My why, my ask?
This is a few images of town, taken today during lockdown, 2 plus months after closing the borders to tourists and sheltering in place.
It all began with a dream in Africa.
Join force with the Berbere who’s heart was a big as the Sahara and restore his Grandfathers place: Create a gathering place for the locals to work and while sharing the culture with curious and creative travellers from all parts of the globe. With my love of transforming spaces and supporting locals through my travels and purchases, this unearthed a deep calling and I was lead and I jumped in completely.
Fast forward almost 4 years later, those that have followed along, know our story and the hurdles we have crossed . . . So this year 2020, we couldn’t have been more surprised, this was to be our first year that the bookings might have actually covered most of the costs - which would then have made which if fact had become my passion project, no longer any expectation of being reimbursed or supported but certainly would take off the ongoing stress. To be able to keep the place open and our local village workers as well as the local desert economy in much deserved and needed dirhams has become my mission . . . I have always been driven by supporting locals whether at home in my purchasing dollars or while I roamed the earth - I see now the ability to connect people to place, the local culture and handmade artisanal goods is what lights my soul on fire.
This is a few captures of what a typical day and market looks like in the little dusty desert town
These are a few captures of our travellers spending some cash with the local vendors at the weekly souk, everyone comes out ahead. The local hospitality and smiles light up everyone that makes the effort to engage with the community
The economy the world has been affected greatly by this pandemic and this little town in southern Morocco which relies heavily on the small amount of tourist dollars that pass through from the travellers the make the trek to experience the real life of the desert villages and onward to the grand dines of Erg Chegaga. I have been sharing as much as we can with all that are in need but with all of our bookings cancelled or postponed we have no work but we hold faith and continue to pay whoever we can. I will share my link to my paypal here as well on my social media accounts if any one has any extra money that would like to send. I will continue to try to help the most in need for as long as possible.
