Sunday, February 18.  Rather than walk around the city or visit the gardens, five of us hired a guide to take us into the Atlas Mountains for a three hour hike.  We hiked up to the jump off point for climbing the tallest mountain in Morocco, Mt. Toubkal, 4,167 meters. Gorgeous scenery.  Our guide knew everyone in the area as well as many American movie quotes.  Like Mohammad of a few days ago, he self-taught himself English.  Just a great time.  Others did a bicycle ride that exceeded their expectations.  Still others toured the local garden and had their own great experiences.  Summing up, a great time by all.

I took a great photo!  See below.

In  the evening we gathered to express our impressions of the tour.  I was frankly surprised by the number of companions that felt they’d learned a lot about muslims,  I.e., (I guess) that they’re not all bad people.  I never thought they were.  My experience in Bahrain and my background in history taught me that.  Anyway, I loved the desert as well as all the people we met.  Dinner was excellent, though I’d have preferred beef tagine rather than chicken.

Tomorrow we go to Casablanca.