It seems a long time since I wrote the last blog of my 'Atlas Adventure', but it is just so good to be back again that I feel that I ought to write a little about the latest adventure.

I was so excited to be coming back yet at the back of my mind lurked a tiny doubt that this trip might somehow not quite live up to the last one which I had SO enjoyed. But I needn't have worried: from the moment of my first lovely welcome from Khadija and the girls who were waiting by the side of the road as I arrived all fears were allayed. It was so good to see the few girls that I knew from before, together with Khamisa and Latifa, the cook and cleaning lady, and then to meet the 30 odd new girls with hundreds of hugs and kisses! There were so many changes in the house, from the greenness of the garden to the sofas in the hall, the colourful pictures on the wall and of course the computers (as well as plenty hot water so cold showers would be a thing of the past!) After a supper of my favourite tajine it was clear that the girls were planning something. I couldn't believe that it would be a welcome party, and sure enough it turned out to be a surprise birthday party for Khadija. The girls had decorated the 'salon' with balloons and the music was at full volume. They absolutely insisted that I dance and there was great hilarity at my rather pathetic efforts at Arabic style dancing - they seem able to wiggle not only their hips but their shoulders and tummies all at the same time! So it was with some relief that we could eventually stop to eat cake and then head off to bed, but at the same time it was just lovely to feel so embraced in all their warmth and enthusiasm.

Coming down to breakfast the next morning felt like a real homecoming - I had forgotten how everyone greets each other with several kisses in the morning at lunchtime and probably several other times through the day. Khadija took me on the rounds of the other housemothers in Asni so after what seemed like gallons of super sweet mint tea and biscuits we eventually rolled back.

Otherwise I have done quite a bit of English teaching which has been just great - the girls are as enthusiastic as ever, though the range of ability and confidence in English is huge, but they do seem hugely appreciative of the extra help and love the games - the more competitive the better.

Life is always full of surprises here and the main one has been cycling (something I didn't imagine I would be doing!) A couple of bikes have been donated so a bunch of girls goes out every evening either to mess around or more impressively to learn how to ride a bike. Today I went on a bike ride with Kaltoum, one of the more proficient cyclists who is planning to enter the Atlas Etape. She did very well on the road to Imlil and the rest stops were a great chance for me to soak up the spectacular views of the snowy range of Toubkal high above and the clouds of white apple blossom and brilliant patches of green barley in the valley below.

Otherwise I haven't managed to take quite as much exercise as planned as Khadija has been very keen to go on early morning walks before breakfast, which are lovely though the pace is a little slow as she needs frequent rests! However, I did have a marginally more energetic walk with four of the girls, as well as a fascinating conversation about how most of the girls of their age in their villages are already married and of their determination to go to university and have a career. They even quizzed me as to my dreams for the future and were a little bemused when I said I wanted to be a grandmother! One of them (whose father is a mountain guide) insisted on taking me up a very slippery and gritty hill, but they were very solicitous in taking my hand and at one point even pushing me from behind!

My other pastime has been weeding the garden, and today we had a great time at the souk, buying new plants as well as fruit and veg for the week ahead. It was just fantastic to see the wonderful choice of home grown strawberries, mandarins, peas and beans as well as tomatoes, aubergines, and all sorts of root vegetables, not to mention a colourful medley of plastic kitchenware and clothes and equally colourful displays of spices and olives.

And finally I have been back to the hammam which is as wonderful as ever especially as we went shortly after I'd done a walk and run up to the plateau behind the house where the views were spectacular and the flowers just lovely. Sitting for two hours in the hot steamy hamman scrubbing away was very relaxing and I felt squeaky clean as a result.

I rounded off the weekend with a bike ride almost to Imlil but I was defeated by the final hill and the slightly wonky bike but it was a great ride back - downhill all the way!

What a wonderful first few days!