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Last night’s hotel is the best in the country according to Moustapha. It must be based on the price of drinks. I had a tequila sunrise for 160 dirham…. About $16USD or almost 22CAD.
Atlas film studio… there are about 6 film studios in the area.
Women’s co-op where they made rugs, carding sheep’s wool and spinning it. It takes 1 year to year and half per carpet. They are self cleaning and reversible. They do not have heat so have different carpet in their homes for different season. 350,000 knots per sq. metre. Gift from mother to bride when wed. It is part-time work if they have time between other jobs in their life… like looking after their homes and families.
Ait Ben Haddou…250 steps up. Built in 17th century. It has been a UNESO world heritage site. There us to be no electricity but they do have water available. Solar panels are okay. 5 families still living here. The name translated means “family of son of Haddou”, was built because it was on caravan route. Moslem and Jewish synagogues. Used in Gladiator and Game of Thrones. There are a few cracks in the walls but the big wall at the top is clearly not what it was. Mustapha had been with a tour group and had seen a wedding around 10 pm the night of the earthquake. And then at just after 11Pm it struck. He heard the screaming coming from the people. How awful! He had been talking to his wife on his phone when clay stuff from the ceiling started falling on him. Then they were disconnected but only for a short time… maybe 10-15 minutes.
“Inkal” town. For those if their home was destroyed get USD 15,000 from the government plus 3000 (250/mo)for rent. USD 8000 if cracks in home but is still livable. Some people are living in blue or white tents. It is near epicentre of earthquake 50kms away.
We are now into the mountains… no more desert.
1928 French started to built the road. Recent improvements have taken out a lot of the curves. It still is extremely curvy. Motorcyclist….. here’s another road for you to experience. 13,200 ft. Apple orchards along the way…honey for sale & peanut butter made with argon oils.
Coming into Marrakech we pass by upper class homes (more expensive) with golf course. Called “Red City” because colour clay (buildings), City of Joy & City of 7 Saints. Beautiful Mohammed VI street is 20 kms long.
20 Dirham most taxi rides but returning at night 60 Dirham. World Cup Soccer will be hosted by Morocco, Spain & Portugal in 2030.
Back to Casablanca tomorrow for flight home the next day.
gailstraveladventures 