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Welcome to todays diary entry! Today was the day of the Curry! We are a bit like one trick ponies in that regard as we can only cook a few things but of those things we can cook them well. We have done a few curries over the last few months and a few weeks ago we did Fajitas so it was nice to get back to doing a curry. It is our last weekend along with Cass and Derren, Michelle and Darren and we also invited Lyn and Chris around as well. They have had some other people who have come up from another Campsite as well Marissa and Paul.
I have always said that despite Morocco being so vast in some ways it is a very very small place. To be fair it was Thursday night actually as i was sitting at the table of the Moho and out of my peripheral vision i could see what looked like people dancing or waving erratically. After squinting for a little while i could see it was Lyn and Chris so i popped outside and was greeted by someone (Marissa) who i had come across before. When we landed at Santander in October before we set i was talking to a couple of people at the front of the boat. I was telling them about how awful our sailing experience was and they seemed relatively calm about the situation and took it all in there stride and seemed surprised at how I felt. They are obviously seasoned travellers and they could no doubt write what we know about travelling on the back of a postage stamp with a bingo dabber. I told them our plans and we went our separate ways. Low and behold the person who was waving erratically in the windscreen just happened to be the same person who was underwhelmed with my sea legs. Of all of the places that either of us could have ended up, low and behold on the site site as us in a different continent.
Me and Mum were talking this morning about how much we miss Yorkshire Tea and Marissa advised she had a massive bag so we did a trade. It is interesting what things are essentially commodities over here IE Yorkshire Tea, Bacon etc
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We all had a wonderful evening and everyone left having had a good meal and a good drink. This time we mixed it up a bit we asked everyone to bring a dish of something and it was a bit like come dine with me, but in Morocco, and we all live in Motorhomes. Apart from that it was exactly the same. Starters were done by Marissa, we did the main, Dazzler and Michelle did Bombay potatoes and Derren and Cassie brought desert. I quite enjoyed this format although me and was nice to have plenty of food to go at. Although id spent the afternoon dipping in to the potatoes.
We are going to give you a bit of an insight into the places we are going on our next bit of a roat trip and the next place after Ait Benhaddou is a place
called Ouarzatate!
It’s the kind of place that makes you wonder whether you’ve accidentally wandered onto a movie set, and for good reason. This city, affectionately known as the ‘Door of the Desert’, sits at the edge of the Sahara and serves as Morocco’s very own Hollywood, or as the locals might say, “Ouallywood”.
Let’s start with its claim to fame. Ouarzazate is a cinephile’s dream, home to the Atlas Studios, one of the largest film studios in the world. This place has hosted the filming of cinematic heavyweights like ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, ‘The Mummy’, and scenes from ‘Game of Thrones’. The studio’s vast landscapes and ancient-looking constructions have made it a go-to for filmmakers needing to recreate anything from ancient Rome to a galaxy far, far away.
But Ouarzazate isn’t just about its silver screen credentials. The city is steeped in history, with the stunning Taourirt Kasbah at its heart. This kasbah, a fortress that once stood as a symbol of a powerful chieftain’s wealth, is a maze of richly decorated rooms and intricate passageways, showcasing the architectural genius of the Berber craftsmen.
Venture a little outside the city, and you’re greeted with the breathtaking beauty of the Moroccan landscape. The Draa Valley, with its snaking river and lush palm groves, offers a stark contrast to the arid Sahara. It’s a reminder of the diverse tapestry of environments that Morocco boasts, all within a stone’s throw from this desert outpost.
And let’s not overlook the local culture. Ouarzazate serves as a crossroads of sorts, a meeting place for the nomadic Berber tribes from the mountains and the desert. This melting pot of cultures is reflected in the city’s vibrant markets, where you can haggle over everything from spices to handwoven carpets, each telling a story of this region’s rich cultural heritage.
In essence, Ouarzazate is where the magic of the movies meets the majesty of Morocco’s natural and architectural wonders. It’s a place where every corner tells a story, be it one of cinematic lore or the enduring spirit of the Berber people. Whether you’re a movie buff, a history enthusiast, or simply in love with the beauty of the desert, Ouarzazate has something special in store for you.
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- Check out our Pre-Departure Motorhome Checklist to make sure things are plain sailing from the off!
- You also have the Mega Motorhome Checklist for everything from the nuts and bolts, kitchen supplies and entertainment.
- Like to document and journal your travels? We have scoured the web for the best Road Trip Journals for Motorhome and Caravan Lovers.
