We had a gorgeous fight across the Sahara and then jumped on the “Marrakech Express”
December 2, 2013
INTO THE VOID
As we headed out from Accra to Casablanca, our flight took us over Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, and Algeria. After we crossed the Niger River near Timbuktu (left) we headed out over the desert, which is pretty empty, as you can see (right).
MORE NOTHING
Bob has always enjoyed flying over the Sahara. The weather is usually clear, and the land forms are starkly beautiful.
TRIPPY
And in case you thinks flying over the desert might be boring, check these dunes out. This is northern Mali. Fun – or what?
CLEARLY NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE
As we approached Morocco, we could see our intended destination materialize on the in-flight monitors – easier to understand in english.
THERE WILL BE MOUNTAINS
As we approached the High Atlas mountains, we saw syncline and anticline forms from the orogeny of said chain – (for you geologist out there.)
MARRARECH FLYBY
After crossing the High Atlas, Marrakech came into view. You can see the Medina (old city) in the upper left portion of the photo (left). The large dark areas are palm, olive and citrus plantations. As we got closer to Casablanca, farmland appeared – still dry, but not as dry as the area around Marrakech.
HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU, KID
Our transfer from plane to train was not uneventful. The commuter train we took from the airport towards Casablanca made a very short stop that didn’t give Bob the time to get all five bags off the train. This resulted in Camille being on the platform while Bob tried to pry open the now closed doors to get himself off the train. Fortunately, the conductor stepped in and opened the doors before mayhem ensued.
MARRAKECH EXPRESS
We settled into the train in a compartment with four other travelers who were friendly and helpful, as well as good conversationalists. Our bags blocked the aisle way, but no one minded too much.
TRAVELING THE TRAIN THROUGH CLEAR MOROCCAN SKIES
The four hour journey from Casablanca to Marrakech took us through dry countryside. Cactus planting projects were to be seen all the way along. Prickly pear is being cultivated for its fruits as well as for its medicinal properties.
OASIS
Although the landscape is exceedingly dry, there are spots where water brings life – livestock and olive groves.
OTHERWORLDLY
The colors of the soil can be striking, and somehow, villages manage to eke an existence out of the near desert.
BACK TO CIVILIZATION
As we approached Marrakech, the landscape gave way to more villages, and finally the outskirts of Marrakech itself.