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Errachidia the microcosm

         Errachidia is one of the most important touristy sites in Morocco. It is situated in the south-east of the kingdom. It’s among the most beautiful regions in the world thanks to many natural and man-made factors. The whole world is there.

         The vast region of Errachidia represents the weather of our planet during a whole year. The four seasons are already present the time you go there: The cool weather of the autumn in the oasis, the chilly winter in the Atlas Mountains, the warmness of the spring in the planes and valleys, and the hot weather of the summer in the Sahara.

         The more you go south the more minuscule you will feel comparing yourself to the vast desert and to the gigantic sand dunes that stand in the middle of nowhere like mountains. You also will meet up with the palm tree, the only tree perhaps that dies standing showing no pain or humiliation. Like the people of the region, palm trees defend their dignity even in death. Thirst here is not really a frightening word. Thirsty as they always are, the people struggle for survival. Trees, plants, reptiles, birds, insects and animals develop a resistance against thirst and can live without water for a long time. Palm trees do not really need much water to live and produce the delicious dates. The camel, as well, can live without drinking any water for more than a month in the very harsh conditions of the arid Sahara. The same can be said about scorpions, snakes, and salamanders. Known as the land of drought par excellence, this region is frequently invaded by the locusts when water seems to be abundant.

 


         Yet, despite all difficulties, those creatures reject the idea of drifting to more clement regions. They are made to live in those conditions, so the other places won’t be comfortable for them anyway. They are used to thirst and they like to be thirsty, not only in quest for water, but to search for all knowledge as well.

         If you have the opportunity to visit Errachidia, you’ll see the beginning of the world in miniature developing slowly under your eyes. You may believe you travelled through the time towards other dimensions. Is that all?! I don’t think it is!

 


Academic Year 2004 - 2005

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