NOMADS AND FESTIVALS

It was another fantastic day in Morocco. With yet another local connection, we managed to sneak our way into a very traditional way of life. We were hoping to find a nomadic family but as the name suggests, they move around a lot so this is not guaranteed. Fortunately, the hotel owner knew of a family and offered to show us the way. It was relatively close to the road but you would never find it unless you knew where you were going and even if you do, there is no guarantee that anyone would be home.

This was simply amazing. Although the daughter and son-in-law were out herding the cattle, the mom was home with her grandchildren, a set of twin girls and a boy who was initially terrified of us. Her husband was away nursing a broken wrist.

It took a while to warm things up, but of course, we were welcomed with tea. She quickly whipped up a fire and made us a fresh pot. Tea in Morocco is typically mint but often made with local herbs. I did, admittedly, take every opportunity to pour some out just in case the boil didn’t kill the unknown bacteria. It would be very rude to refuse. After shouting away the chickens and allowing us to explore the camp, she took the time to show us her homemade loom and taught me how to weave some fabric. Not as easy as it looks. We then took our time taking pictures. The beaming sun made this challenging but here are a few snaps from this awesome experience. I couldn’t imagine living such a lifestyle.

After leaving there, we walked through the Torda Gorge where we saw a few crazies climbing to the top. I don’t get rock climbing but I am a chicken for heights.

Next it was on to El Korbat with a quick stop to see an old town that was left to crumble away while the new built up around it.

El Korbat brought some more wonderful surprises along with more photographic challenges. We arrived at the only hotel the Kasa El Korbat built inside the fortified village. It is a maze of tunnels and I have already gotten lost a few times, even in the hotel which is the original Kasa. My long climb up the stairs is rather steep but opens to a gorgeous suite. I am happily here for two nights.

This week in El Korbat, there is a festival. Despite all the French speakers, no one could explain the reason for the festival only that it occurs once a year and is a festival of music. The entertainers were primarily men and the audience was a sea of women who were delighted when I plunked (gracefully) down in the middle of them. We shared pictures and stories and I felt an incredible sense of community. As the day went on, a few of them brought their children to meet me. This village is quite different. Even the women were open to pictures and often asked us to take one. The light was brutal though.

I am not as happy with the pictures today as I was yesterday but I feel no regret because I had the most amazing experiences. I sometimes have to pinch myself to prove that it is all so real.

The pictures do allow me to share a little of my day. Enjoy.