I’ve been privileged to experience some extraordinary places, however the Moroccan Sahara on the Algerian border not only took my breath away with its stunning sandscapes but also left me in awe and wonder at the people who live here in such an inhospitable yet beautiful place. We arrived here to Erg Chebbi and into … Read more
Camels, ships of the desert, were once the only way to traverse the vast desert regions south of the Altas mountains. They were built robust, reliable and dependable with enormous range and great fuel economy. They were also smelly and bad tempered but that was a small price to pay for their great value. There … Read more
Almost every parent has mastered the art of flying spoon food delivery into a reluctant infant’s mouth. I’m almost certain that that flying spoon never contained leafy greens or blanched vegetables! As for raw, well, you’d have worn it for sure! This little chick was totally happy to eat tiny pieces of a succulent plant … Read more
It was both lovely and humbling spending time amid the Amazigh people of Zaouiat Ahansa. This is a place where motorised vehicles were absent, where people commuted by foot and donkeys carried goods, firewood and people. A rare extravagance might even be a rider on horseback. When I say, “amid the Amazigh”, I do not … Read more
We spent a couple of days exploring Zaouiat Ahansa and witnessed some of the most beautiful expressions of people and place. Early one morning out walking I noticed small groups of boys and men wielding shovels, carrying buckets or pushing wheelbarrows all heading in the same direction. I thought it a little unusual but did … Read more
Sunshine, Shadows and Shirts Here in the High Atlas mountain village of Zaouiat Ahansal we explored the deep valley and gazed in awe upon the high desert peaks. There were no tourists here and we felt like strangers in a strange land. Children scrabbled for attention, young men smiled and old men kept poker faces. … Read more
Bathing Under the Ouzoud Falls Despite the steep and hot walk down to the base of Ouzoud Falls, the colour of the water did not seem that inviting, still I would have been in there in a shot if we more time here. I watched these two you men enjoy the sunshine, and the water … Read more
Escaping the craziness of Marrakech the High Atlas mountains were like travelling to another planet. At first they reminded me of the Norther Flinders Ranges in South Australia but the more I noticed, the uniqueness of these mountains became more and more obvious. The High Atlas mountains contain Northern Africa’s highest peak, Toubkal, at 4167m … Read more
Gold and silver and jewels and more silver and more jewels. The markets in the old Medina cater for every taste and every whim. After a while a stroll becomes monotonous. The same pots, the same rugs, the same shoes, the same trinkets. There is something comforting in sameness, in monotony. Perhaps abundance or lack … Read more
Cats, cats everywhere. There were blacks ones and white ones and ones with a little yellow on them and they all looked like they owned the place and they all seemed just the same. None seemed to be owned by anyone yet they all appeared to be looked after by the locals. During my exploration … Read more