17th day, May 2nd 2023

Agouni – Touama

Salam!

The night was absolutely peaceful, not a sound to be heard! Breakfast was scheduled for 9 a.m. and was traditional, with olives, honey, different kinds of bread, and, as is often the case, a piece of "La Vache qui rit" cheese.

I left the valley by driving on the same road as yesterday. I stopped near an ATM to withdraw some dirhams. Only one of the two machines was working, and there were about five or six people ahead of me. When they noticed I was there, they insisted I go ahead of them to withdraw my money. It was indeed very hot inside my riding gear, so they weren’t wrong, but their kindness and consideration really touched me!

My next stop was the André Heller gardens. Originally French but having made his career in Vienna, Heller is an author, artist, and sculptor who created "Anima," a garden where art, sculptures, and lush vegetation blend beautifully. It was very relaxing and pleasant to wander under the shade of the trees.

After the visit, I continued on and found my hotel (https://maps.app.goo.gl/3uj6nqTj8VUgjUW86). On arrival, a heavy chain with a padlock made it look like the place was abandoned. I called, and was told the owner’s father would be arriving shortly. While waiting, I passed the time at a restaurant about a hundred metres away.

I returned to the hotel, and indeed, they were expecting me. The hotel, recommended on a motorcyclist’s blog, was in a pretty poor condition… But well, it will do for one night.

Today, I covered 94 km in 2 hours and 10 minutes.