Spread out on the camping table it looked easy. Yes the motorway now extends most of the way, but the 400 miles from Marrakech to Ceuta involved a final twist, crossing of the Riff….again!

The ambitious plan was to do the final run back to Ceuta in one go, overnight near the border and cross next morning. Ray had moved on some hours before the “funsters” left the Marrakech camp. Bidding farewell to A’hammed they followed at around 6am in the morning. The idea being that they [in faster...

Magical, magnificent, a festival of Berber folklore, plus much more. That is how the Fantasia at Chez Ali is described in the brochure. In reality it can be an over whelming clash of music and costume, sound and colour, pageant and parade. A show for the tourists who consider themselves worthy of better and above it all, or just a great evening of fun. What can’t be denied are the magnificent settings, sheer organisation and spectacle?

Originated from the Rif, the Fantasia is an ancient...

It was probably with mixed feelings that the traders of the Great Souk watched the “Funsters” exit through one of the Babs [gates] and step back into the “Middle World” that is Marrakech. Yes, like the exotic Camel Trains of the past they were over-loaded and like the ancient traders they had left their victims with a bitter sweet taste and numbness……..Never under-estimate a “Funster” on a shopping mission. Linda had acquired the role of chief negotiator for the purchases a position she relished...

Pammy, Bless her is an expert at delivering the one line classic ..........

Centries of sandaled footsteps, mules, donkeys hooves, creaking wheels, trolleys and carts had worn the cobbles uneven. Missing slabs together with later additions of drain covers and repairs had made the surface treacherous. Cardboard cartons, crates, plastic chairs and the odd pile of rags [or was that a begger sleeping] lined the edges. A trickle of water, origins unknown, wound its way down the centre....

You do not talk about Marrakech. You live it. From the very first moment you see the immense oasis of palm trees, crowned by the grandiose wall of the Atlas mountains in the background, your passions should be aroused by Marrakech. The red city, its profile indented against the pure blue of the sky. The dominating Koutoubia Mosque and its minaret marks a frontier between theold and the new Marrakech. Far from ignoring each other, they are complementary universes, and communicate in an atmosphere...