For as long as I can remember, visiting Marrakesh and climbing the Atlas Mountains has been on my bucket/wish list of things to do before I turned 60. I was always drawn to the vibrant culture and rich history of Morocco, and the Atlas Mountains represented a physical challenge that I was eager to undertake. Finally, on my 58th birthday on June 25, 2023, I had the opportunity to make this dream a reality, and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
Upon my arrival in Marrakech, I was greeted with a warm welcome by the staff at Sol Oasis Marrakech, my hotel for the trip. The hotel was beautiful, with stunning views and luxurious amenities to help me relax and unwind after a long journey.
After a well-deserved rest, I spent the day exploring the vibrant city of Marrakech. The hotel provided a free shuttle service to and from the city, which made it easy for me to navigate and enjoy the sights and sounds of this wonderful city. I visited the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, which was bustling with activity and vibrant energy. I also visited the Bahia Palace, a stunning example of Moroccan architecture, and the Koutoubia Mosque, a beautiful landmark in the heart of the city.
I used the second day to rest, refresh and recharge by the poolside of the hotel in preparation for the big day.
On the third day, my birthday had arrived, and it was time to tackle the Atlas Mountains.
I had trained for months to prepare for this moment, and I was filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. I was picked up early in the morning by my local guide Abderrahim Ait Braim. We stopped by at Azrou and Moulay Ibrahim before arriving at the starting point of the climb.
The climb was challenging, with steep inclines and rocky terrain. But the scenery was breathtaking, with stunning views of the valleys and peaks stretching out as far as the eye could see.
As we climbed higher, I felt a sense of accomplishment that I had never experienced before. It was not just the physical challenge of the climb, but the knowledge that I was achieving a lifelong goal that had sustained me through many difficult moments in life. Every step was a reminder of the power of determination and perseverance.
When we reached the summit of Toubkal, the highest mountain in Morocco, the feeling was indescribable. I stood at the top of the world, with the wind in my hair and the sun on my face, and I felt a sense of pure joy and fulfillment. To celebrate my achievement, I placed a special “drive motivation hematite rosary with matte black onyx” on my neck. It was a moment that I will never forget.
After we descended from the mountain, we visited a Berber village, where we learned about the traditional way of life of the Berber people, who are the indigenous people of North Africa. We were invited into a local home and enjoyed a traditional tajin meal, which included couscous, lamb, and vegetables. I watered down the meal with 2 liters of water, my first time drinking that much water after a meal. Afterwards, I was driven back to my hotel. I left the hotel at 7.15am and came back at 7.30pm in the evening.
On the final day of my trip, I took some time to rest and relax at the hotel before my flight back to London. I enjoyed a delicious breakfast buffet and spent some time lounging by the pool. The staff at Sol Oasis Marrakech were incredibly hospitable and made sure that I had everything I needed to make my stay comfortable and enjoyable, including endless food and drinks.
As I left Marrakesh and returned to my daily life, I felt a sense of transformation. I had achieved a goal that had seemed impossible at times, and in the process, I had learned so much about myself and the world around me. I had discovered the power of perseverance, the beauty of other cultures, and the joy of experiencing new things. Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains will always hold a special place in my heart, as a reminder of the power of dreams and the possibilities that lie within each and every one of us.
