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Friday, March 18, 2011

Off the Beaten Path - Telouet, High Atlas, Morocco

The white minaret of a mosque in the middle of the Berbers' Village
The Berbers drying their clothes
It was about 35 km detour off-road driving through the narrow unpaved trail before approaching Tizi-n-Tichka. This is a great piste with narrow winding track allowing only one vehicle at a time. It is really not possible to pass each other on this crumbling piste.  When one vehicle approached us, we had to stop to give way to the other. Some of the stones and gravels will crumble deep down the cliff.

This part of our journey in Morocco was equally frightening and exciting. A dramatic experience that lasts long within me. But the scenery along the way was breathtaking and amazing.  There are no sign posts or clear trail to follow; it all depends on the driver’s skill. Ahmed kept convincing me that everything will be fine but just can’t help the eerie feeling deep inside me. "Trust me and don't worry!" he giggled.

The beauty of Telouet is unusual with the rugged terrain parading spectacular colors. The Berbers’ mud houses adorns the mountain slopes, matching the palette of the High Atlas landscape. Suddenly, our eyes caught sight of the striking white minaret in the center of the village perfectly toning down the rich brown hues. On the steep slopes, we saw the the Berbers and their donkey with loads climbing the slopes. They seemed effortless!

The grass and bushes mean...there's water here
The rugged portion
The Berbers Village
The road to no where
Berbers climbing the slopes

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