Pam led a group of 13 today on an optional tour to the Atlas Mountains with views over snow capped peaks that are up to 4135 metres – the highest in North Africa.

The group was entertained in a Berber home with traditional mint tea, passed through the market town of Asni and survived a thunderstorm while lunching by the river in the Ourika Valley.  The river was crystal clear before lunch and dark red afterwards.

Pam’s intrepid tourist group also met four of our drivers who will take us in their 4WDs from Saturday– and I have to report the ladies are in love!  Although one, who’s name must remain secret (it was Robyn), thought the driver’s name was Jasmin!  Mmmm.

Meanwhile Ev and Paul, accompanied by Chris and George, explored the Musée de Marrakech and the Ali ben Yousssef medersa (wonderful tiles and architecture — pics below).  We then checked out painting locations in the Place des Épices for Friday before a pleasant lunch that ended with a massive thunderstorm.

Our EVocative Morocco tour formally began tonight with all 22 of us gathered at the Riad Ambre et Épices for a welcome dinner.  Moroccan painting starts in earnest tomorrow.

Sorry: no photos tonight.  Internet connection can’t upload them.  Will try in morning, so do log on again.