Geography Trip to Morocco 2007

This Easter a group of intrepid explorers departed on the first ever Dollar trip to Morocco. Following a short introduction to the vibrant city of Marrakech, exploring the souks and the Djemma el Fna with its snake charmers, musicians and acrobats, the group headed south to the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains.

Mules were loaded with food, bags and building materials and in pursuit we set off to ascend a mountain pass and reach the village of Agouns, only accessible on foot or by mule. The village clings to the steep, barren sides of the Ourika Valley, home to 600 people who live an almost self-sufficient lifestyle farming their terraced fields.

The group worked alongside the village men to improve their water supply and reservoir for irrigation water, passing stones, sifting sediment, mixing concrete and entertaining the locals with their songs and laughter. Many a glass of “Whisky Berber” (mint tea) was drunk. The visitors were welcomed with true Berber hospitality, being invited into houses to drink more mint tea and consume pancakes. Everywhere we went the local children followed, delighting at meeting us and receiving the small gifts we gave them. On the final night (as the snow fell around us) the village men entertained us with traditional Berber music and dancing. They appeared to enjoy our renditions of Scottish songs, our ceilidh dancing and hymn 412, sung with gusto.

It was a chilly 5am start which saw us up and walking out of the valley, descending along ancient mule tracks and among the terraced fields, finally reaching our destination and yet another sumptuous Berber feast laid out before us.

We ended our stay in the charming coastal town of Essaouira. Following our manual labour we were delighted to be reunited with flushing toilets and showers, and to enjoy some relaxation, bartering, shopping and camel riding.

Pupil Accounts

Looking back on my trip to Morocco I realise how much it changed my life. I don’t think I have ever had a more amazing time. The places, the people, the food (sometimes!) and the project were all amazing. The time we spent in the mountains, helping to improve the villagers’ way of life, was so fulfilling and gave me a sense of pride so great that I could have stayed there buildings water tanks and passing buckets of concrete for far longer.

Gillian Ireland, Form III

I felt that Morocco was a life changing experience. Not only was it a chance to make friends with other pupils but I also got the opportunity to meet many Moroccan people, especially Omar, our mountain guide, and none of us will forget the faces of the toddlers as we gave them our gifts, their faces lit up in delight.

The community project in the Atlas Mountains was a great experience in itself. It consisted of replacing a mud dam with a new concrete dam which would collect water for channelling to the fields for irrigation, and building a water tank that would be their source of clean water and eventually would be tapped by pipes. We were put to good use passing buckets of cement and carrying rocks which would then be used to build the dam and tank. I wondered how the work progressed so far in such a short space of time as there were regular stops for mint tea.

Tom Haddow, Form III

Marrakech gave us the opportunity to experience an unfamiliar culture; the endless souks engulfed tourists, presenting them with fine gifts and merchandise created by the people of the city. At nightfall we witnessed the local musical entertainment as well as creating a scene of entertainment ourselves by becoming involved with the entertainment in the Djemma El Fna; henna was painted across the arms and legs of males and females alike and drew admiration from each other at the different patters and symbolism of each.

The vast Atlas Mountains provided many photographic opportunities for the group, the snow covered tops and rich grassland became a familiarity as we stayed in the Berber village; as we trekked up the steep hillside we relied one ach other for support and energy to keep us going. Although tough to get to, the top came as a sense of fulfilment but it wasn’t over yet! Adrenaline pumped through us as we steadily descended to our campsite in the village of Agouns.

Used to the comfort and warmth of our beds back in the UK the feeling of a sleeping bag took some time to get used to. The heat penetrating down during the day however, made up for the chilly nights and eventual snow towards the end of our mountain stay. The Berber’s greatly gained from our visit to the village as we passed rocks and hacked into the valley to build a reservoir with the eventual aim of providing a clean water supply for the village. Our last night consisted of laughter and singing from the male villagers and ourselves; we were proud to sing the praises of Dollar with the familiar tune of hymn 412 as well an enjoy dancing to the beating drums and traditional Berber music.

Although a sad day to be leaving Agouns, to some it was a relief at the prospect of being able to shower and wash their hair is Essaouira. We marched down the valley on a glorious day with no clouds in sight, being greeted by the occasional cluster of children eager to be given balloons. The views we took in replayed in our minds whilst we napped in the car on the long journey to towards Essaouira. Once there we shopped! The group were given the freedom to explore the less hectic souks hidden behind the large walls surrounding the coastal town. The beach was a breath of fresh air and we were able to experience our first camel ride. Essaouira provided everyone with the time to relax, enjoy some fine Moroccan meals and by the time we headed home we were refreshed, excited and knowledgeable about Morocco and this trip of a lifetime.

Elizabeth Page, Form VI