Morocco 2013

[tonka]

tea break in the desert...

 

[SUGGY]

We are the site at Tafraute , got here at 1 pm , parked out side but have saved spaces for us all , it is very hot and the views are amazing , will post photos later .

We stopped at the top of the mountain pass at the 4Star Hotel fantastic views ,

Then the road gets wild , windy and narrow , watch out for the trucks ........

 

[alfandM]

We're off to Croatia in March in Sun Ti and leaving the keys with the estate agent!
If the house doesn't sell over the summer we will rent it out next winter.
:thumb:

Best of luck with the sale,

 

[tonka]

More pics from today (if they work)...
. sorry my ipad is only doing 1 pic a time.. trying to learn how to do it...

 

[MrMotorhome]

Tafaroute

Tafarout Morocco- in the desert now. We are having a brilliant time and each day it gets better! Today Sue gave me a perfectly cooked (medium rare) steak baguette - impossible to find here. Thank you Sue :thumb:

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[MrMotorhome]

Warning: you might not like this photo.

Tafarout for sale in the local butcher - it's real

 

[Carol]

Sometimes the markets can be a bit gruesome, but it is what life is like there, one of the tastiest meals we had in Marrakesh there was a stall with all sheep's heads on sticks outside, but we had been told about it.
When you went in, they covered the wooden table in a roll of clean white paper, then out of a hole in the ground they produced a whole lamb which was covered in herbs and cooked underground in two hundred year old cooking holes until cooked to perfection, not for the squeamish, but very traditional and very tasty. Have a look when you get there its probably still there.

 

[Malcolm Bolt]

I hope you followed it by the banana split, that was delicious

Slumming it Morrocan style

S:Cool:

Will have to try again. Called in today but they said. 'No do not have' I'm not sure which bit they did not have but it could not have been bananas cos there were guys trying to sell em from a truck stacked full at the site gates. Mind yesterday there were oranges for sale from 2 pickup trucks and someone was told they could not have an orange juice because there were none left. oh:oh:

 

[Malcolm Bolt]

Pretty steady day today but things have been achieved and arrangements made.

Arranged for

1 - screen cover to be altered to have a 'velcro style letter box' so we can see out/get light in during the day.

2 - bonnet skirt to be made to hang down from the screen cover to stop wind blowing into the cab via the engine compartment.

3 - window covers to keep the sun/heat out when window open.

4 - set of three wheel covers for sunny side of van.

5 - set of curtain linings for the cab area to increase privacy as the originals are a bit see-through.

All the above to be done on Sunday or Monday

We had also thought about having some pictures put on the van. We have seen some amazing pictures covering whole vans but we only wanted a couple of small pieces. Spoke with Artist Rachid as he finished a job on another MHF van and within 10 minutes he was busy with ours. Hope others like the result as much as we do.

 

[Malcolm Bolt]

Work in progress 2

Rachid is a genius. His work is seen all over the site and surrounding beaches for these two pieces he charged 1200Drms cheap as chips and we think they are cute. The lad standing on the far left is Rachid's apprentice. I hope he makes a good living from his work. A previous apprentice is now producing some magnificent pieces in his own name.

Normally people choose from an extensive collection of pictures of his work but he didn't have a picture of a donkey. So what you see is a newly commissioned piece. I didn't know the Moroccan word for donkey or cart so a few he-haws and me miming pulling a cart was required.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Malcolm Bolt]

Some pics taken on our way here from Eessaouira.

Goats are often climbing these trees to eat the Argon nuts. Womens co-operatives process the nuts to produce Argon oil used in both culinary and beauty.

Rachid include the goats in the work he did on our van.

 

[JockandRita]

Work in progress 2

Rachid is a genius. His work is seen all over the site and surrounding beaches for these two pieces he charged 1200Drms cheap as chips and we think they are cute. The lad standing on the far left is Rachid's apprentice. I hope he makes a good living from his work. A previous apprentice is now producing some magnificent pieces in his own name.

Normally people choose from an extensive collection of pictures of his work but he didn't have a picture of a donkey. So what you see is a newly commissioned piece. I didn't know the Moroccan word for donkey or cart so a few he-haws and me miming pulling a cart was required.

Malcolm, I have often seen that type of artwork on folks MHs, but only in black, and admired it, but the colours on yours make it all stand out much more. A smashing piece of work. :thumb:

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[bryandh]

Work in progress 2

Rachid is a genius. His work is seen all over the site and surrounding beaches for these two pieces he charged 1200Drms cheap as chips and we think they are cute. The lad standing on the far left is Rachid's apprentice. I hope he makes a good living from his work. A previous apprentice is now producing some magnificent pieces in his own name.

Normally people choose from an extensive collection of pictures of his work but he didn't have a picture of a donkey. So what you see is a newly commissioned piece. I didn't know the Moroccan word for donkey or cart so a few he-haws and me miming pulling a cart was required.

Ditto about Rachid................. An extraordinary talent !

