Across the Middle Atlas Mountains to Monkeys, Erfoud, and Good Food

Rain came as predicted and turned into snow during our long ascent from Fez through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Near the crest, Barbary macaque monkeys were spotted, and the bus stopped so that we could take photos. These are the only 800 of these left in the world and they're the only monkey to live north of the Sahara. I've never been this close to wild monkeys  and I was out of the bus in a flash. Another group was feeding oranges to the monkeys who carefully stripped out the flesh and tossed the rind, their eyes begging for the next piece.

From the bus window. Brrr. (Morocco needs the snow and rain.)

The next photos are for educational purposes, and all are taken from the bus window. To us, life in the villages looks bleak, and maybe it truly is. Morocco is a third-world country. But there are generations of families who enjoy each other and their community, living and working together. Their lives have purpose, love, and hope.

As for all generations, hope lies in classroom-educated children.

Even though the water is low in the river, there is beauty in the landscape.

We have made it over the 6,000 foot summit in the Atlas Mountains and are stopping for lunch in the village of Midelt. We won't be the only tour bus stopping at the restaurant. All tours have extensive criteria and safety standards for feeding their clientele. We've been reassured about this multiple times and it has definitely worked for us in Greece, Turkey, and Morocco. No traveler ever got sick. There is much good to be said for being on a tour.

Orders are taken for non-alcoholic drinks. We usually get Coke Zero. We have pre-selected our entree between fish and chicken kabob. A beautiful salad starts the meal and ends with our choice of an apple tart or fruit and some lovely mint tea.

We're on the second half of our bus ride and heading to the Sahara. Along the way, we stretch our legs with an overlook at date palms growing in a large oasis.

Our hotel is full of character at the Kashbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud. Many movie actors spend their time here when on location nearby. We felt rather royal.

This was a very special welcome for us at the hotel, complete with mint tea and cookies.

The lobby, swimming pool and facility were very unique!

The granite bathroom counter was full of petrified trilobites and snails.

Ali Baba, anyone?

The food and presentations at the hotel were incredibly special and healthy. The veggies were heavenly and meat eaters had plenty of choices as well. The chef would open each covered hot dish with a flourish and close it after I was done looking, if not taking. Admittedly, it felt a little strange to have someone doing everything for you. I'll let the presentations speak for themselves.

Rice and broccoli.

A beef tagine and two pans of vegetables.

Inside these Moroccan bread was a mixture of green peppers. 

Desserts as good as they looked. The middle item was a chocolate gelatin or mousse presentation that was delicious!

Stir fried cold zuccchini "salad" dressed with olive oil and lemon.

Eggplant salad - basically chopped and roasted eggplant.

Beef burgers and grilled tomatoes.

Grilled chicken with peppers.

There happened to be four Americans traveling with a guide. Once was celebrating her birthday and the staff did a Moroccan version of a Red Robin happy birthday parade.

The real camel ride is yet to come.

We practiced the art of turban tying with help from the kind staff.