Todra Gorge

Trip Start Aug 31, 2005

Trip End Aug 25, 2006

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Flag of Morocco Tinerhir, Morocco
Tuesday, September 27, 2005

What I didn't write in my last update was that I am travelling with a wee special Moroccan boy now. Hassan, Berber nomad and owner of 4 camels!

It was a bit of a relief to leave Merzouka. I wanted to spend more time with Hassan
but was ready to leave the Sahara - so convinced Hassan to travel with me. We all set off in a 4x4 for Rissani, from where we hopped in a grand taxi (6 people sharing - kind of like a bus) bound for Errachidia. Isham turned on the charm and offered us hospitality at his house while we waited for Kirsty's bus. We had the best food EVER and just enjoyed the afternoon chilling and listening to their music (Hassan and Isham are part of an 8 member Moroccan drum band).

We put Kirsty on a bus to Marrakesh, and then Hassan and I set out on our adventure. The first night Hassan took me to his friend's house where they drank a bit and danced all night (the Berber people are not the stricktest of Muslems - and are in fact very laid back and friendly). A pretty crazy night.

The next day Hassan and Moha (his best friend) took me to a Haman. I think they worried that I wouldn't know what to do by myself, so Hassan took me to his Aunt's place (in a military compound) to see if his cousin would go with me. It turned out that she was out but their neighbour, Rizlan decided to go with me. Hassan's family were absolutely lovely. I couldn't communicate a lot but I knew his Aunt was happy to see me. I spent a good hour teaching the children some English before we headed to the haman and I became a beautiful clean Berber woman (with headscarf and all!!)

That night Hassan and I took the bus to Tinehir where we stayed the night, and then headed to Todres Gorge where we have spent the last 2 nights. The gorge is a world heritage sight and absolutely amazing. A narrow gorge with steep rock faces of at least 150m high. Rock climbers everywhere.

We chilled the first day - listening to music, language lessons and a short walk.
Yesterday we set out on a longer walk up the gorge - 6km. Hassan is half working - trying to drum up some business with the tourists. I can't believe how many people he knows!!!

Later that night Hassan got into a bit of a fight with a crazy Marrakesh-ian who wanted to pay Hassan to sleep with me for all of 100DH (approx US$10....) The result - a bloody nose and nearly a trip to the police station (for him) and a split ear for Hassan.