Ait Ben Haddou is the most beautiful village in Morocco. In fact, it is ksar (walled city) and is part of UNESCO. Today, only 4 families live in this ancient village. They get their electricity from solar panels. The village has over 10 kasbah (houses of the wealthier, usually merchants).
To get to the village you have to walk across a dry river, and a bridge has also been built. We met Hassan, who kindly took us around the town. Of course we didn't ask him anything, but he was very helpful with the guide in Moroccan. friendly-intrusive started the process himself. In the end, of course, he asked for payment, but we were satisfied with his service, so may it be . He took us to one of the palaces, to the top of one of the towers. Later through the village, we stopped at a painter who draws with saffron. What he draws is then heated over a fire, and the paint burns and turns brown. He explained to us that this is how they transmitted secret messages. Hassan took us to the top of the village where there is currently another ruined tower, which belongs to the walls, and should be restored in a few years.
Urban and I made it there možicla . But I was happiest because Hassan took our photos and that day we got family photos for all the days back and forth.
Ait Ben Haddou is a mecca for filmmakers. It's a cheap destination and at the same time a beautiful backdrop for Gladiator and Game of Thrones (maybe I'm the only one who hasn't watched this series yet, oops ) and other films.
Finally, Hassan took us to one of the typical Berber houses. A black kitchen, next to it a carpet weaving machine, in the next room a sheep barn, and next to it, of course, a room with carpets. Carpets for… Hmm, are you interested in the price?
He kindly sat us down on the floor at a table, poured us hot whiskey . Whiskey is their mint tea, sweet What the hell . Excellent! They then showed us the carpets while chatting. Once you ask for the price you baked , they take even the slightest interest so seriously that they ignore all subsequent No, thank you, I wouldn't . I had no intention of buying the carpets. They are beautiful, but they are not my style and they are not for my wallet. The price, if you look at it reasonably, is quite acceptable. The carpets are handmade, some of them take up to 3 months to make. The material is always real wool, usually sheep's wool, but also camel's wool (every 3 years). They are dyed with natural dyes. Price? €300. I could certainly bargaining The price was quite a bit lower but... Despite showing how small it can be folded and convincing me how light it really is, I didn't buy the rug. But I definitely will if I ever return to Morocco, and I believe I will.
From here we traveled further, towards the coast. We crossed the High Atlas, almost got blown away. We avoided Marrakech and headed straight for Mohammedia (on the outskirts of Casablanca).
Next time, more about the third largest mosque in the world and the stressful drive through the city of Casablanca.