Up to day 28

Rossy here again.

We were glad to leave the desert and we drove ontoTinerhir Camping Le Soleil but by the time we got there the sun had gone for the day and the pitches were shady. We stayed a couple of days to investigate the Todra Gorge which was impressive but very windy. We also had an adventure in the palmeria getting lost among the local's allotments.

Our next stop was Ouarzazte- pronounced like Tommy Cooper- wazazat!(with the hand action too) a more interesting drive with villages, towns and kasbars. Pete developed a prob with his power steering and just made it to the campsite which was more like a car park. This is an area used in lots of films and so there are film studios and museums etc to tour. Also there is a kasbar and Berber town that we went round with a guide-all very interesting. Our guide took us places we would ever have dared to go. The buildings are made of pise-mud and stones from the river and straw and many are crumbling because if not maintained the rain on the rooves washes them away.

Some of us took a 4x4 to Ait Benhaddon across country to another kasbar which has been used as a film location many times. Another site to remember. At night we ate out at a more up market restaurant but the menu was much the same as ever- salads, tagines and couscous. We wonder what else the locals eat though we have seen things in the markets that we don't fancy trying.

Day25
We took the tortuously windy road over the High Atlas Mountains to well over 2000 mts-fortunately there were few mad wagon drivers. Pete still having a pro with his steering which didn't help. The camp site is very pretty with lots of flowers, good facilities and a beautiful pool.

We have been into Marakesh a couple of times so far. We explored the main square and the souqs where you can get lost and never be seen again. In the early evening they put up huge wrought iron stall and barbecues  all over the square but what a hassle to eat there unless you make your decision quickly. It is an experience not to be missed though. Also sitting on a balcony watching it all happen. We have done some of the cultural stuff- gardens, a palace, tombs and the Jewish quarter ( inadvertently ) mainly on foot. We were given very odd directions along the way- through shops, down narrow alleys and through a Hamman massage parlour. You wouldn't get this on a Thompson's tour.

The weather has been better recently so today we have had a chill day. I've done the washing and Gary has had his hair cut and we've lazed by the pool in the sun. This is the life.