We left Spain’s “Sun Coast” and crossed the Strait of Gibraltar into Morocco. After crossing the border (which included a temperature scan to make sure we weren’t carrying swine flu), we entered Africa and headed for our first stop: a camel ride! Camels stand around 8 or 9 feet tall, so the desert animals had to kneel down for us to stand a chance of climbing on. I found I have a renewed appreciation for bull riders, because I experienced first hand how difficult it can be to stay on top of a swaying animal! I grabbed onto the fraying ropes located at either end of the saddle, and when the camel got to its feet, I lurched forward, just to be pitched backward 2 seconds later. We took a short walk on the lanky creatures, had a few seconds for pictures, and then boarded the bus again to meet our guide for the day.
Our guide’s name was Abdul, and he was a local of Morocco. Apart from being fluent in several languages, he also insisted that he looked like Michael Douglas. Abdul explained the five pillars of Islam, traditional dress, and lifestyles of the Moroccan people before we entered thewhich is an old town enclosed in high walls.
We made our way through the narrow, maze-like alleys, and it didn’t take us long to realize that we were the only tourists in sight. We continued through the market streets (unaware that we were being accompanied by 2 undercover cops hired by EFCB) and passed small apartments that housed several families. After strolling along the stands of fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish that are sold daily there, we stepped through a low stone doorway into a surprisingly cool restaurant.
Our lunch was couscous and chicken, and we were entertained by a man dancing with a plate of lit candles on his head and by some musicians played stringed instruments. After stuffing ourselves with the tasty food, we tried out our haggling skills at a tapestry/rug store. After making a few bargains on the handmade items, we left to buy saffron, tea, oils, and perfumes from another shop.
Laden with souvenirs, we were escorted by Abdul back across the border. After joking about how sorry he was that he wasn’t going to get any of us to become his 4th (yes, fourth!) wife, we waved goodbye and sailed back across the Mediterranean, with dolphins swimming in the wake and another stamp in our passports.
Laden with souvenirs, we were escorted by Abdul back across the border. After joking about how sorry he was that he wasn’t going to get any of us to become his 4th (yes, fourth!) wife, we waved goodbye and sailed back across the Mediterranean, with dolphins swimming in the wake and another stamp in our passports.
