From Oasis to the Sahara Desert

Travel from the Oasis to the Sahara Desert
Up early the next morning we caravanned by donkey out of the oasis and got back on the road heading toward Marzouga and the Sahara desert. The landscape changed again from dry rocks and low shrubs to a horizon of red sand dunes spreading across the east. We arrived to yet another welcome tea at the “auberge” (in Morocco they have few hotels but have instead the auberge, which is similar to a hostel. We were greeted by the fantastic sight of the brilliantly rich, royal blue robes of the “blue men”. The “blue men” are a Berber tribe of Saharan traders that host travelers from many cultures exploring the dunes of the Sahara. Because of the many cultures that visit these dunes, the blue men have learned, out of necessity, a great number of languages even though few have traveled outside of Morocco (the ones we spoke to had never been outside of Morocco). Our guide spoke Berber, Arabic, English, Italian, Portugese, Japanese, French, and Spanish. This playful group of blue clad men merrily initiated a game of dominos over our welcome tea. There was a lively and friendly dispute over game rules, although all agreed Mary the winner. The stakes were high, as the winner was to be treated to a fine meal of tagine. The evening brought a domed ceiling of stars, nothing like we had ever seen before. We were amazed at how clear we could see the Milky Way! Inside the candle-lit dining lounge, we were treated to a delightful evening of blue men drumming and dancing. We commented how these rhythms were much more refined and complex than the others we had heard. We speculated that the quiet desert environment inspires much more silence, and therefore space and interaction to their musical style.