A Journey of Handmade Beauty and Serenity: 8-Day Solo Trip for an 80-Year-Old Explorer
A Tailor-Made Pace for an 80-Year-Old Solo Traveler
In January, I embarked on an 8-day solo journey through Morocco. Sahara Breeze Travel designed a thoughtful, slow-paced itinerary specifically for me, an 80-year-old traveler. While most tours rush through Dades and Todra Gorge in a single day, they arranged a night in each location, knowing my love for mountains and nature. It was exactly the “slow travel” I needed.
Art and Life in Marrakech
My guide in Marrakech shared stories of his childhood, having grown up and attended elementary school right in the heart of the ancient Medina. I was mesmerized by the magnificent displays of fruit—towers of oranges and seasonal delights—and the fresh juice was truly delicious.
I found joy in browsing the local art. I even picked up two small paintings as mementos of the “Red City.”
Crossing the Snowy Atlas Mountains
The drive from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou took us over the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. I was lucky to witness the majestic Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in Morocco. Just a day after I crossed the pass, heavy snow closed the roads for two days—a reminder of how nature dictates the pace of life here.
Near Ait Ben Haddou, I met an artist who used a glass sphere to concentrate sunlight, literally “painting” with solar heat. As I climbed the hill to the viewpoint after resting at my Riad, I found many shops along the path selling these unique solar-scorched artworks.
The Magic of Dades and Todra Gorges
What stayed in my heart most were Dades, Todra, and the Sahara. In Dades Gorge, walking through the lush oasis fields and along the river tucked between towering rocks was breathtaking.
In Todra, it began to snow, but as the sky cleared in the evening, I walked through the oasis, feeling the quiet contrast between the cold air and the warm earth.
A Night in the Sahara: Luxury and Kindness
Riding a camel into the dunes was a dreamlike experience. The desert camp was incredibly luxurious and comfortable, equipped with heating—essential for the chilly January nights. Above all, the desert staff were exceptionally kind and attentive.
Hamid’s Guiding and the Wisdom of the Oasis
My driver, Hamid, was wonderful. Speaking fluent Japanese, his explanations were clear and insightful. What impressed me most was his tour of the Merzouga oasis. I was fascinated by the traditional irrigation system and the practice of growing various crops together. It reminded me of the sustainable farming movements in Japan—a reminder that “handmade” food, like handmade art, holds a soul and nutrition that mass production cannot replicate.
Moroccan Riads were very beautiful. The room in our Ait Ben Haddou Riad was exceptionally beautiful. However, staying in these traditional homes has its quirks; in Marrakech, the shower splashed everywhere, leaving the bathroom floor soaked! While modern hotels like Dades Paradise or the Riads right in front of the dunes were very comfortable, they didn’t quite capture my personal taste as much as the more traditional ones.
The room in our Ait Ben Haddou Riad
Reflections on a “Human” Way of Life
In the Rissani souk, I watched skilled cobblers, blacksmiths, and various artisans at work. I bought a pair of sandals directly from the craftsman who made them. It was a joy to see these traditions alive. In Japan, handmade items have become rare and expensive luxuries, but here, they are the fabric of life.
In the Rissani souk
A Heartfelt Thank You
From the delicious meals at the riads to the meticulous support from Kyoko behind the scenes, I felt truly cared for. I am deeply grateful to Hamid and Kyoko for making this unforgettable journey possible.
The most delicious dinner for me at a guest house in Todora