I woke up this morning at 6 and made sure everything was in order. My camera bag, cash, and I grabbed a couple pieces of fruit for the car ride.
I left the Riad at about 7:10 or so that I could be at time at the pickup spot. My driver, Abdul came to pick me up shortly after 7:20. From there we began the long journey to Ourzazate. I didn’t realize but the drive there and back was four hours each only leaving four hours for touring which seemed like it was enough.
We drove for about 1.5 – 2 hours then stopped to stretch, use the bathroom, and grab a bite to eat. They had what looked like a traditional breakfast with breads that were cooked two different ways. As Abdul explained there was a breakfast bread that was cooked in a smaller oven and there was also another type of bread and it was explained that it was cooked in a bigger oven and could be eaten at any time of the day. Both breads were very good and were served with an oil that was indigenous to the area and a dipping sauce that consisted of almonds, honey, and that oil which was really good!! So much so that I got some for my parents to try out 🙂
We set back out on our journey and didn’t stop till we got to Ourzazate. I was dropped off at the Kasbah and instructed to pay the 20 dirham and take a look around. If I wanted I could go across the street and check out a film museum. I had doubts about doing both as he only gave me 40 minutes. I checked out the Kasbah and Really I don’t know if I was missing something but I wasn’t that impressed. In one wing there wasn’t anything and the other wing had an art exhibition of current art. I took some pictures of the interior of the building then went to look for Abdul.
He must have driven off because I couldn’t find him. I waited till a little after 12:30 and he showed up. We left Ourzazate and took at look at the famous Atlas Studios. Abdul named a few movies I knew and they were Star Wars and Casablanca. I took a picture of the studio from a hill that was pretty close but I don’t think I will even keep that.
Next we headed off to Ait Ben Haddou which I was really looking forward to. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We had to back track a bit which took maybe 40 minutes or so. I wasn’t really paying attention to time. One of the benefits of being on vacation 🙂
When we arrived at the site Abdul let me photograph the site from afar. Something I really appreciate. My only regret was that I didn’t have a longer lens to compress the space and zoom a bit more. Oh well you can’t win em all. I took about 10-15 frames before I got back in the car and we drove closer to the site.
I must be accustomed to a different form of guiding because I was expecting to be taken to the site and given explanation of the historical significance…blah blah blah. Well I was told to walk down the road and cross the bridge and be back in an hour. Ok well that’s what I did.
The first thing I wanted to do was find a perspective that I liked. I know that I wanted something a little further away and I spotted an area that was in a dry lake bed (well mostly). I sought that out first and found what I was looking for but struggled getting the right perspective. I moved around a bit and took some shots but I don’t think I am as happy with the first shot I took. Guess I’ll have to settle with that. I put my gear away because by that time I was a little frustrated and wanted to climb to the top. I started on one path and found a dead end. I had to backtrack a bit till I found an area that you could get all the way up. Doh. When I finally got to the top the view was amazing!! Take a look
After I finished with that and checked the time I realized I was running a bit late. I went back to the car and Abdul took me to a restaurant that wasn’t very good and expensive to boot. Oh well. That so far was the most expensive meal I have had so far at 145 dirhams with tip included. I have a feeling that tomorrow nights dinner is going to be the most expensive and I am looking forward to it!!
After that we began the long trek home. I slept on and off on the way home.
I paid Abdul a tip, dropped my stuff off at the Riad, and walked down the street to grab a quick dinner. I had a soup and pizza but nothing exciting.