| The next morning we arose early and had our breakfast around the gorgeous pool at the Hotel Kenzi Belere.
| We then proceeded to the oasis of Rissani and toured the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Sharif, first ruler of the current Alawite dynasty, in the mid 17th century.
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| | The handsome Beduoin guide at the Mausoleum had all the ladies lining up to get a picture with him!
| Then we visited the souk, where the desert people gather to trade. One amazing sight after another greeted us here. Throughout the souk we saw people of all types, Arabs, Bedouins, and the Berber people whose women wear black veils.
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| | This trip included some major shopping experiences, and we had some tour members who were well up to the daunting task of some world class shopping! Here Renée is examining a beautiful camel hair carpet which sold for a pretty price! She did not come home with it.
| This area of the Sahara is well known for fossils. They date from the Devonian period when the area was covered with a shallow sea. This factory cuts and polishes them into wonderful works of art.
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| | Late in the afternoon we began an optional excursion which turned out to be the most exciting of the whole trip. We boarded a fleet of 4 x 4 vehicles, and set out across the (not-so-trackless) desert.
| Along the way we saw more of the nomadic people living in their tents.
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| | As we drew near the 450 foot high Erg Chebbi dunes, our guide Ben showed us how to wear our scarves to be properly dressed to encounter the sand.
| Renée was brave enough to ride a camel to the top of the dunes. You will notice who stayed behind to take the pictures!
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| | In fact it seemed that the ladies of our party were much braver than the men. Almost all of the camel riders were women.
| The expedition set off across the sand to climb to the top of the dunes.
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| | The riders camped far up the dunes and waited for sunset. The sun creates a stunning effect as it sinks in the West, bathing all the sand dunes in a glowing pink light.
| Finally as the last rays of light faded from the sky my wife returned to me!
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NEXT DAY
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