Skoura to Marrakech - 10 May

Had a good night's sleep, then off to breakfast, back to our rooms to pack and head out again by 9.30. It is very overcast today and hazy which means we aren't seeing the countryside at its best, but it is still interesting. We stop for a quick photo stop in the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, which is the best preserved Kasbah in the whole Atlas region. The village has starred in lots of movies such as Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, Gladiator and The Mummy.

The movie scene has become such a business that there are 2 movie production studios. They nickname the place 'Hollywood'.

We stopped to wander through a village, Ouarzazate, with the aim of walking to the top of the hill. Ahmed told us it was about an hour's uphill walk. Would have been nice if he had told us earlier to wear appropriate shoes and clothing as it was dusty, slippery and lots of uneven steps. We got 2/3 of the way up, and I said that I was done! I figured I wasn't really going to get any better view of what I was already seeing and knew I still had yo get down the hill again which would certainly test my knees. Julie was more than happy to call it quits too, so back down the hill we went, thankfully without any slips or falls. The tiny bit on top of the hill is where we were aiming to climb to.... never gonna happen.

We had a fair bit of driving today so once again lots of ever changing scenery.We went over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, the highest in the region at a height of 2,260 meters.

we were invited into the home of one old lady, as we were climbing the hill. She has raised 7 children in what otherwise would be deemed a hovel. 2 of her sons were extras in the Gladiator movie with Russell Crowe. Their paid work enabled her to uograde to a new kitchen. The photos are of both the original kitchen and the new updated one beside it. Neither have any natural light, and are next to the enclosed pen where the goats are kept. As this is all halfway up a hill I doubt they ever get let out of the pen. Makes me a bit humble with all the creature comforts I have.

We stopped for lunch at an out of the way little cafe and ordered a pizza. We were able to decipher most of the toppings listed on the menu but wasn't sure what Thon was. Thought we would give it a go. The pizza was fine, with a great thin crisp crust. Never did identify the Thon bit and considered it could be goat as it was quite salty but too flaky. Turns out it was tuna!

Finally made our way into Marrakech. Road system is a nightmare and simply a free for all. Samad managed to work his way through a myriad of confusing roundabouts where once you get on it you are still giving way or forcing your way through all other traffic entering it. At last we stop in a narrow street and told this is it, but that simply meant watching our suitcases get bundled into a home made trolley that some poor old fellow pushes half a km and numerous turns down alleys until we reach a door that Ahmed knocks on and we enter our riad for the next 2 nights. Certainly will not be wandering around the area on our own! The reception area is lovely and we are treated to mint tea and pastries while we are booked in. Up to our room on the first floor and we have a lovely honeymoon suite with rose petals scattered everywhere, even in the bidet! We cant help but chuckle. First rule of business when the lass showing us our room leaves, is to separate the beds...

Time to settle in, work on the blog and then head to the lounge room for happy hour, followed by dinner in the dining room. My Spaghetti All'arrabbiata was chilli hot and delicious. Leisurely dinner and then back to the room to settle in for another day. Ahmed had suggested doing a sunset walk through the square (hundreds of people) but we opted to do that tomorrow night as Julie in particular has had her fill of Ahmed for the day. He is arrogant a lot of the time, can be condescening and then doesn't respond well when we tell him we already know something. It has been a regular conversation between Julie and I about tipping him so we got a couple of envelopes from reception and will make a decision on the last day whether we even put anything in his envelope, which is what Julie is proposing at the moment. LOL!