Ed Space: Gorges and the Sahara

After breakfast we left our hotel at the Dades Gorge and drove towards Todgha valley, passing some stunning scenery on the way - clay coloured villages cluttered amongst an oasis of lush green fields, white flowering almond trees and bright pink wildflowers. As we passed through towns, I watched as old women balanced baskets of washing on their heads; others carried large sacks filled with wood and foliage on their backs. Young children stared up open eyed. Further on a group of women washed clothes in a shallow stream.

At the Todra Gorge we walked through the shadows, passing a stream where a young boy fished patiently. We met a Californian lady there who was a professor of anthropology and very pleased to see us. She talked to us for a while then took our photo.

We then drove to Erfoud, stopping for lunch. After a meal of tajine, we drove on to Rissani where we visited a shop selling an array of Moroccan goods including scarves which we tried on. We then journeyed on to Merzouga - the gateway to the dunes.

After a refreshing swim at La Kasbah le Touareg, we rode camels over the dunes. It was a slightly terrifying experience for me but I managed alright. Seeing the orange, sloping dunes and the snake-like shadows they cast was amazing - it seemed so surreal. And the sun setting behind the Saharan sand dunes was awesome.

We arrived at the Berber camp when the sun had disappeared and the sky was dark and hazy. We drank wine and talked by the light of candles. For dinner, we ate a warm tomato and rice salad, fresh bread and a tajine of chicken and vegetables. We shared jokes and conversation as we ate.
After dinner we adjourned to the outside campfire, lounging on soft mattresses and pillows. As the fire crackled and cast a warm, orange glow on us, our Berber guide played the drums and we sang along making up the words as we went. Soon we were up and dancing, moving and jumping about until we were dizzy and in hysterics.

To settle us for bed, we decided on a short stroll along the sand dunes. By now the stars were out and the moon cast a soft, pale glow over the sand. Climbing the dunes was slightly difficult, but the views of the moonlit landscape proved rewarding.
Returning to the camp, we lazed around the fire again. Some went to their tents to sleep, whilst Michael, Anju and I stayed outside to search for shooting stars. Wrapped tightly in four, heavy blankets, I gazed up at the heavens and drifted in and out of the conversation that flowed between us. Sporadically we poked the fire until it clung onto its last glowing ambers, forcing us to go in search for more firewood.

I managed to see a shooting star - a momentary split-second spark in the sky that glowed and died almost as quickly as it had appeared. As the fire smoked and smouldered and began to die, I finally drifted off to sleep.

Photos. Enjoy!

Road of the Kasbahs