Sunday, March 15, 2015

Climb every mountain

We have tried to, in Beni Mellal at least.

Today we went up some stairs, climbed a small mountain, looped around to the next mountain through a lush valley, and down again through a muddy grove of olive trees.

At the top, the sun warmed our backs while  a breeze cooled our faces as we rested and enjoyed the view. Can't wait to do this again tomorrow.

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Commencing again?

Idriss and I are back in Morocco; we landed this morning and came straight out to see his family in Beni Mellal.

The heady air is extraordinarily fragrant with orange blossoms and trumpet flowers. The night sky is so clear and starry, and the mountains behind the city are still snow-capped from a cold winter. Baby lambs abound and fig trees are beginning to grow lush leaves.

In the morning, we will climb one of the foothills to a castle, beyond which we've discovered a lush and stunning valley. Then we will come home for lunch. And then we will take a long walk to the souk in town.

What I mean to say is: I am so happy to have this home away from home. To have the same mountains calling my name when we visit, to know what we are going to do every day while in Beni Mellal, to know that  these walks and hikes and  rituals are freeing of the mind rather than constricting.

I will be back soon with more about our trip.