Visit to Marrakech - Day 3

This day started very early. We set off to visit the Ouzoud waterfalls, which means Olive trees. The trip was long, about 3 hours to get there with a brief stop at a café/supermarket for those who wanted to eat something. 

Along the way there are large olive groves, which contrast sharply with the arid landscape. 

There are numerous unfinished houses that are inhabited. 

Some of the towns along the way were large, but most were houses scattered on windy days, one here and another quite far away. The landscape is arid with some vegetation, depending on the area. 

There are monkeys at the waterfalls! This was new to me, since in Portugal they are not seen roaming freely in nature, but there they were free and allowed us to take pictures with them. This was a good experience! 

The descent to the waterfall is pleasant, seeing a monkey here and there. With a brief stop for a freshly squeezed natural juice, very tasty. 

Arriving at the waterfalls we took the boat and went right up to the falling water. It's almost a bathing moment. Next, there's time for a swim in those waters, which feel really good in the heat, and where locals and tourists dive, swim, and have fun.

There's a fee for the bathroom.

Then the return journey begins. We went down one side, crossed the river, and went up the other, it's really nice. 

On the way up, a local family was coming up, grandparents, daughter, and granddaughter. The grandmother was carrying a bundle on her back, wearing a scarf and clothes that covered her completely, only her face and hands were visible.

Seeing the lady's difficulty, I grabbed her arm and helped her up. Suddenly, there was an explosion of joy, the whole family was laughing and singing. The lady, who previously struggled to climb, was now happily laughing. No one spoke English or French, but with so much laughter, words weren't necessary.

We came together halfway up, then I stopped to have lunch, and the grandfather signaled for photos. It was an honor - me, the elderly lady, and the granddaughter. A moment that cheered up this family and myself. Again, there was no payment for taking photos, but joy and friendliness.

After a short break for photos, there was lunch with good food.

The climb is good, there are several vendors, but the guide didn't let us stop, especially since the prices seemed more expensive than in the Souk.

Up there, the heat was intense, we got into the van and started the trip back to the hotel. Along the way, almost arriving in Marrakech, there were countless families sitting on the roadside grass, laughing, lying down and sharing in the cool air. This seemed to be their habit. 

Arriving at the hotel, it was time to change clothes and go out to explore Jemaa El Fna square. We had dinner at an excellent restaurant with two security guards right at the entrance. The customers all seemed to be foreigners, and the prices were high, but the experience was good. There was a group of local artists going from table to table and a magician performing small tricks.

The view from the restaurant, at the top of the building, was really nice.

We started our return to the hotel through the square, having a natural juice, and passing through the souk, which was starting to close.

Tomorrow, it's time to go back home to Portugal!

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Visit to Marrakech - Day 2

On this day I decided to visit the desert and see the camels. I booked a tour with a guide, and there are so many small shops where it's possible to book, but I did it online. It's very easy.

In the morning I had time to visit the Souk again, stroll through different streets and see different shops. There are shops with fixed price and others where the price is negotiated, after reaching an agreement, one must take it. Otherwise the vendors get really offended.

Water per day

What was surprising about this client was the fact that he drank a lot of water some days.

Usually when I ask my clients if they drink water, many say they don't like it, some say they don't remember to drink it, or if they do, they spend their lives in the bathroom, or because of the water their feet swell...

I needed this

This returning client in his 50s called to schedule a massage.

He didn't have much time so our conversation was brief.

But he needed to relax, so in his lunch break there he was.

He complained of back and shoulder pain, which was no surprise, as he was overweight, and had gain more kilos since his last visit, and he didn't exercise at all.

I need help, what can I do

This man in his 40s came seeking help. 

A married man with children, he talked about how his relationship had suffered over the years, especially due to the decrease in sexual activity. He felt he was insufficient to satisfy his wife, often ejaculating before he even "knocked on the door," much less entered.