Our first night in Morocco
Trip Start
Dec 30, 2010
1
11
32
Trip End
Apr 04, 2011
Moulay-Bousselham, Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen, Morocco
Friday, January 28, 2011
Moulay-Bousselham
Camping Les flamants loisirs.
We were awakened in the early hours by torrential rain. Getting up around 8.00 it looked promising with blue skies but it didn't take long for the wind to get up and the black skies to reappear, followed by a cracking thunderstorm, hail and all. This was more or less the pattern for the day.
Mid morning did give a more prolonged sunny spell when we walked into town. The view over the lagoon is quite spectacular but we were not tempted by the boat trip offered by a charming local. He was quite chatty and not at all pushy. It was so nice to be able to have a proper conversation with someone in a language other than English! The French may be long gone but the Moroccans we have had dealings with so far sound like native speakers. French rule may be a thing of the past but many French spend the winter here in their motorhomes. That may encourage linguistic skills! I think we are the only non-French on site.
The campsite is not busy but quite a few (French) vans arrived today. I imagine most, like ourselves, are in transit. Having studied the Moroccan campsite guide with descriptions of the rustic / basic facilities I think, for the first time, we are going to be very grateful for our on board shower!
An afternoon drive failed to find the viewpoint we were looking for, maybe because the road resembled a small stream. At the moment, the drainage is not coping with the amount of rain. This is the season of high rainfall but we don’t know whether there has been more than normal.
Our short tour took us past fields resembling lakes and through what can only be described as shanty towns. There were lots of people on the move, even in the downpour, and lots of sheep, cattle and donkeys, always tended by one or more souls. Many of the men are dressed in long cloaks with hoods.
Back to base, the decision is made. Marrakech tomorrow!
