We arrived early Friday, Sept 10 into Casablanca where the port was extremely large, busy, and polluted due to their export of prosperous.  The port area actually had a cloud over it due to all the dust.  Many voyagers got sick with upper respiratory problems as well as eye problems.  But we were all excited about being in this exotic Muslim country and anxious to get clearance so we could all go and explore.  Several of us left together as they keep saying "stay in groups".  We started heading to their main mosque which is the worlds third largest when a fight between 2 locals  developed across the street.  Soon after we heard an Arab passenger get out of a taxis yelling at the driver and they got into an altercation. As we approached the mosque we saw that 2 sides were on the sea with large waves coming into the breaker walls. A lot of kids were swimming and playing in the waves when we heard a bottle break.  It was a boy in his late teens who broke the bottle and put the jagged edge up to the neck of another youth.  It was all really crazy. It was pointed out to us it was  the last day of Ramadan and they had been fasting for 28 days and they were all little irritable.  That's putting it mildly!!  They fast not only for food but smoking, alcohol, dancing to name a few. The mosque was beautiful with detailed tile work all around the outside.  We were not allowed to go inside however.

 

We then ventured to the old town and walked thru one of their food markets.  We felt very uncomfortable as people were staring at us, not returning a smile and very unfriendly even somewhat hostile. Needless to say we didn't stay long and again attributed it to the long month of fasting and it was  getting close to sundown when the fasting would be over till next year. They were also very upset as they all have TV's with satellite dishes no matter how poor they are and they had heard the news of that crazy minister who was going to burn the Koran on Sept. 11. So there were several factors playing out.

 

The next day we went to Marrakech which is a large city that is made of beautiful pink buildings and  instantly felt warm and welcomed. Went to more mosques and the big bazaar which was great.  They sell spices, clothes, shoes,all sorts of wares, false teeth, yes that's what I said, and is also where the snake charmers,  fire-eaters,story tellers and monkeys entertain. A great place for people watching.  Unfortunately one of the adults in our group got bit by one of the monkeys and now is having to take the series of rabies shots. It's not only painful but VERY expensive. 

 

We sent 2 days in Marrakeche then went to a beach front town called Essaouia which was lovely.  This probably our favorite city.  It use to be a Portuuese stronghold the the 1600's and the wall and fort are still standing.  They have very talented craftsmen who creat exquisite decorative items.  We could have easily spent more than one night there.  We traveled some of the countryside and the rural areas are very poor with small 1-2 room homes made of mud bricks. They used donkeys exculsively to plow their fields, carry their loads after harvesting and rode them into the nearest town for supplies.

 

We returned to the ship which was a welcome reprieve after travelling in this third world country.  It does become your home.  You have  the security of reconnecting with your friends,the food, and a good bed to sleep in, and clean water.  We take so much for granted!

 

We are enjoying taking classes and being in this learning enviroment.  The students and faculty are great.  It's amazing how close you get with these people.  It will be sad to leave after Vietnam. There's a part of me that wants to do the whole trip.

 

I don't have much more to say without boring you all so I will left it at that.  After we left Morocco we stopped at Los Palmas which in the Canary Islands.  The City was very modern and very built up.  We arrive in Ghana in 4 days so doing alot of reading to prepare. I am still experimenting with the pictures so be patient as I can't yet edit them so I am not able to upload some of my favorites. Never the less  you should enjoy.  Hope you are all well and keeping those fires away.

 

Love to you all.

marty

 

 

 

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