Morocco: Hot Air Ballooning and a Little More of Marrakech

Hot air ballooning at sunrise. An incredible experience. 

Our very experienced pilot for the morning. He does this around the world as he follows the seasons.  There were 16 passengers in our basket.

Getting the balloons ready to soar.

The balloons are ready to fly and we scramble aboard.  Men hold the balloon in place until we’re all in the basket.  They let go and suddenly we’re airborne. 

Sunrise viewed in a hot air balloon outside of Marrakech. 

Floating on a ray of sunlight. 

Fascinating view of the countryside.

It’s very dangerous having two balloons touching.  These were inexperienced pilots.

Too close together.

A local baker.  People bring their uncooked loaves of bread and he bakes them.  He charges the equivalent of 10 cents per loaf.
  

There’s a great deal of excitement at the Marrakech Square. Many people trying to make money off the tourists. Snake charmers, monkey handlers with a collar around their necks, tons of sunglasses stands, Knick knacks of all kinds, and every evening the square fills with portable restaurants and countless people. 

Creative fruit arrangements. 

A little local color

There’s plenty to buy in the town square.

The square in Marrakech in the evening.  Once the sun sets everyone comes out and the square is a mass of humanity.