Atlas Mountains from Marrakech

Copyright Janet Cameron

We were collected by a people-carrier from the hotel. There were about eleven of us.We set off in fairly good spirits, looking forward to seeing these beautiful mountains, whose snow-capped, pearly peaks tantalised us in the distance. The guide knew his stuff and filled us in on points of interest as we passed them.

Before long, he pulled up, explaining that this was a great place for panoramic views and to take our cameras. So we climbed out of the vehicle, full of enthusiasm. There were many great places to take pictures - and many stops.  As we focussed our cameras, a posse of necklace sellers, appeared, as though by magic, from behind boulders and bushes. We suspected a set up, but took some photos and bought some necklaces. 

Next, we were taken to a pottery and encouraged to take our cameras along so we could get more good pictures. The crafts were gorgeous with fascinating designs, and we were treated to a display of pottery-making. The pottery owners, naturally, hoped we would buy, but pots and vases are heavy and awkward to carry and Easyjet would penalise us heavily for the extra baggage. So no one wanted a pot.  As several people remarked, the driver/guide was visibly annoyed with us for not making any purchases, but there was little anyone could do. 

The next stop was in Ourika, where there was a herb garden business, Arom Montagne, Several groups were being shown around, under strict control. We weren't allowed to wander off.  "Would we please follow, this way, this way." The benefits and wonders of each individual plant was described in fine detail. Then we were invited to climb to the upper level. 

On the upper floor, the guide performed a demonstration of the oils and ointments stacked on the shop shelves. Some of us, who had only arrived in Marrakech with hand luggage, were unable to purchase anything due to airline security restrictions. Again, another clash in understanding, although some of us bought tea and similar non-threatening items.

Finally, on to the actual foothills of the Atlas Mountains:

We were stunned by the amazing beauty of our surroundings. Even the boulders and stones in the riverbed were beautiful beyond belief, a mixture of pale pink caused by the iron mineral, and a soft blue-grey. 

Some of the more fit among us climbed higher with the help of a guide, while others just wandered along the river bank. On our walk, we were, repeatedly, accosted by necklace sellers. They are so poor and cannot miss an opportunity to sell their goods. But even willing tourists can only buy so much. There will always be another seller on the heels of the one you have just purchased from. While we felt sorry for them and understood their situation, that they were trying to make a living and put food on the table for their children, it made the trip far more stressful than it should have been.

All the same, it was a fantastic day, full of interest, great culture and surprises.