Todra Gorges and Gladiators

After a good breakfast, it was time to hit the roads again. We headed towards the Todra Gorges to see the towering rock walls and the glacier stream. 

We passed by a couple of towns looking like this. Loving the palm trees and earthy blocks.

Our accommodation was Le Vieux Chateau (Rte. des Gorges du Dadès, Km 27, In the gorge). The hotel's main upside was its balcony which allows a breathtaking view of the gorges. The toilet was also pretty clean. A pity about the super sandy floor in our room. We had our dinner at the hotel restaurant (Couscous and tagines). The food was average (not much choices around here anw). 

Our accomodation

Castle keychain

The Todra Gorges! There were plenty of activities going on by the stream. Women were washing laundry and kids were bathing/splashing water at each other. 95% of the kids scaling the rock walls or playing in the stream were guys.

Along the shade, there were hawkers touting souvenirs and men taking afternoon naps on mats. Although it was a weekday, everyone was so relaxed. 

I was really sunburnt at the end of day 2. Sun-1 SPF, 50 sunblock-0. I seriously considered carrying an umbrella around to mitigate my aging process. Actually, I did.

W in his moment of glory

This is the hotel balcony I was talking about

Our room exterior

Messy

We had a good night rest and the next day we set out for the World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou. It was one of the "fortress strongholds on the old Salt Road where caravans brought salves, gold, ivory and salt from Saharan African to Marrakesh and beyond". This place will probably look pretty familiar to movie fans of "The Mummy", "Gladiator" and "Prince of Persia". 

We had the privilege of shooting our own movie "Man Vs Terrain", 2-hours length. Highlights include tripping over uneven paths, running away from persistent hawkers, exploring cordoned areas and the sighting of a dead rat. Just when I was prepared to sell my first-born for some water, we reached the top. With the pressing thirst and baking sun, we didnt linger long and rapidly descended. This was definitely not a easy climb, alot of winding paths and it got progressively steeper. 

Spot the lone building at the peak

Mission accomplished

Like sandcastles but bigger

Site of the dead rat

Amazed at the maze

We climbed down the city and headed for lunch yumyums. I was completely famished so everything tasted good. I had lemon chicken tagine again, much to W's amazement (told you I really like this dish).

Same old

Mini Palace

Lines- A pretentious attempt to capture an artsy fartsy shot

After this, we drove to the valley of roses. I expected to see rose bushes along the way but nope, not a single one. We stopped at a shop which made products from the Persian rose oil, mostly beauty products. My backpack was heavy enough so I didnt buy anything. They made some nutty honey thing which tasted really good. I would totally get that if I was on a proper holiday!