March 14- 15
To continue where I left off, after lunch yesterday, Carol opted to go on a walk, and I decided just to enjoy this lovely place, relax and blog, inside and out. Passed on the thought of swimming as a bit too energetic.
Went upstairs to the room for a welcome shower and rest. The stairs up to the room provide sufficient exercise for my taste. After drinks in the Grand Salon, we’re shown into another small candle-lit room, where we are served dinner.
This morning, we’re down for breakfast, which we’ve chosen to have indoors to avoid the morning chill. We have a range of activities to choose from and opt to take a walk by 9th and 17th century Kasbahs. Our guide, Abdul (nice the way our travel agent has paired drive/guide names, first two Younes and now two Abduls) gives us some good information on the differences between 9th and 17th century Kasbahs, and on the roles of Kasbahs. To be perfectly honest, though, and to mark myself as a true Philistine, I don’t much give a damn about whether I’m looking at a 9th or a 17th century Kasbah. I’m far more interested in his description of how these were part of the caravan trade, salt from Morocco for gold from Timbuktu, and how these “guest houses” enhanced trade by providing traders with up to three nights free accommodation. Anyway, here’s the 9th and 17th.
We walk along a stream fed by underground water and Abdul tells us about the system that allows land owners temporarily to divert 3-24 hours of water, depending on their land size for irrigation purposes. Asked how this is monitored, Abdul says, simply, “its the system”, everyone understands and abides by it because they are looking out for the whole community. He talks about how people need to adjust cultures when they move into the city and a philosophical discussion ensues about not disturbing “people’s bubbles,” marriage and the changes being wrought by modernity. All of this is far more interesting than the difference between Kasbahs from different centuries.
We stop for lunch at a completely isolated spot on a small lake. Nobody else around, except that our hotel has set up a lunch tent, a toilet tent and provided three people to cook and serve us lunch.
After lunch, we’re invaded by a large herd of goats, with goatherd.
Along the way today, we see a few interesting people and a large solar tower.
We return to the hotel to relax for the rest of the afternoon. I got in a swim at the lovely, long and cool pool.
Drinks in the Grand Salon. Had a long conversation with Mungo, who with his wife, Romily, are the charming co-hosts here. They’ve been running very high end places in the Phillipines and in Southeast Asia in the 8 years since their graduation from university, before coming here. We discussed places around the world, as well as Dar Ahlam.
Dinner tonight was served to us outside, in a courtyard, by candlelight and with live music. Dinner was excellent. This place is an amazing experience.
Finally able to catch up with your travels! Which is, once again, an impressive journey. And after following you through this adventure, I concluded that even tagging along with you via the computer, is a challenge for me.
Though in the midst of luxury, I continue to admire your spirit and tenacity, as you graciously embrace all the excitement and beauty the world offers. You go, my bro, and very special sister-in-law! With Love, B