A Leap of Faith

We woke up early in the morning to eat breakfast before catching our van for our trip. We were headed to Ouzoud Valley to hike around, see the waterfalls, and swim in the river there. The drive took hours, but we were able to see more African scenery which was really cool.

The desert 

The beautiful mountains

When we did finally arrive, we explored many dirt trails that took us down hill (I just kept thinking about how I'd have to walk uphill later which was a bummer). On the way, we passed many locals with their donkeys and had to make way for them because the roads were so narrow. We also came across a few monkeys who wanted to play (but I didn't touch them because, unlike others traveling with us, I DIDN'T WANT TO DIE. Neither did my roomies). 

We traveled further down the trail until we finally reached a small waterfall, that was two meters tall. Our guide gave us permission to swim and jump off the falls, but everyone in the group seemed really hesitant. Sara and I, though, were eager to jump. Sara went first, but I soon met her in the water. It was so cool, I did it three more times. 

When everyone who wanted to jump had a turn, our guide took us behind the waterfall to show us a natural jacuzzi. I wish I could've taken pictures, but I definitely would have lost my phone/camera in the water. After some more swimming, our guide asked if anyone in the group wanted to try a higher jump, because he knew a safe place. No one raised their hands, except me. Then one other guy decided to join me as I made my way towards the jump. 6 meters off the ground, I was going to run and jump. The other guy went first, and our guide took Sara, who offered to take photos for me, across a bridge for a good angle. I was a little jittery, but I knew it was just excitement. I screamed on the way down, but not because I was scared, it was just fun.

To give you some perspective

An incredible rush

After that, we finally made our way towards the larger waterfalls, the ones we couldn't jump off of. It was only a little farther down the trail, and it was incredible. I was able to get really close to it, which is why a few of my photos are blotched with water stains. 

For lunch, there was a restaurant at the top of a hill right in front of the waterfall. We got a seat by the edge, and as we ate we watched the people below. We even saw a local scale the rocks next to the falls and jump in, thinking we were about to witness his death. But instead, a rainbow formed and the man made it safely to shore. 

I wasn't lying about the rainbow

We climbed back up the hill and made it back to our van. Within a few hours, we were once again in busy Marrakesh. Morocco has this bread that they serve at every meal thats the size of my face and incredibly yummy that a person can buy on the street for a single diram (a penny in U.S), which we grabbed for dinner, considering we were still pretty full. We went back to the hostel and showered, and ended up watching a movie before heading off to sleep.