Our Escape to the Atlas Mountains

(Pictures coming soon)

Damnit, I always knew Morgan and I were strong-willed, but it’s like clash of the titans when we try and write this blog. Not to mention, finding Internet in the desert is almost as difficult as us agreeing on what to include. Well it’s 12:45 in the morning and we’re going to try and knock this out as fast a possible so we get a good night’s sleep before our donkey ride at 9:45 tomorrow.

(Saturday, June 19, 2010)

Backtracking a few days, our last day in Marrakech was a leisurely one, yet still full of adventure. Our morning began by escaping the busy city borders to relax in the Jardin Majorelle. Recently restored by Yves Saint Laurent, the garden was the living project of French painter Jacques Majorelle since he acquired the property in 1924. It is really quite stunning how plant life representing five different continents can blossom in the middle of a desert.

A light vegetarian meal was waiting for us at our Riad once we made it “home.” It was quite the reprieve from all the red meat we had been loading up on, but we still needed our protein. Ryan and I led the way into the market square to brave the boiled goat’s head and brains. Mom and Morgan snapped pictures while we found that meat is meat as long as the seasonings are right. While I wouldn’t recommend it, goat’s head kind of tastes like beef ribs; brains taste like you would expect them (try not to use your imagination with this one).

After our “tasty” appetizer, it was time for our final dinner in Marrakech. Looking back on it, the whole day revolved around eating. Couscous with lamb and vegetables was brought out in a tagine and set in the middle of the table for us to dine like authentic locals. With spoons in hand, we dug in.

Our friend and city escort Hesham then prepared Ryan’s new hookah for us to smoke on the terrace. We took turns passing around the hose and laughing at Morgan fight back coughs from her first tobacco smoke. The night ended with us relaxing under the stars of Marrakech.

(Sunday, June 20, 2010)

There was one last breakfast on the roof before the off-road journey to La Pause, an actual oasis. Berber meals were served in bivouacs and lodging was a three-bedroom adobe house lit only by candles. Camel-rides into the desert only made our stay that much more authentic. Two-toed and massive, these giant animals made the ride as bumpy as their backs. Staying in this hideaway felt as if we had transported back through time. The sun set behind distant mountains as we watched the stars appear in the night’s sky. Instead of retiring to our beds, Ryan and I slept outside with the dogs.

(Monday, June 21, 2010)

This is where the relaxation really set in. Less than two hours away, we climbed into the High Atlas Mountains. Berber villages pasted by until we reached Sir Richard Branson’s Moroccan retreat Kasbah Tamadot. This place is truly breathtaking. Layers of mountain peaks reach up through the clouds to the west. The pathway from our private villa is lined with candles, which led us to an open-air dining area overlooking the pool. A Berber feast awaited us, with of a variety of tagines (lamb, fish, chicken, beef) and vegetarian salads. It was exquisite!

I want to be Richard Branson when I grow up.