27/04/2026
As the travellers gathered around Louise Sedgman , ready to depart for day one of their street photography masterclass with Youssef, I quietly slipped out the ornate Riad door.
I was heading for the meeting spot with my driver, bound for the Ourika Valley. We rolled out of the red city of Marrakech with the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas peeking through a shroud of clouds.
Along the roadside, iron smiths had sculpted horses and animals from horseshoes. Mature trees in massive pots lined the way as far as the eye could see — destined for hotels, golf courses, homes. We passed olive groves carpeted with long grass, splashes of red poppies and other colourful wild flowers.
We ended up at Anima Gardens, and that’s where I stayed. I wandered the garden paths, sat in contemplation in a hidden courtyard with ornamental oranges, and watched birds bathe in the fountains while colourful butterflies dashed from shrub to shrub. Birdsong, the faint scent of roses and lavender drifting on the warm breeze.
A simple lunch at the café by a small stream with fountains. I was so enamoured by the garden I stayed for hours.
Returning to Marrakech, I relaxed away from the heat of the day, then strolled the souk in search of a costume for Louise’s masterclass in Essaouira — which, to my delight and relief, I found.
After a cup of herbal tea with Younis, I started back to the Riad and bumped into our travellers, cameras in hand, at a crossroads.
Actually, they saw me…
My masterclass that day was light, shadow, scent and stillness.
