
Author Darlene Nastansky
If shepards could ride…
September 15th, 2009 by Darlene Nastansky · 2 Comments · Africa, Morocco
Check- Rusty mountain bikes, squeaky brakes, repair kit, pump, water bottles, Chaco sandals and a torn out Rough Guide map. Missing- Compass, helmets, gloves, topo map and Chleuh Berber language book. Day one- 40km loop from Tafraute up into the Ameln Valley where 26 Berber villages are built into the pink ridges of the mountains, […]
Mountain Pass
September 14th, 2009 by Darlene Nastansky · 2 Comments · Africa, Morocco
Don’t ride the buses at night Younes tells us, especially over mountain passes. But then again, that’s the only way to get to Tafraoute- 5-6 hour bus ride departing at 3pm. Moroccan road slang (flashing lights, horns), spoken articulately by our bus drive, successfully delivered us along a one way road with blind corners, no […]
Insah'Allah- ن شاء الله
September 13th, 2009 by Darlene Nastansky · 1 Comment · Africa, Morocco
God willing… If it is God’s will…. A beautiful expression I recently acquired, placing everything into the hands of God and out of one’s responsibility. Beggars with hands extended are often given a nod and quick Insah’Allah. Will you have bread later tonight or tomorrow, we implore at the boulangeria?- Insah’Allah, she answers. After biking […]
Essaouira
September 9th, 2009 by Darlene Nastansky · 3 Comments · Africa, Morocco
Into the dark of last night, our bus pulled into Essaouira, a fishermens port. Gypsies throng at the bus vying attention for money, food, cheap places to stay while the street kids press at your side… We are quite used to this now, and like many bus stations, the less fortunate prey on the newly […]
Oasis
September 8th, 2009 by Darlene Nastansky · No Comments · Africa, Morocco
A crescent lagoon nestled down the valley of Oualidia turned into an unexpected peaceful coastal town of maybe 4000. An early morning fishing spectacle- blue wooden boats cresting the swells, fisherman, hand over hand, pulling in a catch of crab and lobster, and surfers straddling boards,waiting for the big one. At times we are sleeping […]