Morocco - Asni
From Marrakech take the s 501 towards the Tizi-n-Test
valley.
Ansi will be the first major village that you pass through after
Tarrandout. The village has been the centre of many stories
through the years; mainly bad. The talk of people being ripped
off is written in all of the guides. My views of the village
were different, yes I felt a desperation ( so would you if most
people drove through your village and did not stop) from the
local village people. The only hotel closed, the only camping closed so no tourists....The once a week souk the highlight
of your existence. The tourists going to Imlil change from one form of taxi to another in the village square,
so you have to be fast to sell your jewelry
and carpets.
Looking up the valley. In the village you will find a sign marking
the route to the mosque de Tinmal. This mosque is open to all religions, so a visit is possible.
There are only 2 mosques in Morocco which let you inside.
The apple is the village's main source of income, during the
September harvest the village is a hive of activity with the
8.5 ton lorries spending their time between the fields and Marrakech.
Watch out when you are driving, as the road is only one car
wide in places.
Asni shopping
Here you will also find Houssa
selling his wears. Houssa has an indepth knowledge of the local
mineral and fossil deposits which are found in abundance in
this mineral rich area. Last year, he gave a television interview
( TF2 Fr) on the minerals found in this region, so stop by and
drink a mint tea if you want to find out more on the way out
of the village.
The Souk of Asni brings people to the village each Saturday.
Garage Asni with Omar. Your "Last fill" before the
Tizi-n-Test Col. The baker. Ask for a hobs, that's the local
name for the bread..
