Sabah　il Kheer,　　Sabah　il Noor,　Sabah　il-ward.　

The morning greeted us with clear blue skies and bright sunshine.　 The Hotel Kenzi Azghor　overlooks a pool and lovely patio. We can see much of
the city and gardens of Ouarzazate from here.

We begin the day walking through the older part of a city kasbah. Since there was no running water, inhabitants had to carry water from public
fountains. The streets are very narrow, no room for cars, just bikes and donkeys. One interesting shop had old, Jewish artifacts.

Next we toured a museum, the 17th　century　Kasbah de Taourirt. Led by a local guide, we saw many rooms, including the Favorite Wife’s room, a reception and bedrooms, hamam, plus a dumbwaiter. The guide explained how the size and placement of the windows allowed for the interior light
and ambient temperature to be regulated. Traditional decorative elements adorned walls and ceilings – pierced brass fixtures, wrought iron railings
and windows, tiled walls and ceilings.

Traveling on to our next destination, we stopped for a photo of ceramics against an azure sky.

We arrive at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, about 30 kilometers from Ouarzazete.　 A short walk leads us through a souk and then to some stepping stones across the small stream. Across the stream is the kasbah, where about 20 families live.　 Most of the group went all the way to the top, which was at least 5 levels, for a scenic view.　 Some went to the interior with one of the locals acting as a guide.

Lunch was wonderful: Lamb kabobs, vegetable tagine, and a special saffron rice a la Meli.　 After lunch we took off through the High Atlas
mountains.　 At a quick rest stop, Mary and Pat, following a local youngster, found a small field of the fall crocus and a single saffron thread inside
a spent bloom.　　 As the days journey continued, the argan trees began to appear. Also, we passed large citrus and banana groves. The banana trees
are quite small, and seem to be kept covered.

The day ended with our arrival at the Palais Salam hotel in Taroudant.　 The hotel, a former pasha’s palace, is built into the city walls and boasts a truly beautiful setting enclosing lush gardens, courtyards, fountains and pools.