On a Snow Desert Highway

The snowy drive out of Ifrane… dubbed ‘The Switzerland of Morocco’ …more like Swiss Chhese… beautiful place but full of holes.

Incredible fossils around Erfoud

Rustic dining and old school charm

It’s been an interesting few days… and we’re seeing in the new year down in the Sahara Desert. From our drive out of Ifrane, the road went through the mountains into an open desert. We started with snow and ended with a beautiful sunset. We’re staying in Erfoud, getting ready for an overnight camp and camel trek in Merzouga tomorrow. Just being here is iconic… we’ve done a little sightseeing but you have to keep your wits about you, and we’ve had a couple of annoying encounters. But it’s all part of travel and what makes you more aware and appreciate. It’s always important to remember the human element. 

From turning up to our accommodation in Ifrane (which no one was there), to cancelling and rebooking late (due to the incoming snow), to arrive at the new place, only to find out we’re not booked there either (even tho we’d already paid)… actually we got there faster than his wifi speed, then magically appeared on his phone. We’d caught him off guard it seems and through very broken English and stopping him from putting our passports in his pocket (he wanted to show us the room first), he checked us in, helped with our bags, bought us an extra blanket and we slept the night away. Breakfast was lovely the next morning tho, and we were pleased to be on the road… a long 6 hour drive ahead to Erfoud, through the Ziz Gorge, an epic sight in itself.

Happy Near Year x

Meknes… in the middle of

Where are we… Meknes… with a side trip to the ancient Roman town of Volubilis. Q, Are those old ancients ruining the land, or are they old ancient ruins in the land… asking for a friend hehe.

Crazy Architecture… how is this still balancing 

Walking around here was a peaceful experience 

A pretty awesome sight.

Sitting beside is the town of Moulay Idriss… built on the side of the cliff basically. Would’ve walked around more,,, but meknees… hahaha

A Fes… tival vibe

We’re in the Ancient city of Fes, and it sure is old…

 Chaoara Tannery

We’re staying on the outskirts of town which in itself is an adventure. Dinner last night came from a place (butchers shop pretty much), complete with hanging meat carcus at the door… where they cook up your purchase over coals with a salad and fries. I have to say, I was a bit dubious at first, but it turned out to be delicious. Like a backyard barbecue.

Next morning we hit the old Medina for a good poke around the shops and markets. Being a Friday, we lucked out on it all being open, but we made our way to the Tannery which was unique. Smelt a bit fresh lol we opted for a quick tour, minus the mint and paid a bare minimum for our own look over the terrace. Who wants to hear about all the process when you’re nearly heaving… but it wasn’t really that bad I have to say, and I bought a leather bag afterwards.

Chefchaouen blues

We’ve relaxing in the magical city of Chefchaouen and it’s pretty incredible. Nestled up beside a Rocky Mountain, this compact cluster of blue buildings oozes charm and character from every pore… or paw… as it’s also full of cats.

We’re here for Christmas and it’s a totally different vibe. We were gonna do a cooking class here… but I don’t feel like being a Chef in chaouen hehe. Happy holidays x

An artists paradise

And a photographers dream

Plenty more to see around every corner 

Tangier through Tetouan

Today was fascinating. We drove from Asilah to Tangier for a look around, seeing Europe across the straight. It’s a busy and bustling port, with a real focus on tourism. The Medina is steep and winds up the hill through a maze of narrow streets up to the lookout. Well worth a visit.

Next up, we drive to Tetouan for another stop off to explore the old town. It’s old, it’s full of second hand goods and it’s interesting. Not many tourists here as we make our way up the side of the steep hill between buildings and laneways. It’s very rustic and calm here, once you get out of the traffic and one of the most fascinating places we’ve been to so far.  A couple of hours here are spent before driving to Chefchaouen for a few days. We hit town, look for a car park immediately and find someone happy to direct us to one… it’s as big as a fart, but good thing we’ve got a small car. We’re yet to explore but it’s pretty in blue.

Looking out over Tangier 

Laneways of Tetouan

Beautiful blues of Chefchaouen