Down to the River

Bridge at Oued Beht, between Khemisset and MeknesAs I continue to learn more about Khemisset, I feel that much more comfortable and fortunate to be assigned to this site. I learned recently from my host-family that in 1990, one of the rivers cutting through the Meknes region overflowed its banks and flooded the valley (no one was hurt). In spite of seeing more rainfall during the last couple of months than in California annual rain-cycle, there has been no flooding in the region this year.

The rain has made it difficult to dedicate time to house-hunting; the upside of this is that I can check for leaks when it is raining. The housing situation has not changed, I am still with the homestay family; but we're back to a "normal" diet instead of sheep at every meal.

River between Khemisset and Meknes, Morocco
Meknes Valley, Morocco

Goats in tree, MoroccoI came across a herd of goats climbing and foraging trees by the river banks. I spoke briefly with the shepherd, who was curious why I was taking pictures of his herd. In my very broken Moroccan Arabic, I told him that I had never seen such a thing1; he did not think it was unusual for his herd to be in the tree. Due to perspective, it is difficult to tell that the goats were a good ten feet off the ground in the picture.

The countryside continues to burst in a profusion of colors in response to the warming weather2 and rain-soaked loam. Note the solar panels on the house in the last picture; I did not notice the solar panels at the time and only came to my attention when I was reviewing reviewing images to delete.

Spring in Khemisset, Morocco
Spring in Khemisset, Morocco
Solar panel on house in Khemisset, Morocco

ethereal box of randomness
in buying poultry
according to my "health handbook": if possible, by a live bird and fatten it yourself for a week or two. choose a lively full-feathered bird. the coxcomb should be bright red and the feet smooth and not too scaly.
1. Volunteers in the Southern regions said it was a common sight, but did not realize the phenomenon was also seen in the Northern regions; as I was on my bicycle, I'm pretty sure I had not reached the Southern regions.
2. It is now warm enough that I neither require three pairs of socks to be comfortable going to bed, nor five layers of shirts (and a windbreaker) to walk around outside.

tags: ..
another point of view ...

Anonymous Anonymous


Hi Nam,
Any word in your area about the death of the egrets? Also if you would like to write anything at all as an article for the view from Fez... (I see you still haven't been there!) - say a general thing about Morocco - I would love to post it as a "guest contribution"

cheers
 

Blogger Jo Travels


I find the sheep really interesting. Too bad it didn't show they were ten feet from the ground.

You know what, there are many Moroccans here in Holland. Many of them came here in the early 1960s-70s as factory workers when Holland had such an economic boom. Its the biggest minority here, next are Turks, then Indonesians, Surinamers, Antilleans and Chinese.
 

Blogger Nam LaMore


SAMIR: i have not heard about egret death -- but i will look into it.

i had planned on going to fes this last weekend, but it became a big mess (trying to organize a group outing for independent-minded volunteers is like herding cats!) and those of us planning to go decided to postpone the trip for a few weeks.

as for being a guest contributor, ah .. let me send you an email and see what i can do!

THE DUTCHED PINAY: oh, i'm sure i'll have the opportunity to see these acrobatic, tree-climbing goats again. i didn't know there were so many moroccans in holland, i'll have to inquire moroccans like to hang out in der netherland. some of my moroccan friends want to go to canada or germany, but i'll have to ask them about holland.

have you gone to a moroccan restaurant yet? you'll love the tajine and salads.
 

Blogger Unknown


I would like to see some better pictures of tree climbing goats. :)
 

speak up!


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