To Ait Benhaddou

Setting off from the Todra gorge we drove through more incredibly barren and rocky scenery and some amazing little towns built up around river beds, oases of greenery and palm trees. There were towers either side of the road to denote each area. One place where demasc roses are grown and the shops smelled of the beautiful fresh, calming scent. There were all sorts of creams with Rose in, I looked at Rose oil but it qas about £80 and looked rather thin!

These towns grew up as resting places for caravans of camels carrying good to Marrakech from the corners of Morocco and beyond.
Visiting Atlas Studios where films have been made since 1980's we had a guided tour qhixh was interesting. The sets are much smaller than you imagine, but great to walk round and imagine the films. We climbed onto carriages out of Ben Hur and Gladiator and wandered through the Tomb from The Mummy . It was scorching hot, too hot to stand for long in the heat.

Then we headed to hospital as sadly one of the group are not well. We dropped them snd Mo off and then went for lunch with Muhammad our excellent driver.
We were in a street side cafe and fancying something different spotted that pizza looked good. We both had massive pizzas, we should have shared in hindsight. They were delicious,some of the best pizza dough ever and very tasty topping. We couldn't eat it all and James had his in a box to take for Orlav and Gregg. There was a man with one leg begging on the street and I wanted to give him my leftover pizza but didn't know if I should. However he climbed over the small plant container barrier and helped himself.

We then picked up Gregg and Orlav and hit the road again.
We checked in to our hotel about 5.30 and at 6 set off to walk the short distance to Ait Benhaddou. This is a grand Kasbah originating in 17th C now a world heritage site. It qas a steep climb up through the narrow winding stepped lanes.
Built of mud bricks and wood and stone it is an impressive site. A fortified home with shops and bakeries and all that was needed in the nearby town.
We watched the sun setting from the top, it was very windy but worth it for the view.

Heading back to the gust goose for dinner on the Terrace. It was a simple dish of soup, chicken and vegetables with couscous and fruit.

Sleep time then, after organising our bags for tomorrow, we need to take an overnight bag.Read more