After many hours on the road South, they found themselves in a town that rhymed enchantingly with aurora. Yes, they were in Zagora. Moroccan men in blue turbans and Moroccan women in black sequined shawls, strolled up and down the streets. It was dusty and it was gritty but it was just right, too.
The group of them -- three Americans, two Italians, one Belgian, one Brit, one Czech, and one Moroccan, as well as a motley crew of children of mixed origins -- checked into Riad Zamane. A strange and special place, Riad Zamane was a bohemian respite nestled into Zagora's palm grove oasis.
The walls were etched with mysterious symbols....
Bungalows were hidden among the luxurious plantings.
And nomadic sleeping tents could be found behind blue doors....
Maharajas had been there before them....
They sat outside and told secrets to traveling companions...
They had tea with visiting grandfathers on couches made from vintage Berber blankets. (The blogging girl had a collection of such blankets for sale for modern bohemians worldwide....)
They savored a lamb and fig dinner in a brightly fringed Bedouin tent with arched windows.
They admired the perfect little Moroccan handmade rugs here and there.....
At night their path was lit by candles and Moroccan lanterns......
The next day, a man in blue led them away to the dunes of the Sahara desert. But that's another tale.... for another time.....
Riad Lamane Amezrou, Zagora, Morocco [email protected] www.riadlamane.com