A Journey Back in Time

As the sun began its gentle ascent over the horizon, I found myself atop a noble steed, embarking on a journey that promised to be as timeless as the tales of old. The air was crisp, carrying with it the scent of the sea and the whispers of the mountains. It was a morning that seemed to have been plucked from the pages of a romantic novel, where every moment was steeped in the beauty of nature and the promise of adventure.

Our path led us along the National Route 1, a road that seemed to weave its way through the very heart of Awrir. The journey began at the ranch, a place where the horses were as much a part of the landscape as the mountains themselves. As we rode towards the fields of Banana Village, the world around us seemed to come alive with the vibrant colors of the morning. The river of Tamragh glistened in the early light, a ribbon of silver that guided us towards the Atlas Mountains.

The ascent was gentle, the path winding its way through villages that seemed untouched by time. Each turn revealed a new vista, a new story waiting to be told. It was a journey that reminded me of the train travels of my youth, where each mile brought with it a sense of wonder and discovery.

A Taste of Tradition

As the sun reached its zenith, we arrived at the village of Tamarout, a place that seemed to exist in a world of its own. Here, we were welcomed by a Berber family, whose hospitality was as warm as the midday sun. The invitation to share a traditional lunch was a gift, a moment of connection that transcended language and culture.

The meal was a feast for the senses, a symphony of flavors that spoke of the land and its people. Each dish was a testament to the rich tapestry of Berber culture, a reminder of the simple joys that come from sharing a meal with others. It was a moment that brought to mind the dining cars of the old trains, where strangers became friends over shared stories and laughter.

As we lingered over our meal, the conversation flowed as easily as the mint tea that accompanied it. The stories of the Berber people, their history and traditions, were as captivating as the landscape that surrounded us. It was a reminder of the power of travel to connect us to the world and to each other.

The Beauty of the Setting Sun

With the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the mountains, we began our journey back. The descent was a leisurely one, the pace allowing us to savor the beauty of the landscape. As we made our way towards Banana Beach, the sky began to transform, the colors shifting from the bright blues of day to the warm hues of sunset.

The view from the mount was nothing short of breathtaking, a panorama that seemed to stretch on forever. The sea shimmered in the fading light, a mirror reflecting the beauty of the sky above. It was a moment that captured the essence of slow travel, where the journey is as important as the destination.

As we descended to the beach, the day came to a close with a session of tea, a fitting end to a journey that had been as much about the experience as the destination. The tea, infused with the flavors of local plants, was a reminder of the simple pleasures that travel can bring.

This horseback adventure was a journey that spoke to the heart, a reminder of the beauty that can be found in the world when we take the time to look. It was a day that will linger in my memory, a testament to the power of travel to inspire and renew the spirit.