Berber Van

Whilst on the campsite at Marrakesh, Youssef called round, saw the throw that I had bought for the van and suggested that we had it made into proper covers – he knows a tailor in Essouaria who can do it cheaply...!

Once we had settled in at Essouaria, Youssef came round to measure the seats covers, then disappeared off to the tailor to get an estimate. He came back later with a very reasonable quote and disappeared again, this time taking some of the cushions and the throw with him. The covers were to be ready by the same time the next day [but I couldn’t see how the tailor could possibly make them all from the one throw!]

Youssef is a lovely young man, very serious and very thoughtful. In the afternoon, he came by with a carved walking stick for Richard “because you are a good man” [Richard and Cheryl were nearly in tears]. He’s 28 now but Ray has known him for years and put him through college to do catering, and he now helps out on all the Desert Detour trips. In fact, Steve, Hammid and Youssef now take some of the smaller trips on their own without Ray or Debbie.

We spent all the following morning round the van sorting out the covers. As expected, the tailor had had to skimp with the material and one cover had to go back to be made bigger. However, he’s done a great job for a low cost and in double quick time but, knowing what I know now, I would have bought material specifically for making into covers and made sure there was enough of it. But, thanks to Youssef's enthusiasm, we now have a "Berber van”!

Youssef