Morocco II: Of Deserts and Mountains

Despite its’ size, Morocco offers an incredible assortment of landscapes. Our sojourn began in Casablanca, from where we headed eastwards along the Atlantic coast till Rabat and further to Meknes. On our way we had brief glimpses of the Rif Mountains in the north. But we were waiting for something splendid and something more imposing: The Atlas Mountain Range.

                                                

High Atlas Mountain Range

Arches along the Atlantic Coast

Further on our way, we took a short detour to Ifrane. A quaint little town labeled “Little Switzerland” is truly pretty. Small sculptures and parks embellish this picturesque little town and show influences of western European architecture. The journey continued through the Middle Atlas mountains into Azrou past the splendid Cedar forests and finally to Midelt. Another small town that serves as a perfect night halt for weary travelers heading from Fes into the Sahara.

Lush green Middle Atlas Range 

Erg Chebbi dunes in the Sahara

The much-awaited spectacle: the Sahara Desert was yet to reveal itself. The landscape gradually turned from lush green to semi-arid and finally to arid along the way to Merzouga. The gates into the Sahara were thrown open, the sand dunes ready to embrace us. It was a fantastic experience to ride camels into the dunes and spend the night in the calm of the desert, far away from civilization. Pictures speak louder than words…see for yourself.

Camels resting after the long journey into the dunes

Lone tree in the scorching sand

Morocco I: Of Riads, Ksars and Kasbahs

The memories from the latest journeys are always more vivid and fresher than their predecessors. Drawing parallels from the programming realm; Last in first out. 

Morocco is a fantastic country located in north-west Africa. The plethora of culture and colors offered by this country are as multi-varied as the ever changing landscapes one encounters here. I've split this post into 3 parts to cover the vast variety offered by this country.

Riads are a vital facet of Moorish architecture. They are actually traditional Moroccan houses with an interior garden or courtyard similar to a patio. The courtyard typically houses a fountain and mosaic work; originating from the city of Fes. Fes is home to tile and mosaic artisans and specializes in fountains, tables and tiles with complex geometric patterns. Orange trees seem to be omnipresent in Morocco and the gardens of Riads are no exception. Mosaic and tile work with beautiful calligraphy is very much a integral part of the interiors. Spending the night in trendy Riads is somewhat of a cultural experience and we (like countless others) were lured into it! 

The terms Ksar and Kasbah are often used interchangably. These actually refer to a fortress or citadel in the medina or old city, with high walls. Some kasbahs were built around hill tops. One such particularly splendid spectacle is the kasbah Aït Ben Haddou on the quandom caravan trail from Marrakech into the Saharan Desert. Several movies were shot in and around this site, until it received the UNESCO Heritage status, following which the shooting was confined to the exteriors. Kasbah Telouet also on the caravan route and once home to the mighty El-Glaoui family is not so much of a tourist destination. Little is left to narrate of the splendors that this palace has seen. 

More about other fantastic landscapes shall fill the next part of this split post. 

A journey of a thousand miles...

Earlier today, I sifted through old mails hoping to resurrect my original photoblog, but in vain. So I thought, what the hell? Let me start afresh...and so begins this journey of a thousand miles. The word "landscapades" is a portmanteau of "landscape" and "escapades" and describes aptly, my photographical orientation. As the journey progresses, my camera bag shall unravel it's trysts with these landscapades!