Taroudant is such a picturesque little town encircled with walls and ramparts in a peach colored clay. It was (and is) possible to take excursions into the surrounding palmeries and villages but we just sat around the pool, walked to and from the souk a few times a day, and vegetated for a few days.

You could visit the oases of Tioute and Freija, trek through the Atlas Mountains, visit a traditional Berber village or even try a camel ride. (Been there…done it…) One day, we ambled out of the Hotel Palais Salam and discovered a big celebration taking place right out the front door. We think it was in honor of King Hassan II’s anniversary because of the many pictures…View image…, but since our Arabic is nonexistant with the exception of Yela – hurry, or move it, Salam or Marhaba – hello, and yumkin bukra – maybe tomorrow (this is our big one), never did get a definitive answer. Whatever this celebration or festival was for, it was colorful, interesting (although we didn’t understand one word) and Taroudant was packed with people.

women in elaborate dress, Taroudant, Morocco
There was a parade of beautifully dressed men and women wearing traditional dress, viewing stands with what we believe were the local dignitaries, crowds of locals…

majestic rider in Taroudant, Morocco
…women veiled and wearing their blue garments…

the “blue women group” in Taroudant, Morocco 

veiled Berber woman in Taroudant, Morocco
The pageantry went on for hours but eventually we got bored since we couldn’t understand anything and retreated back in the hotel. Decisions had to be made for tomorrow and a taxi hired for the ride to Ouazazate.

Off to the taxi ranks with paper, pencil, French dictionary and my big French word, a demain – tomorrow. Fevered discussion trying to get across the cost to drive to Ouazazate for a one-night stay, visit to Ait Benhadou the following day and continue driving all the way to Marrakesh. An interested driver, reasonable price and settled on a time for pick-up. Whew….that was fatiguing…