The sun was already fading over the horizon. Darkness was slowly creeping in as we staked our seats around the fire pit. There were few of us then, in a matter of minutes, all the seat around the fire pit was taken. Everybody was looking for the master of the fire pit – the fire bender!

The flames were flickering from the kindling. Twigs were added to the fire, then sticks, then a few logs. Each one layered on top of each other to create a blazing fire.

It started with swaying movements around the fire pit. Dance-like motion that followed the rhythm of the music. The music itself was a vibrant mix of Arab, Amazigh (Berber), Andalusian, and Sub Saharan African melodies.

Two fireballs, attached to flexible cords, were twirled in rhythmic motion. Slow rhythmic movements, gradually increasing in intensity, until the fire balls became one flaming illusion. The show continued in this fashion. The fireballs twirled and swirled to create fire images.

The grand finale was preceded with flames blown into the night air. Multiple times! The grand finale itself was the fire ball twirled with such force that sparks of flames created a brilliant circle of light!

Thus, ended our visit to Agafay Desert. Our trip back to the hotel was slow. The night air was warm and dry. The van’s air conditioner was barely able to keep us cool enough.

Tomorrow, we start the long bus trip to Casablanca.

Random photographs of our travels. Memories found and captured in a photograph.