On the road again: Oranges and Boots

10^th and 11^th March

Saturday, being a day ' off ' , was spent sitting around the pool, reading and reflecting on this unique garden and it's surroundings.

We dip our feet in the pool but as hot as the day is, the water is still too chilly for a dip. It's well shaded and needs more sun which it will undoubtedly get. It's been a very warm day with a strong afternoon wind picking up, which in amongst the trees here is welcomed.

A warm but cooling wind. As there has not been a drop of rain here in Morocco nigh on all winter, the arid dust-bowl outside the farm surely must be a warning sign of things to come this summer. Water is life.

The orange groves are heavy with fruit waiting their harvest time.

Is this one ready?

Sunday 11^th March

The long awaited boots day! To Taroudant we go on our last ' out ' day with Mum. One day ' in ', one day ' out ' has worked well as once out of the gates and into Morocco proper, a day of rest is needed to recharge the batteries! We find town more busy than usual with a Marathon taking place and our usual parking spot unavailable. Alternative parking is provided and horse and cart awaits to take us to our destination, Abder the shoemaker.

The clip clop trip through town is great and worth every penny of the 30 dirhams it costs. Weaving our way through crowded streets full of cars, people, animals and mayhem, we find Krysia's boots waiting for her at the shop. No Abder though and we have to wait for 10 minutes for him to arrive and convince Krysia that the fit is good and will mould to her feet as they are made exactly right, needing some time to adjust. Before the day is out, that time is up and the boots are a perfect fit.

This here Abder knows a thing or two about shoe making, Jaimie had a pair made her 2 years ago and they are her pride and joy. We also buy a total of 5 pairs of sandals from him, 2 for Mum, 2 for me and 1 for Krysia, at hard to believe prices for such lovely quality. 1 Pair of handmade boots, 5 pairs of sandals for a total cost of just over 100 pounds ! Abder, your a bargain.

We have lunch at the main square and afterwards leave Mum there while we do some food shopping. She has time to take in all the ' happenings ' going on in this mini Marrakech, a la Djema el Fna. Snake charmers, story tellers and loads of people in an area a 10th of the size of it's famous cousin.

We take a horse and cart ride back to the van with Mum looking the part.