The Sahara Desert is the world’s largest hot desert, stretching across North Africa. Morocco sits on its north-western edge.
After a few days playing in the sand we started our climb into the hills and valleys of the Atlas Mountains—the spine of Morocco. If you think it was impossible to build towns into granite peaks—think again.
It is fascinating and amazing how the people of this country have adapted to the forces of nature. The treat of floods and invasions dictated living on hillsides.
We stayed one night where our travel bags had to be brought in on a mule. It is an amazing way of life for the Moroccans and there animals. (and our short visit)
Driving provides a great way to experience the diverse landscapes and cultures of this country—which is mostly various shades of brown.
The food is not gourmet and I began carrying my own salt to enhance the basic dishes of local cuisine. The main dish throughout the country is the Tagine. This cooking pot permits steaming and braising of all things meat and chicken. It is often on a base on couscous..
Our last stop on our road trip was to an Argan Cooperative in southwestern Marocco. This is a precious plant oil from kernels of the Armani Spinoza tree.
The cosmetic oil is made from raw kernels and is great for skin hydration, anti aging cream and hair frizz control. It has always been expensive but more so today due to a drought that killed a great number of trees.
The roasted kernels are also made into an edible oil or “amlou”, a thick paste of roasted almonds, argan oil and honey for spreading on bread.
Now, after a two day stop in Essaouira, it will be onto the road to Marrakech.
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