Morrocco Day 3

After another huge breakfast we hiked back downhill to Imlil where our main luggage and transport were. Then followed a long journey to Ait Benhaddou along mountain roads and over Morrocco's highest pass. We passed through some busy market villages along the way. 

Some stunning scenery.

Some quieter villages hiding in the hillsides.

 

Up, up and up steep winding roads.

Till we got to Tizi n'Tichkapass at 2,260 m.

Lots of roadside stalls along the way, mostly selling crystals (real and make believe) and other small trinkets.

Lots of livestock being taken to market.

The road was mostly good, but some poor sections also with snow depth markers needed during winter.

We finally arrived in Ait Benhaddou, on the edge of the Sahara, late in the afternoon. The grand Kasbah (fort) is perched on a hillside overlooking the township and has become famous as a site for movie making.

Even with her assistants, Helen still managed to get her feet wet.

 The list of films that have been shot here.

Ait Benhaddu and the Kasbah

Part of the Berber alphabet, the last letter often used to symbolise freedom  and equality.

Demonstrating the art of painting using saffron, the burning over a flame to reveal hidden messages. This method was used in the past for secret communications between leaders.

The valley on one side, a prime location for movie scenes.

Views from the uppermost section of the Kasbah.

Views from above over he fertile valley on the western side of the Kasbah.

The more decorative towers are female.

 This guy demonstrated how old wooden keys worked.

Some of the wares for sale.

The cooking demonstration showed us how to make couscous and tang one the Morroccan way. The couscous is steamed over a pot of vegetables and spices (ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, cumin, garlic, parsley and coriander) for one hour.

Dinner was Followed by a vigorous drumming session with some locals as well as Teriq, our guide, on the right.