Game of Thrones Fans will recognize that quote; the city of "Yunkai" is actually Ait Benhaddou where we are staying tonight (Thursday.) We started off in Marrakech this morning and had our rental car delivered to us. Be sure and check out the video of Chris driving through the Medina! The beautiful mountain picture is a mere 20 minutes later!
Our route took us through the Tiz and Tiki pass, one of the highest points in the Atlas mountains. Kids were amazed that there is snow in AFRICA! We also stopped in Telouet to check out an abandoned Kasbah. At home this place would have been snapped up as a wedding location. Here it is abandoned and neighborhood kids and goats roam freely. Crazy.
We are now at Ait Benhaddou. This is a Ksar ( fortified village) that has been abandoned. As recently as 20 years ago it was still a lively village. The townspeople have slowly left and now there are only 6 families in the whole village. 2 of the families have turned their homes into B&B's. Very cool. You roam around this big stone village and feel like you are all alone. It also happens to be the setting for many Hollywood movies and shows; GOT, the Mummy, Gladiator, Jack Ryan, Bourne movies, etc... We plan to get up early and hike to the top of the Kasbah and watch the sunrise. Wish me luck; stomping around in this boot for 200 steps is no small feat!
Getting out of Marrakech
Kasbah at Telouet
Driving through the Atlas Mountains
Scene from Game of Thones
Dinner Table at Ait Benhaddou
Getting to the Riad at Ait Benhaddou
What an adventure!! So cool .
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