Before stopping at the market we make a "rest stop." Toilets are no longer
"just a hole in the ground". Running water, a bucket, and a place to put your
feet. But don't worry, there were "western" style toilets in almost
all restaurants and rest stops.
Market day is also a chance for neighbors
to rest and visit over a cup of hot mint tea.
The produce is laid out on tarps and carefully
mounded so as to make the best presentation.
Every salesman knows that to make a sale
you first have to catch the customer's eye. Doesn't he do a wonderful job?
We have "farmer's markets" in Minnesota but more
often then not the product is shipped from far away in
cardboard boxes. This is a real "farmer's market."
Each farmer has his specialty vegitable or fruit.
Whether you want cabbage, beets, turnups, beans,
or anything else it is all fresh.
Fresh mint for tonight's tea.
But this market doesn't only sell fruits and
vegitables. You can also replinish your lifestock herd.
Goats or sheep for your herd, or perhaps the next feast.
Sometimes you just have to carry your purchase home.
Do you need a donkey or mule?
This is what you call "fresh turkey".
No "fresh frozen" poultry here.
Perhaps you need some spices for that tajine tonight.
It is raining hard so we stop half way
down the falls to have lunch.
Hot mint tea! Just what our cold bodies needed.
Refreshed and full of energy, I follow the wet footpath
and stairs cut into the rock face and earth to the bottom
of the falls. The water cashes off a succession of rocky ledges
to fall into the canyon of Wadi el-Abid 328 feet below.
As the sun peeks between the rain clouds
the falls burst into the light.
In the fig trees which grow along the path you may find the famous Berber monkey,
but not always. Our guide didn't even want to mention them because they are so
elusive. But, as luck would have it, a whole tribe followed me up the
path from the bottom of the falls.
Getting a close-up photo is a bit tricky.
And one last belly dancer and
memories to last a lifetime.
Belli at the Grand Titons, June 2015