Kasbahs, Co-operatives & Kebabs

Last updated: Jan 30th, 2019


In response to popular demand, here we are again, telling you all about our training trip to Morocco with Saint John the Baptist.  We know you’ve been waiting with baited breath for it!

The film set of Aït Ben Haddou

We were really excited to stop at the outstanding Aït Ben Haddou Word Heritage site. We climbed through the narrow winding streets to the top of this centuries old kasbah. Whilst listening attentively to our Field Study Tutor telling us all about the geographical importance of this now famous film location (set of everything from Laurence of Arabia to Gladiators and Game of Thrones), we were battered by a ferocious sand storm and had to retreat to a relaxing Berber tent for refreshment.

Sand blasted at the top of Aït Benhaddou
Sand blasted at the top of Aït Benhaddou

Supporting fair trade and beautiful skin

Our journey continued with more spectacular mountain scenery and a stop at a women’s Argan oil co-operative. This provides vital employment and income for women who find themselves in challenging circumstances. Our guide talked us through the process, from nut to finished cooking and cosmetic products. Frantic spending ensued (and we were only responsible for half of it!).

Women’s Argan Oil Co-operative

Our late lunch for the day was in the small linear town of Taddert. Easily voted the best chicken kebabs of the trip.

Farewell Saint John the Baptist school

An exhilarating journey through the Tizi-n-Tinififft pass with its incredible incised meanders took us to our final destination, Marrakesh. It was here that we sadly had to say goodbye to Saint John the Baptist.

Stay tuned to hear all about our adventure with  Cardiff High tomorrow!

Missed out on the first instalment of Jo, Cath & Sylvia’s Moroccan adventure? Read it here.