Ascending the narrow paths of my valley community, the sounds of pounding metal can be heard from within sand-colored dwellings. Ornate daggers of all shapes and sizes are being meticulously crafted by local artisans. Smoke snakes through the air. Gravel crunches rhythmically beneath our feet as blue mountains, topped with white peeks, emerge in the distance. Lush green grass and willowy trees sprout near a streaming brown river; an oasis in the dry climate. Jaunty greetings in Tamazight are exchanged with handshakes and kisses on the cheeks.
An hour and a half’s walk down gently winding dirt paths brings a neighboring sand castle city closer into view. The city reveals shops, cafes and cyber cafes filled with customers draped in flowing garb. The air is dry and the sun is hot. Just beyond the city, a market teams with activity. Eyes are struck by the beam of bright colors. Radiant beads, blankets, clothing and head wraps can be seen in all colors of the rainbow; their colors matched by eggplant, oranges, tomatoes, bananas, dates and other fresh produce. The aroma of spices permeates the air from open bags at intermittent stalls. Donkeys stand idle in the narrow paths. Salty roasted peanuts; sweet chewy dates; and soft, steamed chick peas sprinkled with cumin tantalize taste buds. Walking back down the dusty road, our bags filled to the brim with the bounty for the week, our stomachs satisfied, I am already eager for next weeks’ trip to the Souk.
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