Growth

Recently, we spent a week in Morocco. The Moroccan landscape is a cacophony of differences that somehow work in harmony with each other. Marrakech is flat and red, but drive an hour and a half to the coast and the landscape turns to rolling hills of grass seas and juniper trees. The forests run into the sand dunes that hug the beach and sea. In another direction, the flat landscape that marks Marrakech dead-ends into the breathtaking Atlas Mountains. Snow envelops the peaks and, similar to the Colorado high country, robin blue sky forms the backdrop to these rocky peaks, and Berber villages exist on the steep hills of the mountains.

The people of Morocco were extremely nice and welcoming. Sure, we were bombarded daily to buy something...but we were in tourist areas, we expected it. Even when they only spoke French, and I didn't, I felt that they were out to help. We also met other European travelers along our way, and having them on part of our journey enhanced our experiences and enriched our memories.

We met several families from the UK, and a family from the US living in Amsterdam. Such a small world. We shared meals, camel rides, a 1960 VW bus ride with families we hardly knew, but had much in common simply by the fact we were all in Morocco at the same time doing the same thing. For half a day, we took a private tour of Marrakech. Our guide was extrememly knowledgeable about art/architecture, agriculture and custom and tradition. There were times when I felt he felt he needed to validate and explain his culture - he is muslim. And I felt bad. I wanted to say to him 'I am here to learn about your culture, not challenge it, you don't need to justify your ways.'

I learned many things while in Morocco. It is quite amazing, that no matter how long a person is in your life, there will be a lasting impact on your own as a result of you knowing them. I learned that the world is not going to crumble and fall apart if you get lost in the labriynth of the medina of Essaouira and Marrakesch. You will find your place again. I learned that our children are much more open now to new things and ideas. Most importantly, I have finally memorized my European mobile number...it's only been about 7 months.  

On our last day of our trip in Portugal this past December, Henry said to us "What is our next adventure?"

Exactly...

Cheers,

Noel

Essaouira

Our ride to the camel trek 

Henry's Camel

Our campground 

On the road to Imlil - in the Atlas Mts. 

Our lunch

Marrakech

Riad Samsara - where we stayed in Marrakech -
Breakfast served to us everyday, dinner 2 nights. We were treated like kings and queen!

Where we ate. We had the Riad to ourselves for 2 nights, and shared with another family for 2 nights. Great fun sharing this table over dinner and breakfast.

Princess - the house cat.

The front door to our Riad