2014 - MOROCCO .. All posts here now please..

[makems]

After a hard day lounging by the pool, a couple of beers in the shade chatting to an Aussie couple touring the World we retired to the van for dinner.
We are where the hotel parks it's 4x4 and close to the employee entrance. A few of them were chatting to each other close to our van and I could see their noses twitching as they caught a whiff of a chicken korma being knocked together by yours truly.
Absolutely scrumptious. Used a handful of local sultanas, a couple of little bananas, some small sweet potatoes, a sweet red pepper....... My mouth is watering again just remembering it.
Some left for tomorrow - looking forward to it.

 

[bungy]

After a hard day lounging by the pool, a couple of beers in the shade chatting to an Aussie couple touring the World we retired to the van for dinner.
We are where the hotel parks it's 4x4 and close to the employee entrance. A few of them were chatting to each other close to our van and I could see their noses twitching as they caught a whiff of a chicken korma being knocked together by yours truly.
Absolutely scrumptious. Used a handful of local sultanas, a couple of little bananas, some small sweet potatoes, a sweet red pepper....... My mouth is watering again just remembering it.
Some left for tomorrow - looking forward to it.

mine too....recipe please

 

[chrisboyo]

We are currantly at TAfraoute and off to have a look at the gorges d'Alt man sour we may then cut up to Ait-Baha
Eneyone else close to us ?
Happy Daze:Cool:

 

[Boredrider]

We are currently in Merzoga at Sud Soleil. A bit like Tomboctou but smaller apparently.
And at the foot of a big sand dune in the middle of nowhere.
.

Hi Makems, we spoke briefly to you and Kiwi at the Todra Gorge site. We went directly from there to Hotel Tomboctou, which I fondly remember from 10 years ago. They say you should never go back........ It has quadrupled in size and is now a very impersonal place. I think Tonka's assessment was correct.

Anyway we are now in Les Portes du Desert, just past Merzouga village, on the N13 to Taouz.
(N 31 04.732' W 04 00.630)
Much better than Tomoboctou, good restaurant that we sampled last night, swimming pool, clean facilities, and only a few French Vans. 50 Dhms per night inc EHU (I think).

Mike

 

[SUGGY]

Parked up overlooking the barrage about 15 miles from ouzazate , with andeb , pete n elaine

N30*57,671 W6*45,421 .

We, just spotted the camper vans in the distance on the left and followed a tarmac road towards the water tower ,

Very hot here and peacefull ,

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[hilldweller]

Well, we'll never forget Tiznit to Tafroute via the single track road. Including lunch at That hotel.

Awsome views though many are same as middle Spain.

Tafraoute overflowing, we are at end of town wild camping, no room at the inn.

The centre of gravity of the Earth must have shifted to Morocco with the weight of MHs down here.

What is interesting is thousands of wealthy people are happy living a Itinerant existence like this packed together on rough ground. All for a bit of sun.

 

[Peter & Elaine]

After a hard day lounging by the pool, a couple of beers in the shade chatting to an Aussie couple touring the World we retired to the van for dinner.
We are where the hotel parks it's 4x4 and close to the employee entrance. A few of them were chatting to each other close to our van and I could see their noses twitching as they caught a whiff of a chicken korma being knocked together by yours truly.
Absolutely scrumptious. Used a handful of local sultanas, a couple of little bananas, some small sweet potatoes, a sweet red pepper....... My mouth is watering again just remembering it.
Some left for tomorrow - looking forward to it.

Is that the aussie couple who are traveling in a old 2 cv on dutch plates
We have followed them around in south its unbelievable what they can ram in that car
They are going by ferry into Italy than over into india and hoping to get it though south asia into aus over next 2 years
Some kiddys it makes you wonder
Road trip anyone?

Ps mike any black pud left?

 

[Peter & Elaine]

Well, we'll never forget Tiznit to Tafroute via the single track road. Including lunch at That hotel.

Awsome views though many are same as middle Spain.

Tafraoute overflowing, we are at end of town wild camping, no room at the inn.

The centre of gravity of the Earth must have shifted to Morocco with the weight of MHs down here.

What is interesting is thousands of wealthy people are happy living a Itinerant existence like this packed together on rough ground. All for a bit of sun.

Who you calling Itinerant plus I am skint now

 

[canopus]

We were zooming along the N10 afer having stopped for lunch at Skoura when the two way radio burst into life with the immortal words 'is that you Ken'. Recognisable instantly as Suggys dulcet tones, Lynda retorted 'is that you Graham'. Yes it was and they'd been keeping their eyes peeled some 1.5 miles away for our van passing. It worked, we were guided down a tarmac road to the edge of the barrage and here we are now pitched up for free. :thumb:

Views are stunning, weather was hot and Jess was swimming. However, we could see the clouds looming over the snow covered Atlas in the distance and around teatime the wind got up and it is blow blow blow at the mo.

