Sahara Deserts, Morocco (February 2024)

 

The following day was Sahara Desert Excursion, an optional tour. Kristin wanted to take rest at the hotel and she received a massage. The rest of our group, a total of six, and others who signed up headed out to Merzouga where the Moroccan Sahara Desert begins.

Our excursion included a 4x4 ride in the desert, mostly on the scree ground, a lunch in the desert, and camel riding. 

Our lunch was at a resort run also by the same hotel owner: i.e. Xaluca. The meal was simple, but adequate.

In the desert, our camel riding was rather short but sweet. 

The camel operators, however, led us to pose for photos to produce interesting pictures.

One of our tour group members, Mrs. Choi, suddenly, started running down the hill from the sand dune where we sat down to wait for the sunset. A few of us also followed, including myself and Mr. Yoon. On the way up, we struggled, but we made it.

The highlight was the sunset. It is the same sun and it was setting on the horizon of Sahara Desert, making it a a unique sunset.

Photos with Shaukey and the camel operator. I know the camel operator looks upset, but he was not. He was very hospitable. He just froze in front of the camera. 

We stopped at a Berber nomad tent where a widow was raising her grandchild. Although we felt that the nomads would be living an inconvenient and uncomfortable life, it is their culture and life. We are not in a position to apply our standards to their life. They seemed happy.

I liked my outfit and I took many selfies.

Although it was not my first time riding a camel, it was my first time riding in the Sahara Desert. It was a memorable experience. - Jeffrey