We were up very early today for a long ride into the
countryside. We eventually arrived at
our balloon launch site where they checked us in and offered us hot tea. Then it was over to the balloons to watch
them being inflated.
We were the first of our "fleet" to take off so we had good views of the second balloon getting underway.
We were launched before sunrise so we were high in the air by the time the sun rose over the Atlas Mountains. Pretty special.
We didn’t have a long ride but it was fun passing over the fields, farm yards and villages. Gives you a new perspective on everything.
We could also see the chase cars as they drove along roads tracking our flight.
We didn’t have a long ride but it was fun passing over the fields, farm yards and villages. Gives you a new perspective on everything.
We could also see the chase cars as they drove along roads tracking our flight.
We ultimately landed in a rocky field..
and the crews were there within minutes. We were allowed to stay long enough to watch them fold up the balloon...
and stuff it into a very large bag…
and the crews were there within minutes. We were allowed to stay long enough to watch them fold up the balloon...
and stuff it into a very large bag…
and also to push/pull the large basket onto a flatbed
truck. A major operation with a lot of
hands involved. This tourist activity
certainly provides a lot of local jobs.
The cars then took us back to the camp for breakfast. Yogurt, fruit, orange juice and lots of types
of breads.
They gave us flight certificates with our names written in Arabic. Mary's is on the left and Paul's is on the right.
We were back to the Riad just as the others were headed out for more sightseeing and shopping. We opted to stay at the Riad.
We were back to the Riad just as the others were headed out for more sightseeing and shopping. We opted to stay at the Riad.
We did head out for a short walk to find an ATM and lunch.
Late afternoon Mary headed out with a small group to go to
the home of Alain Bennouna. He had a
very successful restaurant in New York City and now has homes in both Marrakech
and NYC. He treated us to a cooking
class and when the food was done the rest of the group joined us for lamb,
couscous, a vegetable salad and a wonderful easy dessert.
After dining we were treated to a short belly dancing show,
performed by a belly dancer, not Chef Alain.
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Watch video of belly dancer.
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