On the second leg of our Moroccan tour, we set off to explore the Sahara, which was truly a once in a lifetime experience. Words do little to describe the rich beauty, culture, history, and natural wonder of this region. We made an incredible 2 day camel trek into the desert and camped out for a night in an oasis. After our return, the most memorable story of the trip happened.
It was New Year's Eve, and we spent the day driving 9 hours to the Hollywood of Morocco, Ouarzazate. We arrived at night, and could not find the hotel that we booked. Driving up and down dark desert roads for 2 hours we were worried about getting a flat on the rough roads or taking a wrong turn and ending up in Algeria. I took out my iphone, which I was trying not to use as the bits are extremely expensive in Morocco. I did some quick research to find the fanciest hotel in Ouarzazate, and a few miles more driving, we walked into the Berber Palace. It felt like we had stepped onto the set of an Indiana Jones movie, and we were perfectly in character, covered in dusty adventure clothes and all ravenously hungry. It was as if we stepped back in time, the hotel was a full on New Year's celebration like you would imagine in the film Casablanca. There was a band playing, lots of glamorous people, and the buffet of my dreams, foie gras, caviar, even a full bar which is unusual in this part of Morocco. We loaded up our plates and enjoyed what was the most surreal dinner of our lives. Alas, we were too hungry and tired to take pictures that night, so you will have to use your imagination.
Ksar Al Fida near Rissani
Around Merzouga
Around Hassilabied
Into the Sahara
The Berber Palace in Ouarzazate
Along the road
Aït Benhaddou
What a marvelous adventure! I love the light in your photos.
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