 

[Carol]

We are currantly at TAfraoute and off to have a look at the gorges d'Alt man sour we may then cut up to Ait-Baha
Eneyone else close to us ?
Happy Daze:Cool:

Are you and Brian going for a record in getting around Morocco

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[canopus]

Are you and Brian going for a record in getting around Morocco

They will have to get clogging its a bit then Carol. To date we have covered 1516 miles and our visa doesn't run out till April and we're only half way round

 

[SUGGY]

You have raised a good post Carol :thumb:

How many Moroccan miles so far ?

So far Rosie and i, have clocked 1793 miles since filling up at the Gas station on the Toll road to Asilah ,

 

[Carol]

Left Essaouira today taking in life Essaouira style, we were parked on the guardian area a stones throw from the port, medina, and sea front, we had a scruffy looking gaurdian who we found spoke excellent English and always used manners a lot would be proud off, why the French are so rude to the Morrocan people when a lot have so little but are so helpful .

Day one we got up handy in the morning as we could see a lot of activity in the port, the sites there had me enthralled watching a big fishing boat that had come in with a large catch unload in a chain of very tough looking sea men unload, throwing the boxes from the dock to the quayside, now it got interesting as they came on to the quayside some of the fish would slip from the boxes, where on the floor fair game the housewives in their full dress only eyes showing but with baseball caps on top of there Haik and young lads all with plastic bags grabbing at the fallen fish, but a unwritten law only the fallen fish could be touched, now we were the only tourist there it been early but they let , me right in amongst them, even miming and communicating what was going on, and wanting to see the pictures I had taken.

Then a. It of a commotion on deck a cheeky young teenager pushing his luck had got on board, must be a definite no no next thing a crewman like something out of Pirates of the Carabean gets a huge fish gutting knife and starts waving it, never seen a lad move so quick. Then the fish sellers started selling the catches fish of every shape and size, and the best fed cats I have seen in Morroco. After that we had a wonder along the sea front watching the young lads playing football on the beach, untill the huge waves started rolling in.

Day two exploring the many alleyways of the Madina each time finding something new, with Morocco if you look past the tumbling buildings wires and cables and unmade roads, at the bright colours, the traders proud of their wares, I was talking to one gentleman who made the most beautiful waistcoats and bags on a primitive sewing machine and his shop was about 3ft x 3ft his goods on the wall but he was so proud of his new shop, he thanked me for looking it makes you feel quite humble what we take for granted. The fruit and veg are brilliant you get a bowl mix and match all for a few dirums. Yes you get asked come see my bracelets etc and the price is never what it starts at but then that is Morroco and why go there if you think they should do things different.

We had a few interesting encounters while parked on our car park for three days, the young lady smartly dressed in jeans and top who knocked the door and asked if we would like to buy a live pigeon for 10 dirum , the men hoping to sell me Argan oil, but I politely showed them my bottle and they smile and move on. We did buy a kilo of Honey for 40 durum then the next day bought another Kilo because it was so good.

Now we are starting another adventure slowly making our way to Casablanca, parked up at Safi, good site excellent electric and English loos so sitting happily with a whiskey letting the world go buy.

 

[SueBaz]

You have raised a good post Carol :thumb:

How many Moroccan miles so far ?

So far Rosie and i, have clocked 1793 miles since filling up at the Gas station on the Toll road to Asilah ,

How scary is this......... :Blush:

Since we left Algerciras on 11th December we've travelled the coast from Tanger as far as Laayoune, back to Tagazhoute via Tafroute, across to Taroudant and then (roughly) the oasis traildown to M'Hamid up to Todra, Ouarzazate and thence to Marrakesh via Talouet and the Tiz n'Tichka - 3074 miles so far with a surprising amount at high altitude... : add another 3000 getting from Calais to Algerciras (we went the scenic route........) and we've still got to get home.........

Good job our insurance renewal happened in the middle of the trip (we were only a few hundred miles the right side of the limit by the time the clock started counting miles again........ :Blush: )

We need to leave by the 10th March, and will probably be cutting that a bit fine, but if there is interest we can post a summary with mileages, fuel costs etc if that would be of use to others.


Meanwhile Have Fun (coz it is isn't it!)


Barry and Sue. :thumb:

 

[canopus]

How scary is this......... :Blush:

Since we left Algerciras on 11th December we've travelled the coast from Tanger as far as Laayoune, back to Tagazhoute via Tafroute, across to Taroudant and then (roughly) the oasis traildown to M'Hamid up to Todra, Ouarzazate and thence to Marrakesh via Talouet and the Tiz n'Tichka - 3074 miles so far with a surprising amount at high altitude... : add another 3000 getting from Calais to Algerciras (we went the scenic route........) and we've still got to get home.........

