Marrocos 2012. Day 1

[Elton]

Marrocos 2012 day 5 de Maio: Etapa Tanger – Fez

Today we had only 335 kilometers but took quite few hours, almost 7 hours total. Was a nice winding road trough some nice mountains.

We left the hotel, late, and headed to a small town named Chefchaouen where we could sightseeing and take pictures. The blue color on the houses is from the early judge population that use the leave here. Also you can find pot (maconha, cannabis) a lot. Actually, this is the major area that produce it in Marrocos.















The dry cleaners.



Did not rain today. That was a good break. My gloves were almost dry by the time I arrived at the hotel.
We had one of the many drops in a place that we stop for orange juice.

How to to ride the bike.

this couple below just stop their car, remove the chairs and sat there. Was cute.


We arrived at Fez at day light and could see this beautiful city in a mini tour around the city walls.
It’s a large city, with about one million inhabitants that was funded back in 808 d.C. and holds the most ancient university in the world that still working: University of Karueein, funded in 859 d.C.


Our hotel was a riad (one of the many we will stay) and was gorgeous from inside.


The dinner was served and was great food.

[Elton]

Marrocos 2012 day 6 de Maio: Etapa Fez – Er Rachidia

Today we woke up late, as usual, and start with a good break fast.
The hotel was great and unique. From outside it was nothing, but inside was awesome.

Fez a Er Rachidia de motocycleta no Marrocos

Then we went for a walk in the market.
Many things to see and take pictures. A can only post a few here.
We saw a place were they process leather. The smell was terrible. But the purses and jackets were so beautiful.
Then we went to see some tapestry with very expensive Persian and marroquinos items.









We visit the leather processing center. The smell was terrible…



We left around noon and went to a very well know for me scenery: the desert.
Remembered Arizona and Nevada landscape. I felt good!



The road control there is not the best… you can see almost anything on the roads…

The hotel at evening were awesome. Too bad we could not enjoy it much.

[Elton]

Marrocos 2012 day 7 de Maio: Etapa Er Rachidia – Merzouga

Today the departing time was 9AM and we manage to be late. I think the group is not waiting for us anymore. They left and Rogerio and I were finishing packing about one our late.
Merzouga, our destination today, si an barbere small town on the Sahara Desert and about 20 kilometers from the Argelia border. Motorcycling there was a blast. They have the famous Dunas de Erg chebbi with 4 x 4 rides, camel rides, campin in the dunes, end more.

We left after the Harley group that were at the hotel left.
And we pass then middle way, since they were going to the same place as us.

The first Camel Crossing on our road…






More desert views today and the destination was very close by, only 138kilometers at a nice hotel in the middle of the desert, next to a sand dunes. We are suppose to ride a camel today, as well,as a quad at the dunes. I did not make up my mind yet.
Now is 3pm and we are just relaxing at the lobby as you can see by the pictures below.





A nice couple from Portugal that were riding by then selfs:







And the numbers of today.

[Elton]

Marrocos 2012 day 8 de Maio: Etapa Merzouga – Todra – Tinghir

We enjoy the day at the desert toady.
Trip close to the Algeria border, then some fun in the dunes and good ride during the day.

Merzouga a Todra e Tinghir de motocycleta no Marrocos






Sometimes the fork wasn’t really clean:



The hotel was great:

[Elton]

Marrocos 2012 day 9 de Maio: Etapa Tinghir – Ait Benhaddou

Today was an amazing day. We did a detour of about 50 kilometers. We did in about 3 hours, through gravel roads with views that I will never forget. Was perfect for today. I had to have such a good day today. Was very helpful to my soul.
The cit of Ait Benhaddou was funded in 757 and by 1987 was declared World Patrimony by UNESCO.
Below is the wrong map. I’m working on the correct one, that shows the loop on gravel.

Most of the riders on the group experience some kind of fall, but injuries at all.
I did not fall, so proud of my self. First time in a loose gravel rock road.
The hotel was one of the best I ever stay in my life






the Fazedores de Chuva sticker:
this was elected “The Trip Photo”. I took it!!! so proud of myself.











The burro got scare and drop the load… We helped the ladies to put it back:

Looks like it’s Grand Canyon… nop… it’s Marrocos, Atlas Mountains.

[Elton]

Marrocos 2012 day 10 de Maio: Air Benhaddou – Marrakech

Today we went to Marrakesh.
Good ride. Marrakech is the second large city in Marrocos, right after Casablanca. It was founded in 1070 and for many years it was the capital of Marrocos. Sidi Bel Abbas, Sidi Muhammad al -Jazuli, sidi abu al-qasim al-suhayli, cadi ayyad ben Moussa and Abdallah al-Ghazwani, the 7 saints, have their thumbs there.

;
Ait Benhaddou a Marrakech de motocycleta no Marrocos

[Elton]

Marrocos 2012 day 11 de Maio: Etapa Marrakech – Azemmour

If you Never saw a ran three today’s is your luck day…
On the way to the coast, we saw it.
Today was in a “going back home” mood… today was a fast day.
Marrakech a Azzemmour de motocycleta no Marrocos

[Elton]

Marrocos 2012 day 12 de Maio: Etapa Azemmour – Tanger

Last day in Marrocos. Today we are crossing back to Europe.
was a good ride in a tool road. Very fast actually.
;
Azzemmour a Tangier de motocycleta no Marrocos

[Elton]

Marrocos 2012 day 13 de Maio: Etapa Tanger – Lisboa

The last day…
was an amazing trip. I would do it again, with a bit more time to do it.
some places deserve more days.
;
Tangier a Lisboa de motocycleta no Marrocos, Espanha e Portugal