WTM!?: Atlas Studios

So with a little hint from Sarah and some great guesses, we come to the answer. The picture was taken at Atlas Studios outside Ouarzazate. Who would have guessed that Morocco has a thriving film industry?

The industry centers around the desert town of Ouzazete. Dozens of movies were made there starting with the sequel to Romancing the Stone, and continuing with Gladiator and The Mummy and recent movies such as Kingdom of Heaven and The Hills Have Eyes II.

The best part is that most of the coolest sets are still left standing, slowly decaying in the desert. For a small entrance fee we were allowed to go in and wander around at whim. It was a strange experience to walk out of Cleopatra's room and into the Old West. Or to see the huge castle from Kingdom of Heaven sitting in the distance. There was a tour later, but this was nothing compared to the fun we had just snooping around like time travelers.

Oh and I have no explanation for the black smoke in the distance. To that I can only say T.I.M (This Is Morocco).