Morocco is an explosion of experiences. One the children had been dying to live was to ride a camel. This dream came true a couple of days ago in the Ourika Valley. It wasn't the Sahara (that is a trip we are saving for next time when Baby-O is a bit older) but it didn't matter; the animals were loved by all (except Mom who shrieked a fair bit going up and going down--- these are HIGH animals and it was a really big motion!).

The haggling was fierce and humorous as always. Rick speaks a bit of French which helps but not up here where most people spoke Berber.

 Gigi and J's saddle seems to be having a malfunction! I was sure they'd fall off but they didn't!

 Baby-O couldn't get enough.

 The water from the Atlas Mountains makes this valley a treat for the eye. Many organic herb farms are located here. It is common for Marrakech citizens to come to the valley for a weekend outing. It's only 45 minutes away but a universe away from the exhaust and noise. The loudest noise in the valley is the tinkling of cow and sheep bells and the rush of the mountain river.

We arrived back in Marrakech and visited the palm oasis outside of the city- these camels look more at home in this setting. We met a man from the old city in the Sahara along the route to Timbuktu- it used to take 52 days by camel to reach the trading village deep in the Sahara. My bum was ok with about 20 minutes! We voted the donkey 'most comfortable ride!'

Off to look at carpets. Much more to post soon. Sorry we can't seem to get comments on the blog! We've heard that from many people and we are so sad because we love hearing from you.