Discovering Morocco

January 30, 2024

I celebrated the New Year on top of a mountain in Morocco. I was actually asleep by 9pm, my tent on a mountain plateau under a blanket of stars. 

Waking up to a new day and a new year, I continued to walk the Atlas Mountains for the next week, together with hikers from around the world, organised by Exodus Travels. The wind blowing up from the Sahara, covered us all in a red dust by day, which stuck to us and our belongings for a week, given that we were in the wilderness, with little water. 

Climbing rocky, mountain summits and walking through dry river beds to find a green oasis and with that a bit of shade. Morocco is a cold country with a hot sun. Walking in beautiful sunshine was a most welcome way of beating the January doldrums, and staying warm at night was guaranteed, thanks to my cosy, Passenger changing robe. 

A Berber guide led the way and a Berber chef kept us fed with the most amazing, nutritious food to sustain us through the long treks each day. Mint tea was the drink of the day.  We visited a Berber home in the side of the mountains for the equivalent of afternoon tea!  Walking through abandoned villages was heartbreaking. The increasingly dry winters, a consequence of climate change, meant that there was insufficient water to sustain crops and therefore, communities.

Without internet or phone access for a week, a wonderful spaciousness grows within your head. Looking around you, on a mountain path and connecting to the other people in the group, is all you have. 

I have a pull towards the Moroccan aesthetic, which I have brought into my home in England and it was wonderful to visit the country where Africa and Islam come together to create beautiful things.  

I followed up the hike with a week's yoga retreat near Essaouria and was indulged in a luxurious, Moroccan riad, where I found peace and the company of good women. 

Back home I drew Morocco! So here is my vision of this stunning country that has stole my heart. :-)

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