MOROCCO MARCH 16-24 2012

FIRST DAY
PRIMO GIORNO

Here we are in Marocco, where the desert is the color of red dirt. Yesterday was our first day of walking. The group is great: everyone very motivated and keeps up a good pace. The weather is the other wonderful part of this Desert Therapy: perfect, not too hot, nor cold, and just the right dryness. Starting yesterday we don't see anymore cars and this is another highlight. Only camels and tents. This time we are accompanied by a caravan of thirteen camels. Five are for us and the others for the staff of seven people. And thus we are very pampered. So rather than staying in the middle of the desert it feels like we are in a Grand Hotel. The magic of the desert does the rest…..

SECOND DAY

The weather continues to be ideal. The sun is splendid, but it is not too hot. Today we crossed a area of wonderful dunes. A continuous change of geometrical forms and shadows of color. We ate lunch at camp and we spent the afternoon relaxing. A dog has joined our caravan and he follows us trustfully as if he is our guard. All of the participants are enchanted by this desert with its varying colors. In the evening we cooked bread in the sand: a new experience for all of us. And to end the evening we had music around the fire.

THIRD DAY

Today was a day of games: running races and rolling down the sand dunes. We are alone in the desert and this makes us feel free and happy. Eloise has become our camel driver and Claudio makes everyone laugh. Simplicity is the protagonist of our experience and the desert has become our friend. This is the magic of Desert Therapy. All of us are certain that these memories will accompany us for the rest of our lives.

FOURTH DAY

What wonderful weather we have had! Refreshing in the morning and in the afternoon, ideal for walking. In the hot hours we stay under a tent where we have our lunch. The cook treats us to Moroccan specialities that are delicious. The weather has allowed us, in the afternoon, to organize a game of baseball, Italy vs. Morocco. Don't ask me who won….It is our last night in the desert and there are already some tears. To comfort us this evening we are having cus-cous and Berber bread for dinner. Talking around the fire will conclude our evening. Needless to say, no one wants to return, even though tomorrow we will be heading for Marrakech which everyone is looking forward to.

 

FIFTH DAY

The moment has arrived to leave the desert. And also the moment to say our good-bys to it. Our five camels and berber who accompanied us have left together with the dog, Ba. It was sad to see the Jeeps come that will take us to Marrakech. Like awaking from a good dream! Some tears were shed, just like last night around the fire. There were many thanks and many hugs for the experience that deeply touched everyone. The road to Marrakech is long, but we split up the trip with lunch and a visit to a carpet factory. In the evening we arrived at Raid, and even though we are surrounded by one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco, our eyes and hearts are still in the desert. A wonderful dinner with a toast and good-byes. Tomorrow will be our last day in the city.

SIXTH DAY

Marrakech is the ideal city for those who love shopping and also for those who don't. From Jema El Fna Square, also called the Grande Place starts an enormous market that occupies almost all of the old city. After having tried the wonderful mint tea we spent our last day among the perfume and aromas of one of the most interesting markets in the world, visiting different sections: from the dyers to sandal-makers to a woodworking section. The dream is almost over, but the memories and new friendships will remain forever.