Weekend in Ifrane

We spent the past weekend in Ifrane, a town in the beautiful Atlas mountains with the family. It's about a three hour scenic drive from Rabat. Clean air, quiet relaxing town. Lots of city folk come for the fresh air, and I've been told doctors even used to prescribe a trip to Ifrane along with medication because of the fresh environment.

We took many a long walk with Younis and Ghalia preferring to push the stroller than ride in it.

Not sure what the deal is with the lion, but everyone takes pictures by it so why not.

And the cute little lake.

Ghalia and Younis have been getting along really well. Of course there are many a fight over who gets to push the stroller, play with the toy, etc. etc., but all in all more happy moments than stressful ones.

We went to the Sunday souk, market, where you could find pretty much anything you would need. Love the mounds of fresh fruits and vegetables, spices, herbs. A very memorable temper tantrum ensued here. Younis wanted to push his stroller more than anything. When he didn't get what he wanted, full on lie on the dirty dusty ground kicking and screaming. But eventually he got up and we moved on with a few more mini tantrums along the way through the aisles of used clothing, toys, kitchen supplies, food and more.

Then for some final excitement on our way out of town, we went to Le Cedre Gouraud, a famous tree on the road to Azrou. The area is mostly known for all the monkeys running around. I've been to Morocco many times, but had never seen the wild monkeys. After spending many afternoons at the Woodland Park Zoo this past spring and summer, it was quite a trip to see monkeys hanging out right next to us. We even got to witness a full on monkey battle, a few were chasing eachother up a tree screaming and showing their big teeth.

Ghalia and Younis loved it! Especially the horse ride around the forested area. Younis now has mastered the words horse and monkey.