Zagora: and a desert tale
Did they ever make it to the Sahara desert, you wonder? Oh ye of little faith, of course they did. There were a few detours along the way. (Aren't there always?) But in the end, there was sand in their hair, sand in their pockets, and shhhh...... sand in their underwear.
But let's back up and start at the beginning....
A man in blue wearing a turban (yes, a real turban) who spoke none of the 8 languages that they collectively spoke, motioned to the group that they were to follow him. They did as they were told -- they were very polite.
They stopped for victuals of dubious quality along the way and met a genuine nomad (the fake kind just wouldn't do). His purple turban was divine and he wore the most remarkable footwear. Wouldn't you agree?
Frankly, their own footwear paled in comparison.
They drove and drove and drove. And then they stopped. They had arrived in the Sahara desert. There were real tents. Well, sort of, anyway.
Their Czech friend with a multi- sylabic name decided to dress like a desert bedouin. She looked most charming. 
They unpacked and made themselves at home in the Sahara desert. There was no electricity or running water. (Well, of course there wasn't. What kind of wussy desert dwellers did you think they were, anyway?) It was soon time to conquer the dunes. The blogging girl peered at the path before her. Oh my, very high.
Mothers slathered sunburn protection on now-bedouin children, and they all set off with enthusiasm.
They climbed up and up, huffing and puffing but pretending they were all in frightfully good shape. Then they ran down and down, making loud, foolish whooping sounds, limbs flailing.
Just before the sun set, they uncorked and made a toast: To the Sahara desert! they cried. clink, clink.
Then they lay back on the most comfortable pillows. Sand was everywhere.
....and all was right with the universe somewhere in the Sahara desert.
Hi Maryam-
My nominations are in for you, because you are simply the BEST!
XO
Hope
Posted by: Hope | April 02, 2008 at 02:41 AM
Ah... those photos of the dessert are amazing, but the image that really got me was of the red wine being poured. I've been in Thailand too long- wine is so expensive here! Drink another glass for me! -X
Posted by: Xander | April 02, 2008 at 02:48 AM
I nominated you as well. I saw your blog listed there several times! How much love is being sent your way! I am so happy for you.
Heather
Posted by: Heather | April 02, 2008 at 03:15 AM
this is just heaven.
Again!
Posted by: mary | April 02, 2008 at 04:16 AM
Every. single. post. yes, all of them make me wish I could just jump on a plane a wing my way over there to magical Marrakesh.
You are some kind of fantastic enchantress!
voting for you, of course. All others pale.
xo
Tay
Posted by: Tay | April 02, 2008 at 07:03 AM
Sand sand sand and they are megnificient. I wonder how the sky look like at night.
Posted by: Lyna Wan | April 02, 2008 at 07:41 AM
Wonderfull!
Posted by: Elisa Day | April 02, 2008 at 07:52 AM
wow! i had to comment on this one. that is just so amazing! i love it, it's looks like a whole different world. i can't wait to go. thank you for sharing xo
Posted by: janet | April 02, 2008 at 08:43 AM
Hi Maryam
Your blog is wonderful! I have recently discovered it and will have to place you on my whimwham wall now because I'm hooked.
Best Wishes
Suzy
Posted by: Suzy | April 02, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Done and done! It was time to put my money where my mouth is:D. I hope you win, because this IS the best travel blog. Period.
No sand in the pinot noir, I hope?
Posted by: Laura | April 02, 2008 at 11:41 AM
What a gorgeous adventure - thanks for taking us *with* you.
The second image of the genuine nomad is so striking - the face, the colours and the light (footwear too!) - just beautiful.
Posted by: Caleigh | April 02, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Is the sand the silky kind, or the rough kind? It sure looks silky, almost silty actually. I think I can take warm for granted. Someday, my friend. I'm reserving a room about 10 years in advance at your Peacock Pavillion, okay?
Posted by: Charity | April 02, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Oh, how very beautiful. Looks like so much fun.
Cheers to the desert and sand between your toes!
Posted by: jody | April 02, 2008 at 03:00 PM
It all sounds wonderful apart from the sand in the underwear :)
Posted by: Di Overton | April 02, 2008 at 03:19 PM
How beautiful! Just stopped by to say hello. Trying to get back into the blogging thing. Has been really hard.
Much Love
Tanilan
Posted by: tanilan | April 02, 2008 at 03:33 PM
So worth having sand in your underwear!
Posted by: Kathy here again | April 02, 2008 at 05:20 PM
You just take my breath away with those photos, so lovely. Thank you.
Posted by: Annie | April 02, 2008 at 05:47 PM
You just take my breath away with those photos, so lovely. Thank you.
Posted by: Annie | April 02, 2008 at 05:48 PM
Wow! Goshohgollywowzarino!! I would not have believed it possible that anyone could make me want to go visit the Sahara desert. But you had me in a heartbeat with these pictures. Gorgeous -- the images, the inhabitants, the visitors, and the vistas!
Posted by: Carroll | April 02, 2008 at 06:05 PM
My LORD his shoes are SO freaking rad. You'd be rich if you asked him where he got them and sold them off of your blog.. i'm FIRST in line tho! ;o) Your trip looked awesome!
Posted by: cindy | April 02, 2008 at 08:09 PM
I have decided I need to visit the Sahara... what a great trip... I would loved to have ran down the dunes... yelling and screaming... what a hoot... take care
Posted by: Felicity | April 02, 2008 at 08:14 PM
You live the most amazing life. Thank you for taking us along with you.
Posted by: joyce | April 02, 2008 at 08:30 PM
What a wonderful place.(and that guy is rocking those shoes!)
Posted by: christie | April 02, 2008 at 09:03 PM
A wonderful experience Maryam. Love the fluffy shoes.
Posted by: barbara | April 02, 2008 at 09:25 PM
WINE IN THE DESERT.... or I should say, sandy wine! :-)
Posted by: Frieda | April 02, 2008 at 10:12 PM