A day with Mohammed

We left the hotel at Erfoud around 9:30 and headed for the next hotel on the edge of the Erg Chebi dunes. Once again this was a fantastic hotel with lovely rooms and good facilities. After a quick change we all pilled into the back of the Landy to go into Rissani to meet Mohammed.

He gave us a tour of the market and took us to a herb and spice seller. The guy had a small seating area and we all crowded in. He gave us tea with the most elaborate pouring ceremony yet. It involved singing what sounded like a French nursery rhyme whilst pouring the tea from a great height.

It was really comical and great fun. A few of us bought some spices. I bought some of the herbs and spices they add to a regular green tea so that I can try to recreate a Moroccan brew back in blighty.

Mohammed had arranged for some 'Berber Pizzas' to be made for our lunch. As we left the market a chap stepped forward with the pizzas sandwiched between layers of cardboard and tied with string. This was pizza delivery Moroccan style.

We drove to a tourist shop where they let us eat whilst also taking more tea with them. The Berber pizza was a large round flat bread that was filled with spiced beef and onions and then baked. We had two large pizzas between the eight of us, which with Bill observing Ramadam was ample and we didn't finish them.

Once we'd eaten the shop keepers swang into action showing us a whole range of Moroccan merchandise, from carpets to clothing via trinkets and ornate boxes. I gave the others a laugh by dressing in a traditional long robe and with a shesh wrapped round my head. In the end I bought the shesh, but the robe would have been a step too far.

We then visited a workshop where they made fantastic fossil artifacts. Some of the pieces were stunning but would have needed a more space than we have available once securely packed. I couldn't resist making a couple more purchases and can only hope I can find room for them in my luggage.

We gave Mohammed a lift back into town and thanked him for his time and generosity. As we drove back to the hotel I tried to tie my shesh. I as going for the Laurence of Arabia look, but was told it was more Audrey Hepburn!

Back at the hotel I made a couple of minor running repairs to the bike as well as taking a swim and catching up on the blog.

Diner was excellent with a wide variety of Moroccan and western dishes. Over a few beers we discussed the options for the following day. It's an early start, but there's still some debate as to whether the off road section should be attempted. There is also a forecast for more rain. Let's hope not.