Back to blue skies and sunshine

Hallo everyone

I am back in Morocco after a week in the UK visiting my little sister who had a birthday. As it was a surprise visit and she does read this blog I couldn't mention online what I was up to... would have spoiled the surprise!

I managed to get back through customs with all my cheese (and mango chutney, lime pickle, yellow bean sauce, crunchies, popadoms, jelly, mustard powder....) and am thinking about cheese on toast for lunch. Also came back with a really runny nose.

All the cats are well... I think Martha was the most pleased to see me as she doesn't get cuddles from anyone else (her choice) oh and Mohamed of course.

Although I do value the temperate climate and the year round green it provides, it is nice to have blue sky and warm sunshine.

all safe now

ooops sorry didn't mean to leave you all on the cliff edge. Yes Mohamed made it home on Wednesday night. He had to walk the last 10 km or so as the river had taken out half of the bridge further along the road and then dumped a load of rocks and trees over the road at the Nomades Paradis crossing.

Dad and I kept ourselves entertained and warmed by sitting wrapped in blankets watching Babylon 5 episodes.

The car did not get back to civilisation till the weekend when we managed to get it towed to Agadir. It then spent the best part of a week (and a lot of money) having the engine taken apart and put back together without the water or the water damaged parts. Next time I drive through a flood (not that I will ever again, promise) I have to first of all disconnect where the air goes in... and if it does get water in the engine not try to start it again till someone has wiggled some part or other to get the water out first... hey ho we live and learn.

When Mohamed did get back he had a harrowing tale of seeing a pickup truck that had been swept off the road by the flood just outside Taroudant. There were 4 children in the back and a driver who were OK but a baby and mother in the cab were drowned. This gave me some pause for thought over my reckless driving......

Dad should be home now. He couldn't get to the airport for his flight on 17th - even if we had a car or he had been in the hotel we couldn't have got in to Agadir. So he missed some wild snow and had some wild rain instead... as well as being invited for dinner at the local elected man's house to celebrate Mohamed (the prophet)'s birthday and going to the hamman with Mohamed (the husband) - which wouldn't have happened if he had left on time.

It is a bit damp again today but in between we have had some nice sunny days as you can see from the picture.

Latest news: Mohamed went to a meeting in the mosque on Sunday to be told that the work on getting the mains water supply to the village should be starting in June. They are going to build a water tower at the top of the hill to the west of us and pump from the road up to there before distributing it to all the village. This may well slip though as everyone has to contribute 2800 dirham for their meter and pipework before they start work.