I hope your life is full of ‘ I can’t believe I did this’ instead of ‘I should’ve done it!’
I saw the above words on a post on my friend Honor’s Insta page. Both her and Maria have been inspirational in encouraging me to do just that.
They cohosted a trip to Morocco earlier this month, which I had coveted for over a year to do.
I paid my deposit earlier this year, and with other travels and family excitement, I knew it was approaching, and really hadn’t thought too much about it.
There was a flurry of activity regarding hot air balloons, camels, camping and gardens, and before I caught my breath I was very kindly dropped at the airport by my cousin, after an overnight stay at her home, treated to a tagine for dinner.
Arriving at Marrakesh airport where I was met by my driver, Sharif, the heat, the noise alerted my senses to the exotic culture of this city.
The Riad Mur Akush, owned by Maria, provided a safe haven, and I met the women we would be sharing this experience with. I knew half of them, a pleasure to reacquaint with them, and to establish new bonds with the others.
Lunch and dinner delivered opportunities to chat, share and familiarise ourselves with our roommates. I shared with Jet, who I had met over zoom, a beautiful soul, passionate about photography and the perfect companion.
An early start on the 7th and a drive to where we would embark on our flight. It was dark, with a chill in the air, but the coffee and tea provided some warmth.
We watched the balloons inflating, with some beginning to rise. We were called to ours and we were assisted to get in.
Before we knew it the balloon was untethered and we softly drifted up. There were so many in the sky, a rainbow of coloured teardrops drifting effortlessly. The sunrise was stunning, the exceptional quiet (except when the propane burners were firing), the lack of a feeling of movement, and the bird’s-eye view, were beyond comparison to anything I had experienced. It was emotional for us all in the basket. Feelings of pure weightlessness, wellbeing, at peace rippled over me. As someone who suffers with heights/vertigo this was definitely life changing. I can’t believe I did this moment!
Breakfast with our group was much appreciated and as the day warmed up we all chatted excitedly about our trip.
Back at the Riad some of us were keen to visit the medina. The smell of rose, spices and petrol ( from the motorbikes that whizz past you constantly) overloaded the senses. Some people stopped, bartered, bought, others were there to peruse.
Some of us had booked to visit the Jardin Majorelle ( Yves Saint Laurent’s home and gardens). A good 30 minute walk, again exposed us to a vibrant culture, mesmerising at every turn.
The gardens are stunningly beautiful, the colour accents enhancing the hues from the sky. Photos don’t do it justice
The evening was spent dining out, and a belly dancing show. The women dancing with candelabra were a sight to behold, as they navigated the low lights, tassels and each other. The cash placed in the bras of the less clad ladies, was a juxtaposition with some of the cultural and social mores.
Another early rise as we embarked on our desert trip. We travelled by mini bus to our overnight stay at a beautiful hotel Xaluca Dades. We had comfort stops for toilet, coffee and WiFi.
The hotel had a stunning pool, but we arrived too late, so it was a freshen up and dinner.
Breakfast and we were off, ready to meet the camels, we stopped at Dades Gorge and enjoyed Moroccan pizza along the way. The chat was plentiful, swapping life stories, hopes, dreams, listening, offering support, counsel, laughter and pride.
And so after a slight detour we arrived to be greeted by the camels. We were all duly hoisted onto them, and the trek began. 90 to 120 minutes over dunes passing wadis, passing little campsites ( one even had a helipad)
After about 45 minutes I had to get off, as my saddle had a life of its own, after 15 minutes walking I ‘screwed my courage to the sticking place’ and got back on. I think another hour of laughter, frenetic noises as the camels went down the dunes, with calls of ‘lean back’, we arrived at camp. And wow!
En-suite facilities, carpets, a dining tent, fire pit. This was beyond all our expectations.
We got ready for dinner, waited on with delicious food, wine and ended the evening with a drum serenade by the fire pit. Exhausted we fell into bed, enjoying the comfy beds, and our luxury facilities.
We woke early with the chance to see the sunrise and we weren’t disappointed. Some climbed a sand dune, others sat atop a smaller one to capture and enjoy the moment.
Breakfast was welcome, and we packed hurriedly to alight the awaiting jeeps to traverse the sand dunes. Our driver was playing Bob Marley and the more we screamed/laughed the nearer to the edge of the dunes he went.
The majority of the last full day for many of us was spent travelling back to the Riad. A few were struggling with a virus, but we did our best to keep spirits high and we enjoyed a late lunch before arriving back at 830 pm.
Jet and I were too tired to go out to dinner, so we packed and retired early.
Monday 11th November started with a lazy breakfast, some goodbyes, and a trip to the Hammam. What a treat, the scrub, the exfoliation, massage to ease tired muscles from the camel trek and the journey home. Another trip to the souks, then to get ready to face the queues at the airport.
Jet by this time was quite unwell, but we managed to navigate the queues and enjoyed a drink before getting on the plane. A medical emergency made for a delay to disembark, and paramedics boarded to ensure those affected were treated.
I have so many photos, and so many memories of this trip. The warmth was not only from the sun but radiated throughout from the women in this group. Bonds strengthened, interests shared and a keenness to explore more places, meet new people and spread the word of this fantastic group of women.
I am very fortunate to be able to do these things, and hopefully give confidence to others to do more, live more and enjoy every moment ( may not ride a camel again though😱)
Morocco has truly been an amazing place to visit. I do want to visit again, with Kevin. The people, the history, the culture, noise, colours and cacophony that assaults the senses everywhere you look. Oh and there are loads and loads of kittens and cats
My little life 