Bonjour!

We left the big city this morning and it was really not all that bad. Trying to follow the map did involve going the wrong way down a narrow little street but we were not the only ones to do so. Predictably the traffic thinned out the further we went but even on the outskirts of town it was not all that bad. The traffic is incredibly polite. Trucks of course get the most respect since they are bigger, but even they often waited until it was safe to pass us before they would attempt it. We Canadians could learn a lesson here! At one point we passed a fair-sized movie setup company. It didn't look so much like they were filming as it looked like the actual company. I thought of Kyle of course, this would be a cool place to work!

We stopped for yogurt and soda at a little tiny shop on the eastern outskirts of Ait Ourir where we met Halima and some of her extended family. She was wonderful and so hospitable. She chatted in French with me for quite a while as we munched on our lunch. Her whole family lives in this beautiful little compound behind the shop. She let me use her washroom and gave me a tour of her home at the same time. It was immaculate and very welcoming, with the long benches full of cushions that are so common and welcoming around here. She offered us a place to stay and a couscous dinner on our return to Marrakech. Sure hope we can time it to take her up on her offer. I would have enjoyed spending all day talking with her.

I am once again very thankful for those years of French Immersion classes. It surprises me how quickly it comes back. However, we are getting further from the city and fewer people speak French here. I suspect it will get worse and we will soon have to rely on my Arabic… NOT!

Not much to see here in Touama but it is nice to finish early enough for our daily laundry dry in the sun. We also have a bit of time to tweak the bikes a bit and just plain relax. Apparently, I burned over 2000 calories riding today so it is now time to pig out! Life is good!
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Tidbits for Cyclists
53km from Marrakech Medina to Touama. Hotel on the west side of town is ok but not particularly cheap at 100 dh per person including breakfast
Climbs don't start in earnest until after Ait Ourir which fortunately is where the traffic really thins out. There are a few places along the way that sell drinks and cookies etc. but not much more than that.