Atlantica Park is an amazing location for having stuff done to the vans, many services available just outside the entrance gates. A small supermarket, a selection of bits and pieces of accessories, Screen makers, Awnings, beautician shop (no good for me but suspect Malcolm and Gordon might give the full body wax a go !!). Inside a good restaurant, art gallery (Rachid), cafe which runs out of the basic but nice smiling people, upholsterers, fishmonger, TV repair shop and much more. An amazing place, amazing people.

Ordered external screen for our ancient non standard front and side windows on Friday - 1st fitting Saturday lunchtime, installed and fitted 5pm later that day. In the meantime the wonderfully talented Rachid appeared and painted the van, a charming man with a quiet but equally charming assistant.

Going to see upholsterer today to try arrange new curtains in van,,,,, so more later.

 

[Ambilkate]

Work in progress 2

Rachid is a genius. His work is seen all over the site and surrounding beaches for these two pieces he charged 1200Drms cheap as chips and we think they are cute. The lad standing on the far left is Rachid's apprentice. I hope he makes a good living from his work. A previous apprentice is now producing some magnificent pieces in his own name.

Normally people choose from an extensive collection of pictures of his work but he didn't have a picture of a donkey. So what you see is a newly commissioned piece. I didn't know the Moroccan word for donkey or cart so a few he-haws and me miming pulling a cart was required.

Really like those paintintgs Malcolm. :thumb:

 

[tonka]

Forward group to "tailenders".
Tiznet, lovely walled town. You can park outside the walls and go for a walk in BUT campsite is full and they dont allow parking on wasteland opposite.
We met up with Cydersyd at Atlantic park and again here at Tafraoute, they got moved on by police at Tiznet.. Spaces at Aglou plage on the coast.

We are now at Tafraoute, lovely scenic drive from Tiznet. Town here is very nice, lots of shops and we are encamped at the site nearest the town. La Palmeriers ?. 40dh a night electric extra. Worth the trip.!!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Malcolm Bolt]

Ditto about Rachid................. An extraordinary talent !

(no good for me but suspect Malcolm and Gordon might give the full body wax a go !!).

My contacts in the beauty business tell me that this would include 'sack and crack' No thank you Bryan - (I'll stick with my razor)

 

[Snowbird]

Forward group to "tailenders".
Tiznet, lovely walled town. You can park outside the walls and go for a walk in BUT campsite is full and they dont allow parking on wasteland opposite.
We met up with Cydersyd at Atlantic park and again here at Tafraoute, they got moved on by police at Tiznet.. Spaces at Aglou plage on the coast.

We are now at Tafraoute, lovely scenic drive from Tiznet. Town here is very nice, lots of shops and we are encamped at the site nearest the town. La Palmeriers ?. 40dh a night electric extra. Worth the trip.!!

Hi Tonka, What happened to the wild camping behind the campsite in Tafraoute. Have they built something on it?. It used to be one of my favourites and I always stayed for around a week there. If you walk up towards town past the college and across the road from the post office, there is a good restaurant on the corner. Behind the post office is a cafe where the Moroccans all sit outside in the afternoon and its the best fresh orange juice in Morocco. Love Tafraoute and it is a bit more wealthy than other towns as most of the locals work away, sending money home to start businesses.

 

[Snowbird]

A few photos of the wild camp in Tafraoute. Look at the colour of that sky :Cool:

 

[LindaH]

Morrocco 2013??

Where do we put our names down for the next trip, we want to go :thumb:

Keep the pics coming please loving the funny stories too, thanks to you all.

 

[tonka]

Hi Tonka, What happened to the wild camping behind the campsite in Tafraoute. Have they built something on it?. It used to be one of my favourites and I always stayed for around a week there. If you walk up towards town past the college and across the road from the post office, there is a good restaurant on the corner. Behind the post office is a cafe where the Moroccans all sit outside in the afternoon and its the best fresh orange juice in Morocco. Love Tafraoute and it is a bit more wealthy than other towns as most of the locals work away, sending money home to start businesses.

There are a LOT of wildcampers where you mention, BUT there are signs up showing something is in the process of being built..:Sad:
For 40dh we have been happy at the campsite, pitched outside all together.
We located a resturant that has a large Berber tent !! So we booked it and 10 of us went for a meal tonight with entertainment once again supplied by Suggy, his guitar and the funsters singers.....:thumb:
VERY enjoyable night and something to remember.. Pics WILL follow....

It is very touristy here, cant even get to haggle much on the prices..
Met a nice young couple who have a self build old Merc 508d and are travelling with their 4 young girls aged 5-10.. They met us after the meal and took part in the singalong..:thumb:
poor kids could be scarred for life...

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[tonka]

Still trying to sort multiple pic uploading... !!

GRR..!!!

 

[MrMotorhome]

Still trying to sort multiple pic uploading... !!

GRR..!!!

We are waiting.....

 

[tonka]

We are waiting.....

Bl***y thing.......... I give up...
You post some Alibaba.......


