Desert
Therapy Marocco
First
Day, Friday, February 18, 2011
We left at 4 in the afternoon from Malpensa on a sunny day, giving a
taste of the first signs of sprig. The group is large: there are 11
of us. But most of the participants already know each other and are
already united, because 8 of them have already participated in Desert
Therapy in Egypt. We flew to Oarzazate, by way of Casablanca. Oarsasate
is a city with one of the largest Kasbah in all of Morocco. An iconic
city, seen in many arab films. This has also been the fortune for Oarzazate,
now the site of many important film studios. But we did not come for
this: we want to walk and our enthusiasm is sky high!
Second
day, Saterday, February 19, 2011
We left Oarzazate this morning: our gateway to the Moroccan desert.
We had lunch at Tighhir. Our cook is a renowned chef and this evening
he prepared a wonderful meal. Moreover, the Moroccan cuisine is one
of the most delicious of the Arab world. For the first night we set
up camp with our tents in a place called Tanamost. And tomorrow we start
walking!
Third
day Sunday, February 20, 2011
Today we have covered a distance of 17 kilometers walking between the
dunes. It was truly beautiful, also because the temperature was ideal.
A journey accompanied by fourteen camels who are used to transport our
belonging, our camp
.someone a little lazy. The weather continues
to be nice and the sunsets are priceless. After breakfast we meet the
camels and the camel drivers. The day offered us a variety of incredible
sceneries. Leaving the first dunes we encountered the rocky zone of
Znigui and then we entered in the mythic Erg Chebbi where you find the
tallest dunes in all of Morocco. In the evening we arrived in the village
of Znigui.
Forth
day Monday, February 21, 2011
The second day of walking. Today the dunes are the absolute highlight.
Very high, made of fine sand, which we saw walking on their crests during
both the morning and afternoon. The landscapes are breathtaking. I might
be repeating myself, but those here with me will confirm it. We covered
a distance of seventeen miles. Definitely a challenging distance, but
not undoable because the temperature is mild and the climate during
the day and well ventilated. The camp tonight was mounted in a sandy
area. The evening was magical, and the dinner even more so. Our chef
will never cease to amaze us.
Fith
day Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Today the landscape has changed a lot. The sand gave way to a much more
rocky terrain. An advantage and a disadvantage at the same time. The
terrain is certainly lighter than sand, but the stones are also a bit
more insidious. Despite all this, today we have covered an even greater
distance than yesterday. The group is united and the camels are a little
used resource, at least in regards to the transport of people. They
all want to walk, despite some minor muscle discomfort or some pain
caused by shoes. The three new participants are well placed in the "old
group" and this helps to create a warm atmosphere.
Sixth
day Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Yesterday was undoubtedly the most challenging day, but also very, very
exciting. The ground was stony, made of dark stones that many of us
have taken to preserve the memories and feelings. We walked 20 kilometers,
which the group found only marginally trying. The happiness of the spirit
prevailed over the fatigue of the legs. The camp last night was particularly
impressive, right in the middle of a group of dunes. Around the fire
were shared stories of the deserts and secrets of life. As usual, the
desert touched everyone and entered into the hearts of all. Today's
journey is shorter as we return to Tanamost. Morale is high and the
group of Swiss participants is particularly fun and funny. Our farewell
to the desert was done in the usual way: all rolling downhill at breakneck
speed from the dunes. A lot of fun.
Seventh
day Tuesday, February 24, 2011
Today was our day to say goodbye to the desert.