Most Inspirational Moment
sleeping out under the Sahara stars, with Bedouin musicians softly drumming me to sleep.
I loved the gite too - Walking up to the gite, especially along the river and seeing the villages as we walked. I chose not to go on any walk and enjoyed relaxing in the superb views - the 3-4 hour walk came back in 5 hours......
I enjoyed the ad-hoc school visit too. Ait Ben Haddou at sunset was beautiful
Thoughts on Group Leader
Abdul was fun and funny - though his timings and distances were more Moroccan than British. the Hamman at the gite was "just next door" and turned out to be 10 minutes up a very narrow rocky pathway - hazardous as we came down in pitch dark, some people in flip flops. He was full of enthusiasm and organised us well.
Advice for Potential Travellers
ITINERARY - go with the flow as far as itinerary and trip notes and timing are concerned.
MONEY - We arrived on a Saturday and could change no money until Monday, so I'd advise you to change some money at least on arrival or before you travel. I also lost £150 somewhere between arrival and Ouerzazete [day 1 and day 2] - could have been carelessness, but it was probably stolen. No ATM anywhere would give me money, so I had to borrow. Although we ladies had a huge hilarious laugh at the hammam experience, I'd not do it again - I can scrub myself thank you and am not one who enjoys the stripping off / manhandling experience.
Suggestions
there is no formal visit and hand-over of the "pack with a purpose" goods listed in the trip notes. We did visit a school classroom - all very last minute as we passed, and handed over the pens, cards etc. I had packed some gloves and paint brushes which weren't all that appropriate to the school's needs. Expect very ordinary food [ chicken or lamb stew] and a carb overload. Vegetarians beware - there is no understanding of the concept and our vegetarian was expected to fish out the vegetables from the chicken tagine. The alternative is omelette 3 times a day. this is a great trip, slightly whirlwind trip and if you are prepared to be flexible you will love it.