Day 32 – Zagora

Its been hot today… sitting in a cafe this afternoon it was 33ºC

Packed up and left the campsite at around 10:45am to take the improved road to Zagora. First we filled with fuel at the ridiculous price of around 56p per litre. (We did hear of another FUNster who is very much further south filling for just 30p per litre). Just before the turning for the road we came across a police checkpoint. Normally it is a formality and we are waived through but not today. He stopped us. This is the first time we have been stopped since visiting the country. The policeman wanted to check where we were going so as to make sure we are on the right road. Very helpful indeed. Everyone is so friendly.

Starting out on this road our Sat Nav indicated that we would take over 10 hours for the journey. As we drove so this number came tumbling down. It was obvious when you saw the track alongside which would have been the previous road to use but now we are cruising along at a steady 45mph.

After 2 hours we arrived in Zagora and the campsite we will be staying in for 2 nights. It is larger than normal and quite busy. We find a corner where we can all fit in with ease and our van is parked in the shade so that it is not too uncomfortable for the “boys” in the van.

After lunch we took a walk up into town to find the Souk. After getting mixed messages from the locals it seems that it had closed at 2pm so we were too late. It didn’t stop us from being invited to look into everyones shop. Tina took the opportunity to look for a carpet which she insists we need outside the door to the van. The carpet is made 5×2 feet. The price starts at 1000MAD (£71) but soon starts to tumble and halves pretty quickly. I step in and off 200MAD but this is rejected. He is now asking 350MAD but do we really need a carpet I ask. Yes is the response from Tina. I offer 300MAd but it is rejected so I am telling Tina to walk away and we start down the street. The trader is then chasing us and saying OK to our 300MAD (£21.50) so I now have no choice but to hand over the cash.

We continue along the street and find a cafe for orange juice or coffee. This was a welcome relief from the hot sunshine to sit in the shade with our friends. Soon we are making our way back to the campsite.

Chairs out, kettle on and tea is soon made when we all sit round and have our afternoon gathering. Where is the carpet I ask? its in the shower. Why? Its too good to put outside. Conned again. I vow that this will be the last carpet we buy but I am sure I will be wrong.

We use some of the steak we purchased in Tata for your version of a Tagine. Its full of vegetables and a few spices and we get an opportunity to talk to the grandchildren. It was lovely to see them…the internet is much faster and therefore we could make the connection.

Tina was not feeling well and so took herself of to bed early.  I do hope she will feel better in the morning.

Tomorrow we may well explore this large town some more…..