Sorry folks... I cant even get this pic to turn around..
Yes.. It's Andrew, MrMotorhome... It's bad enough the locals keep coming and selling you stuff but now even the funsters are doing it !
You can tell he is desperate and his beer is running out...

 

[Snowbird]

Still trying to sort multiple pic uploading... !!

GRR..!!!

If you check the photos I posted earlier THAT used to be the wild camping were you are now. The campsite must have taken it over officially or unofficially .

The place you went to eat is the one I meant. They were busy last year with roadworks all around the place, I suppose its finished now. Great photos, keep em coming :thumb:.

 

[Malcolm Bolt]

Not even three weeks

It is only two and a half weeks since we arrived in Morocco and with all the different things we have experienced it feels as if we have been here for a few months.

In our tail end group we are lucky that we aren't traveling with a particular end date in mind so we can have the odd day doing nothing in particular. Today the only thing we had decided to do was wash the cab curtains before having the new linings fitted tomorrow.

We opted to walk down to the main road and flag down a taxi for the next town to get cash from the hole in the wall. Not having had any breakfast and having seen the french eating lunch we thought we would give the tasty soup at the site cafe another go. No luck - no soup, so after a leisurely coffee. we walked to the main road and waited for a cab. We saw plenty going in each direction all occupied. A few of the drivers put hands skywards and described circles which we took to be an indication that they would drop off and come back for us but it didn't happen.

During the time we were there, several people assembled about 50 yards away and we took it that they were waiting for a bus. Our spirits rose but after an hour we decided to leave the bank and headed for one of the cafe/restaurants that local people frequent. We ate very well, lamb tagine with bread and and large bottle of water for less than £4 each and walked back to the site. In the mean time we did not see any taxis stop and the number of people waiting for the bus had increased substantially. ( The only two buses that had passed through were both full. )

Were we bothered - at first we were a bit frustrated but as the afternoon had gone on we simply accepted the situation and laughed it off. What about the bank? Well we might go tomorrow and oh yes the curtains are clean and dry.

Night night. :Cool::coolthumb:

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Snowbird]

Am a little worried about you Malcolm....Your beginning to think like a Moroccan

 

[tonka]

Cup of tea... Do all the van things, water, toilet etc..
Walk to town and visit the bank to obtain more Dirhams..
Then off on the road again..

Destination, Taliouine, a village in the Anti Atlas mountain range where they produce Saffron.... Maybe just 1 overnight stay there as we wind our way up to Marrakeh..:thumb:

Anyone in the group have an update from Mike and Gwen, Makems ???
If not I will txt them later to see if any news on their van repair...

 

[makems]

No change here. Only 5 days since parts ordered and up to 15 days more before they arrive. There are worse places to be broken down. We have a wonderful sea view, somewhere to empty the cassette, water available daily from a tanker. And fresh bread delivered daily to the van.
We are off to Agadir today on the bus with the Kiwis and half of the Arnicas (Carol). Will visit Carrefour and share a taxi back.
We are missing the company of the rest of the gang and starting to get a little stir crazy.
The only excitement we've had was when the Englsh couple returned to empty their grey water down the hole 15 feet from our van. Carol remonstrated with them to which the "Lady" replied "eff off, I'm sick of you lot telling us what to do".
They haven't been back since unless they sneaked round in the dead of night.
Have fun on your travels you lot.........
Mike and Gwen

 

[Snowbird]

No change here. Only 5 days since parts ordered and up to 15 days more before they arrive. There are worse places to be broken down. We have a wonderful sea view, somewhere to empty the cassette, water available daily from a tanker. And fresh bread delivered daily to the van.
We are off to Agadir today on the bus with the Kiwis and half of the Arnicas (Carol). Will visit Carrefour and share a taxi back.
We are missing the company of the rest of the gang and starting to get a little stir crazy.
The only excitement we've had was when the Englsh couple returned to empty their grey water down the hole 15 feet from our van. Carol remonstrated with them to which the "Lady" replied "eff off, I'm sick of you lot telling us what to do".
They haven't been back since unless they sneaked round in the dead of night.
Have fun on your travels you lot.........
Mike and Gwen

What parts are you waiting for ?

 

[alfandM]

No change here. Only 5 days since parts ordered and up to 15 days more before they arrive. There are worse places to be broken down. We have a wonderful sea view, somewhere to empty the cassette, water available daily from a tanker. And fresh bread delivered daily to the van.
We are off to Agadir today on the bus with the Kiwis and half of the Arnicas (Carol). Will visit Carrefour and share a taxi back.
We are missing the company of the rest of the gang and starting to get a little stir crazy.
The only excitement we've had was when the Englsh couple returned to empty their grey water down the hole 15 feet from our van. Carol remonstrated with them to which the "Lady" replied "eff off, I'm sick of you lot telling us what to do".
They haven't been back since unless they sneaked round in the dead of night.
Have fun on your travels you lot.........
Mike and Gwen

They certainly Knows the queens English well, ignore and put down to the experience Keep your chin up, it could be worse as you probably know, sitting on the side of a motorway or worse , Good luck:thumb:

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}