Good job our insurance renewal happened in the middle of the trip (we were only a few hundred miles the right side of the limit by the time the clock started counting miles again........ :Blush: )

We need to leave by the 10th March, and will probably be cutting that a bit fine, but if there is interest we can post a summary with mileages, fuel costs etc if that would be of use to others.


Meanwhile Have Fun (coz it is isn't it!)


Barry and Sue. :thumb:

You definitely win first prize Barry & Sue and it gives me great pleasure to inform you that you have won















A years supply of Tagines of your choice

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[bryandh]

Where are Malcolm Bolt and the lovely Cathryn ???

C'mon Malcolm, some words and pics for us less fortunate!!!

Regards, Bryan and Anna (from Spain)

 

[Viennese]

Where is MrMotorhome - I have been waiting for his latest desert video production (with music)???

Catherine

 

[bryandh]

Like Elvis....... Mr Motorhome has left the building. Now back in Spain with the front runners preparing for Bella Vista in March.

Regards, Bryan

 

[makems]

Is that the aussie couple who are traveling in a old 2 cv on dutch plates
We have followed them around in south its unbelievable what they can ram in that car
They are going by ferry into Italy than over into india and hoping to get it though south asia into aus over next 2 years
Some kiddys it makes you wonder
Road trip anyone?

Ps mike any black pud left?

No it wasn't the same couple but amazingly enough we DID see that couple in the 2CV driving around in Merzouga yesterday!

Ps yes we still have black pudding in the freezer. In fact I just got a pack of it out along with a pack of bacon for breakfast tomorrow..... Yum

 

[hilldweller]

Just been into Tafraoute, lots of work going on for this weekend's almond festival. Hot. Last night I saw 3deg outside temp, but we are at 3337 feet. Solar has gone into overdrive.

Any Funsters in Tafroute ?

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[SUGGY]

You missed us by a day!
Left there yesterday to go to hotel Tomboctou. However the coords in Suggys post lead us exactly to another hotel Soleil Sud which according to locals is 10 km away from Tomboctou!
We drove down a shocking stretch of piste then both Kiwi and my satnav lost the plot. Flagged down a local on a motorbike who led us to a place which had some facilities but no restaurant or pool. Suspect it belonged to a relative. The next place was Soleil Sud which has all the above features and is literally at the foot of the dunes.
We are parked behind the swimming pool with a good steady EHU and use of all facilities.
Enjoyed an excellent meal on the restaurant and were entertained by some locals drumming and clapping. I think they were the 4x4 drivers and camel jockeys having a night off and letting their hair down. A Spanish girl performed a really, really excellent belly dance (she had the right sort of figure it if you know what I mean).
Today we are doing nothing and taking all day to do it. Lying by the pool we are the only ones here as all the hotel occupants have either left or are out on desert trips.
Bliss!

Hi mike
check out these co,ordinates N31,12817 W04,01262 , or Google their web site
Kasbah Tombuctu Auberge ,

Graham

 

[makems]

Thanks Graham.
Found it yesterday by turning left out of Auberge Sud and following the piste road to Merzouga. We did stay one night but prefer it at Auberge Sud so we returned today to be welcomed like long lost friends.
Lots of Spanish tourists here today and they are putting on a buffet.
We will stay here and do absolutely bugger all again for a couple of days while Colin and Christina do a desert tour.
Coords for Auberge Sud
N31deg 12.629'
W04deg 01.427'
If coming from the North your satnav will probably take you down a particularly rough stretch of road that will shake the fillings out of your teeth. If you don't mind driving about 10km further the more comfortable way is to drive to Merzouga and turn left just as you approach the village at N31deg 08.379' W04deg 01.930'.
Follow this gravel Piste road until you come to a turning on your right at N31deg 12.494. W04deg 02.159' it's about half a mile along a dirt track.

 

[Carol]

Just been into Tafraoute, lots of work going on for this weekend's almond festival. Hot. Last night I saw 3deg outside temp, but we are at 3337 feet. Solar has gone into overdrive.

Any Funsters in Tafroute ?

Brian are you staying for the Festival we would loved to have been there, apparently the band singers etc is amazing , if you are there pictures please. I think Carol & Arnold (Arnica) could still be there, down the bottom end of the area Carol is often seen riding her bike around, she has lots of local knowledge.

 

[Carol]

Another adventure, last night we camped at Safi, a good clean site with new working electric and English loos, a good stop over. We left this morning for El Jadida, off we go, when I spot a large African Market, I suggest we pull in, Eddie eyes looking in disbelief as we weave our way between donkeys and carts , horses and hand carts and I mean 100 or more, we eventually park up on the large waste land amongst the horses and donkeys.

