said our goodbyes to Magga, who had to return to Iceland. (Thanks for coming this far with us Magga and see you at home in the New Year)
We explored , and walked, and lazed about and ate, and then after a great storm on Wednesday night, the beautiful cascades became a chocolate brown river ( much to Pierre's delight!).....but decided to take another day there to do some filming and then got on our way to cross the High Atlas mountains yesterday.
Unbelievable views, breathtakingly so. The road seemed endlessly higher and higher, reaching over 2.5 kms high. Phew! Haukur could not bare to put the video camera away it was all so beautiful.
But the sun sets quickly here so we headed down the other side to the large town of Ourzarzate, where we are now.....the doorway to the desert.
Still considering various visa issues about crossing into Mauritania- all guide books say we can buy it at the border, various Moroccans say only in Casablanca, Casablanca office just closed down, traveller reports from March said they bought at the border, we just heard the law changed in mid september- visas only issued in Rabat (north morocco). and now someone crossed over 2 weeks ago and got it at the border, so thinking we will take our chances to cross. Still need to cross the Western Sahara first so a few more days to decide!
Well with all these exhuasting things to think about, we are all off for a good wash and a rub down at the local Hamam!!!
2 comments:
Nice one guys - not sure which way you're going but if you end up in Erfoud - call Mohammed on 068145926
and say helo to him from me - sure filming Ozman was a laugh - bet he loved it!
I've always heard you can get visas on the border but they charge you more coz they know how far back it is!!!
Take care. Barney.
Hi, Nice to hear all seems to be going well, but be careful if strangers offer to show you the way. or will take you to a wonderful view not always what it seems! the viewa in the mountains sounded wonderful, like to be there to take photos etc. Look after yourselfs and take care. TT.
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