June 4th

This morning we had to set an alarm :0 !!  0700 to make sure we were ready for 0800 pickup. Today we go to paradise -Paradise Valley, that is! Our apartment owner (landlord, I'll call him) arranged for the trip for us. Anyway, we were taken by a driver to meet up with two other couples. They were French, so our driver would explain things in both languages for all of us. He was able to transition well and spoke English well enough. So we loaded up in his van and off we went. Jeff and I were put in the front seat (probably because they were knew each other). This is great for better viewing and to talk with him.

He drove us a ways then let us out for included breakfast and a tour of a garden. A lady guide, who also speaks English and French, showed us different plants in the garden: Rosemary bushes, lemongrass and cactus – particularly, picklypear. Breakfast was bread with four little tagine jars for dipping the bread in. They were olive oil, argan oil, a peanut sauce, and lastly, dark honey. After we ate we were given a demonstration of Argan nut shelling and grinding. The lady guide said Argan oil is good for cholesterol, diabetes, and yada-yada. Then of course, we could buy samples. Also had olive oil, honey, pricklypear oil, and lemongrass oil, plus others. None of us bought any.

Moving on we were taken to a “look-out mountain” place for photo of Paradise Valley. It was another place. There were stairs to a look-out, photo-op. Of course, we were asked to buy trinkets from the shops we went through to get to lookout when we came back down. Nobody bought anything here either. 

Finally, we climb out of the van to hike “10 minutes” following our driver, now guide, to get to some wading pools in the valley of paradise caused by a river. There has not been rain at all in two years!! So there really is not a river, but rather a trickle of water that has been sandbagged to create the pools along what was once the riverbed. Anyway Jeff and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in the pool we were directed to. There were small fish, a few turtles, dancing dragonflies, but most importantly, cool, refreshing water to submerge in. It wasn't deep – maybe, three feet. We were allotted just over one hour. We spent around 40 min. in the water. But had to get out to dry some before lunch. We went to get our tagine!! Preordered a chicken tagine, we arrived and pretty much were served. It was different then our first tagines. This one – we shared – had carrots, potatoes, zucchini and onions; as well as the tender chicken. The seasonings again were a delight. I know I liked this one better. 

Anyway, we finished and time to leave paradise! Parting such sweet sorrow – but we hiked back out to our van, loaded up and back to Agadir! We again talked with the driver as the four youngsters slept. Driver dropped them off at their hotels, then took us to our apartment.  Great time! So glad we came.

Now we just unwound: did load of laundry; watched our ZOOM church service back home; ate supper of left overs to clear out fridge. Tomorrow will be another transition day – leaving Agadir!