My first week
Zen moment
First you get two buckets filled with hot water from the fountain and then you start rubbing your body with the traditional brownish looking soap that consists of different oils. Then you let it soak in and wash it off later, next step is scrubbing with a special glove you can buy anywhere in the souk. This is the best part because you get to do each other’s back in order to get all the old skin off your body. After that you can take a break and you can move one room down from the fountain. That way you start slowly moving from very hot to lower temperatures until you are done in the last room which is close to the entrance.
P.s.: Small side note for those who are staying with host families: I learned this week to not mention jinns in front of your host family or most Moroccans. It brings bad omen.
Up the mountains
The second event this week was the hike of Toubkal Mountain in the atlas mountain range. It is the highest mountain in North Africa with an altitude of 4167 meters. I would really recommend doing it since it is not that difficult to hike and there is no need for special equipment. I did it all by myself with no equipment and I was fine. However here are some tips.
It is a two-day travel and you can also book guided tours which range from 70 to 200 euros but I felt like that was not really necessary. Since this weekend was a long one due to Monday’s New Year’s holiday I decided to do the mountain this weekend as the weather forecast seemed good. I also wanted to go before it started to snow since you would be needing more equipment.
I took the train to Marrakesh on Friday afternoon and arrived there at 7 pm. I slept one night in a hostel and took a taxi at around 8 am from Marrakesh to lmlil the closest village to the mountain’s national park. The taxis leave in the mornings from just outside Bab er Robb, the gate on the south-west edge of the Medina. Try getting a grand taxi so you pay less. The ride takes between 1-1 ½ hours and cost between 50-100 dirham.
From Imlil you start walking to the mountain refugee in 3.200 meter height. They say it takes about 5-7 hours but it really depends on your speed of walking and how many stops you take. On the way up you will pass through several small villages and resting spots with little cafes and little shops where you can get food. I got my food like nuts and dried fruits in advance and try to bring water with you. I drank from the spring water and got a bit sick so do not drink that water.
When you get to the mountain refugee you have to start setting up your tent or get a room inside the building which you have to pay for and can get by reservation only. Luckily I met some people on the way who still had a spare spot in their tent. Furthermore, it is important to bring a sleeping bag and a jacket because it gets really cold in the mountains overnight, below zero for sure. The best thing is to try to make it to sunrise up to the mountains summit. However, in order to do that you have to wake up at 2 am and start hiking since the second part is more challenging. It is dark so you’ll need headlamps or try to find a group and stick to them because they usually have a guide who knows the way and has lights. You can also do the hike during the daylight but be aware that the view on the summit might not be as good since the mountain pick is easily surrounded by clouds during the day.
I would recommend everyone to take this hike because it is just beautiful and a great experience you meet lots of interesting people on the way. Just one final remark: bring warm jackets and gloves for the second part of the hike. I only had a sweater and totally underestimated the cold.
