Morocco: Rissani, part 3

By the time we were done visiting the ksar, it was something closer to noon, at least. The bus dropped us off a building where you can get some refreshments and use the facilities. This was also where we were going to get our new ride for our Saharan adventure and ditch the big tour bus.

Surprisingly, there was one guy in the group that did not sign up for this activity. It's fuzzy what the reason was, but I believed that he said he'd done it before. Anyway, he went with the tour bus back to the hotel/resort where he said he had a great time at the bar and at the spa.

When the 4X4s arrived, we were grouped into 4 per jeep, 5 including the driver. Naturally, the four of us made a group. When everyone got loaded up in their own jeep (the tour guide went with a group) we began our trek into the dessert. I was so ready to get into the jeep for much needed air conditioning. It was too hot that I could not feel any hunger pangs.


The first part of the trip was along a paved. I was enjoying the ride and the passing scenery.


It was a long drive. I knew many of us were getting bored, like kids on the way to Disneyland. Are we there yet?

Finally, the jeep went off the road. There was no longer any paved road, but the terrain was so flat that each vehicle made its own road. Sometimes 3 or 4 vehicles travel in tandem. You have to follow the jeep ahead of you, and that could be tough with all the dust flying around. It felt like we were in a race with the other jeeps and when we passed one vehicle, we would be waving like crazy kids. So much fun. It was really tough to take photos when you're bouncing about in the jeep. My husband took all of these photos. Stubbornly, despite all of us yelling to stop him, he rolled down the windows to take photos giving us dust baths. He only did that once. The drive was long as well. I had no idea how long it really was but about an hour is a good guesstimate.

The actual terrain is really flat with a couple or so hilly areas. There were very little greenery to be enjoyed. It's a huge flat open space.















We passed by a couple of housing compounds. It's incredible how people live in isolation. When the noise of the automobiles were heard, some of the locals came out to wave at us.







Finally, after about an hour, we arrived at an oasis (Tisserdimine, an oasis at the bottom of Erg Chebbi ) in the middle of nowhere. This was to be our lunch stop. We were led towards an area where tables and chairs were set up and light cloth was draped over some wood and wires to keep the sun off the diners. The spread was set up buffet style that included Moroccan bbq style of chicken, beef and vegetables, pasta, cold salads and different types of breads. Fresh fruits were available for dessert and coffee, tea, water, juice and sodas were available also. Sorry no food photos









It was a relaxing set up and location. We took time enjoying lunch and each other's company. Rugs were also laid out for those who want a little shut eye after a heavy meal.






A local ready for a nap.


A tourist already napping.


The spot is a real life oasis. Again, so peaceful and relaxing. But this day's adventure is not over yet!

(to be continued)

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