Ourika Valley, Morrocco

Today has been an amazing day. We had decided to take a trip out to the Ourika Valley closer to the Atlas Mountains. The guide we had was excellent and we learned a lot about the people and the culture in Morrocco and especially about life in the Berber villages. The countryside has many waterfalls and due to the recent rains some of the roads had flooded earlier in the week so there was still a lot of debris clearing up being done by large heavy machinery. Some houses which are made of mud are frequently washed away but the government now helps the people with the cost of rebuilding and in the small communities everyone helps each other.

The region is inhabited by Berber people who practice a traditional way of life. Despite its proximity to Marrakech, it is still considered relatively "unspoiled". On the way out of Marrakech we stopped at a small pottery to see a potter at work who produces around 60 pots and tagines a day which are fired in the outdoor kiln.

We then visited a typical Berber house and met the family who were busy preparing their midday meal. When they lifted the lid on this tagine the smell was wonderful. It was lamb with many veg and spices. Embers from the open fire are carried across the kitchen and placed under the tagines to heat them. We were able to see the animals they keep including a donkey, cattle, sheep and goats. All under the same roof. Apparently the houses, which are made of mud are cool in summer and warm in the winter. We were also surprised at the hamman in the small courtyard.

On the way back to Marrakech we stopped to look round the Berber market - another new experience.