thomas with moroccan womanToday we went on an adventure in the Ourika Valley and into the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, roughly an hour and a half outside of Marrakech.

We toured six Berber villages and also a kasbah before arriving at the home of Lenta, who presides over a nine-member tribal family in a spacious adobe home that’s been in her husband’s family for generations. I was overdressed, but I was welcomed anyway — but not before being put to work making bread with the eldest daughter Safiyah.

thomas and man with camels

After I was given a tour of the house — to which the men are constantly adding new rooms — Lenta served us a sumptuous feast that included several tagines. It was easily the best meal I’ve had in Morocco, and nary a Michelin star to be found. Following lunch, I got to meet the family’s camels!