Day Three in Marrakech.
Third day in Marrakech and my friend @mehdielghaly suggested we go on a day trip outside the city. I really wanted to go to the Sahara dessert or Essaouira, but due to limited time I have, I can't go for long trips outside the city.
Ourika Valley, part of the High atlas, it takes 45mins via cab to get there. The cab drive alone was a experience. Hiring a cab driver in Morocco is pretty cheap compare to NYC(duhh) We can pretty much hire a cab so we can be relaxed and comfortable during the ride. Mehdi said, I should experience it the local way where they try to fit 6 people on a regular sedan, 7 including the driver. It surely does fit, but I wouldn't say it's comfortable. Although, I'm used to that practice in the Philippines, so I'm not totally surprised.
The ride was probably what I take away most in this day trip. First half of the ride is just plain straight highway to the foot of the mountain, second half........ well just picture this, driving at least 60mph along the narrow cliffs. Still managed to take some photos along the ride, too bad I can't stop the car because the people and camels were interesting along the way.
Arrived in the valley, as per Mehdi, it's a popular date spot for young couples as an escape away from the city. The people and feel of the valley is more laid back and more camera friendly in a way. I guess not a lot of tourist comes here and takes photos. I even managed to took a photo of a Berber(last photo) in this set. Anyway, here are the rest of the photos!
This moment kinda reminded me of my HS days when everybody doesn't have cellphones and everyone and shares it to the one who has one.
This guy was pretty welcoming with my camera, it only took me one "please" and he smiled for me.
Basically the dispatcher on our way back. (Most of the cabs here are old Benz)
One of the falls in the valley, probably a 15minute hike to reach this. There are other and higher falls, but we didn't push through since we have to go back to the city.
This last photo was a keeper and probably one of the most memorable one. On our way back to the cab parking lot, I saw this old man and his cute shop, he doesn't speak english, by this time, I already know some basic Arab and tried to speak with him to ask If I can take a photo of him with his shop, at first he refused, or maybe he just didn't understood me well. I raised my camera, made a please sign language and point at my face then smiled, he then nods as a approval to go ahead and take a photo. I bought something from his shop after and it now sits on my desk as a keepsake from my whole trip.
I'll be posting the rest of my Marrakech photos on the next post.
All photos taken with Fujifilm Xpro-2 mostly with XF 10-24 and XF 35mm 1.4
P.S. I know I've been so late with the follow up post, between moving to a new apartment, work and procrastinating, my Morocco trip got pushed over with all the other photos I took.