We then make our way into the large raucous market, we were definately the only Europeans there, but by feeling old hands at this market lark, but this was on a different scale, we thought well we have parked let's shop, we bought a large bag of oranges, potatoes , tomatoes carrots, broad beans , turnips , tangerines, and more enough for a week and the lot did not come to £2, we had some laughs with the old Morrocan men who found it quite amusing to have a English women shopping and the hand geaustures but I would not have missed it for anything.

Then I spotted the shoes, and some I had got previously Carol (Arnica) kindly discribed them as kitch but I had to get another pair for the grand sum of 20 dirums £1.50p, then as we were coming back we spotted the Morrocan carpets and decided a new one was in order, after much gesturing we found one the colour and size we wanted for £11. Bargain.

The delemer then being Ed said we did not need to carry the extra weight, but me been a thrifty soul thought we could sell it back home, anyway Ed won, and as we were making a cup of coffee amongst the horses donkeys and carts, Ed put the old one by the wall, within a minute a really poor looking young lady with a beautiful little girl spotted it and looked, but we have learned the Morrocan people will not take things without been given.

So I went out and offered her the carpet, well if Could not believe it she hugged me kissed my cheek and had tears in her eyes, if ever I was pleased to give something away it was that well travelled carpet bought in the UK and going back to its Morrocan home, and I have another memory to keep.

 

[chrisboyo]

Magic moments Carol:thumb:

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[hilldweller]

Brian are you staying for the Festival we would loved to have been there, apparently the band singers etc is amazing , if you are there pictures please.

You bet.

 

[OldAgeTravellers]

Hi All,
A few have mentioned the Cascades d'Ouzoud, as the water is so low everywhere are they worth visiting, are they now commercialised with hassle. We only have a very old Rough Guide with us for description. So any comments please as we will be passing or stopping in a couple of days.
Just had a great couple of days with our Moroccan friend Ismail who lives just South of Tagazoute. Had a walk round the enormous market in Inezgane quite funny when negotiating with a trader and Ismail says a couple of words in Arabic and the price tumbles! The second old market is very good for everything electronic, we bought a large 1.1mtr dish there for a very good price with ground stand as we live in France and the TV now needs a larger dish. Now strapped to the bike rack, and we can now say "mine's bigger than yours" to the French :Tongue1:
As for the mileage competition, eight years ago we went all the way down to the Tropic of Cancer, past Daklar and clocked up over 6,000 miles in total. But the fuel does halve again in Western Sahara
Good travelling to all.
Steve & Judy

 

[2kiwis]

hi everyone ,we have just joined up so hope we are not asking questions already answered ,
we are leaving New Zealand on 14 th may for a 6 month tour around southern Europe in a camper van and plan to finish up in Morocco around the beginning of October ,we should be well seasoned travelers by then ,but would like to know is it advisable to go there on our own ? would love to meet up with any one else going there around the same time,we are open to any suggestions

 

[canopus]

Had problems renewing my internet so off the air for a day. After wilding around the lake outside Ouarzazate we headed into the city.

After driving round looking for a Marjane which hasn't been built yet, we dropped into a supermarket which sold alcohol although we don't need any just yet. Still have a full case of wifebeater and a case of Kopperberg. Plus still have some of the the emergency distilled water (bacardi) in a plastic container left

We stocked with groceries and Lynda treated herself to some rubber gloves . We wandered around a little market opposite the supermarket. Bought what we at first thought was Kefta spiced minced beef, but it turned out to be minced Dinde - roadrunner Turkey for those who don't know.

From Ouarzazate we made the short journey up to Ait Ben Haddou nestling at the foot of the Atlas. We are now at Camping du Kasbah. Guess who was here already after being 200 miles behind us - Dazzlin - Daz and Lynn. They braved the pool yesterday afternoon but looked perished when they got out after swimming one only width. Braver man than me Gungha Din.

Back at chez nous after a busy laundry day, Lynda fashioned the Dinde into burger shapes and I cooked them for tea. Tasty enough but not quite the same as beef of lamb kefta

Well today we are off to walk around the original hill top settlement of Ait Ben Haddou. Bye for now :thumb:

 

[stevebill]

Still in Tafroute..

Hi everyone,
We are still in Tafroute, and why not! Plenty of walks, and a generally brilliant place we'd happily spend 3 months in. Carol and Arnie are here. The almond festival is this coming weekend, then we'll move on in the general direction of Taliouine then Ait Benhaddou , Ouarzazate down to Zagora then back and across to Boumaine-Dades.
If anyone has recommendations for places, sights, food, bargains and wild camping along this route, please let us know.
Had to change a wheel this morning- these road surfaces cut tyres something terrible. I have a new spare, so I hope we'll be ok until I can buy another tyre in Spain.
cheers
Steve & Sue

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