Going Home from Asrou 

Rachida and I in Asrou 

Myself getting ready to leave on the Marrakech Express

Myself enjoying some spaghetti latenight in Casa.

Myself in Casa, enjoying a glass of tea

Sometimes you have to just do with what you are given.

(Marrakech Group of the SBD Division)
...and our various counterparts.

Myself on a hike within my site

Myself getting ready to go hiking up the mountainside here in Amizmiz

...and my face used to scare off potential dangers during the night "PRICELESS"

...and he did not even bother to wash his hands before handling my snake.

Myself enjoying a Cohiba (cuban) cigar just outside of the Police Station there in Marrakech. Unfortunately, the police officers were unavailable for the picture, so I took it with their bikes while they stood sideline.

This is an image of the Hatar and I. The appearance of the Hatar is an annual religious tradition, experienced only about 3 days after Eid Kibr (sacraficing of the lamb). I am unsure as to its purpose or history, but I did have chance to see it here in Amizmiz. It is sort of like seeing Big Foot running around town chasing kids with a stick and insisting on payment. The costume is made entirely out of lamb skins, and the face mask is probably the scariest thing I have witnessed in awhile. It is my guess that this Hatar has alittle to do with the ghost of the lamb(s), which are slaughtered throughout this religious ceremony.

Dog Bite Update...

(New) Hiking Gear!! - (next time I'll wear this)

Basically, all is well. I've finished my series of preventative rabies shots, and there's little chance that I have contracted this disease. So, no worries!! Thanks for your concerns and emails. :)

So, what exactly are rabies?
Rabies is a disease that attacks the central nervous system (brain and nerves). It is caused by a virus that lives in the saliva (spit) of a rabid animal.

How can you catch rabies?
Rabies is usually transmitted through an animal bite. It is also possible to catch it if the animal’s saliva gets into a cut on your skin or in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

What animals can get rabies?
All mammals, including people, can catch rabies. The four main animals that carry rabies: raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats.

Spice Rack at the Marrakech Souk 

SURVIVOR - Morocco...

As our 6 month anniversary arrived on Sept 14th, I thought I would take a quick moment to post the remaining Cast Members from the 2003 session.

AFRICA: Also well-known for its... snow?

Oukaimeden Ski-Runs
(located 74 km (46 miles) from Marrakech)

Unfortunately, this year I was unable to make it out to the slopes. However, my sitemate just returned from there, and he was kind enough to float me some pictures for my website. For those of you who you don't know, Oukaimeden is North Africa's largest ski resort and has the continent's highest lift. It is a relatively short and easy drive from Marakech, where you can stay in relative luxury (unlike at the ski area itself).
Oukaimeden was initially developed by the French and more recently surveyed by international resort planners with the aim of improving the infrastructure. However as yet new lifts that were supposed to arrive from Spain have failed to materialise and snow conditions remain a big gamble for anyone planning a visit -- mid January to mid February are usually the best bet. No matter what the skiing is like, the views are always spectacular. When conditions are good there are up to 20 km (13 miles) of runs, the longest one 3 km (nearly 2 miles) in length. You can take a donkey ride up to access terrain not served by lifts, opening up some impressive steeps and chutes.

Vertical Drop: 663m/2,175'
Top Elevation: 3,258m/10,689'
Lifts: 8 (1 chair, 7 surface)

Ski Slopes7 

Ski Slopes6 

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