The Ziz Valley unfolds its full splendour before our eyes - a true wonder of nature! Slowly but steadily, we make our way deeper into the gorge, fascinated by the colours and shapes that nature has in store for us.
In the valley, we find a wonderful place with Ali, who cooks for us in the evening, spoils us with a double breakfast in the morning and encourages us to hike along the oases, the river and the steep slopes. A wonderful place, somewhere in the gorge.
Long after breakfast and the hike, we manage to continue our journey. Eventually we reach Midelt. Midelt itself is a little disappointing. Perhaps the city is hiding its beauty from us, who knows?
The town has an overland character, little charm, but many friendly people. It is best known for its apple growing. The altitude of around 1500 metres offers ideal climatic conditions for apple cultivation. (Interestingly, I have completely different information about the Apple growing in South Tyrol but I'm not an apple farmer, just an enthusiastic apple eater).
Of course we stop to buy some apples. Unfortunately, we learn that only boring (in my eyes) varieties such as Golden Delicious and Royal Gala are grown here - exactly the varieties I try to avoid because they are so common. But presumably these varieties are particularly good for export.
After our short stop in the city, we continue our journey. I have chosen an idyllic campsite by a reservoir, somewhere in the middle of nowhere. When we arrive, we are actually a little confused - we have never been so lonely in Morocco.
We set up our chairs, make tea and simply enjoy the moment. So beautiful! Space, absolute peace, breathtaking sunsets and time. Simply time.
When we are free-standing, we enjoy a special freedom: we are independent. At least for a week or so, until we run out of water. Away from the hustle and bustle, we connect more intensively with nature, wake up in impressive landscapes and experience the peace and quiet far away from the noise of the streets. This deceleration allows us to perceive the moment more consciously, sharpens our senses and gives us space for deep reflection. Without distractions, we find inner peace more quickly, feel the silence and enjoy the simple life. And we realise how little we need to be content. But we also realise how much that little is: beautiful nature, freedom to travel, drinking water, good books, great wool and, last but not least, the two of us together.
"You hear yourself most clearly in solitude." This sentence often accompanies us on our travels. When we are in the van in a remote place, far away from people and roads, the silence becomes almost tangible. No noise, no distractions - just the wind in the trees, the rippling of the reservoir or the distant call of a bird. But here in Morocco, sheep could also be passing by, cats meowing for food or dogs asking for a drink. In these moments, the external noise of everyday life recedes and we perceive our own thoughts more clearly. Loneliness is not a lack of company, but an invitation to life.
Unfortunately, we have internet everywhere here too.
Unfortunately? Yes, somehow unfortunately. Because we find it hard not to look at our mobile phones, stream a film in the evening or listen to the latest podcast. But, in all honesty, it has to be said: at some point, the two of us have said everything to each other and we each dive into our own world. We need to, of course. But this smartphone is such an addictive thing that we need to cut down a bit more from time to time. Yes, always this ma-ma-ma-ma: we should!
By the way, there's no happy ending here: the issue is still on the table and there's no solution in sight. Not everything always has to run smoothly, does it?
I make us a great raw vegetable salad with the less inspiring apples and hundreds of sheep appear. We quickly wolf down the carrot and apple mixture, throw the organic waste behind a bush and watch what happens. We give the shepherd one of our last oranges and the sheep fight over our organic waste. We laugh and: pull out our smartphones again to capture this situation too.
Merci for "travelling with us
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