On the train, one of the women told us “Casablanca, it is nothing”, with a flick of her wrist as one would do to shoo a fly. “Fes is the real Morocco.” Keep that in the back of your mind and let’s see what unfolds. I mentioned there were four women in our compartment. All young…
The train to Fes
Boy, for a travel day, the adventure expanded exponentially. Is it easy to take a train in Morocco? Sure. Quick taxi to the new Casa Voyeuger station in Casablanca, trains clearly listed on the big airport style display…well, anyway, there was no confusion. We got on the train, shared a first class compartment with 4…
Very dry city
I haven’t had a drink in years, and yet it was unnerving, in a city of millions where the busy streets are filled with activity, to walk block after block without seeing a single bar or liquor store. Where were the beckoning neon signs, the glistening bottles behind glass, the beer joints catering to the Bukowskis…
Morning Medina
After a refreshingly good night’s sleep, we went down to the breakfast buffet this morning. What a huge selection. Moroccan specialities along with some European standards. I wanted to try the famous Moroccan mint tea. Normally super sweet (I’ve heard), I took the no sugar choice. Delightful. Then off to Casablanca’s Medina (ancient market). A…
The African Journey Begins
Our flights were thankfully unremarkable. Touch down in Casablanca and then the slow movement through passport control. We were overly confident that finding an ATM to withdraw a wad of Moroccan Dirham would be a snap. Not so much. I was vaguely surprised to see a Bank of Africa ATM. “Unusual “, I thought. Until my…
Casablanca
Flying in: lots of leg room; flight 2/3 full; caught up with some movies, the best being Trier’s “The Worst Person In The World.” Landing at the extensive airport outside of Casablanca in a murky early morning mist to join a long snaking line of entrees at passport check-in. Colorful group! The Lagos contingent in their long…
African Touch Down
We arrived in the crazy (so described by the locals) city of Casablanca this morning. As the sun was rising, our aircraft was descending into the Mohammed V airport located about 20 miles from Casablanca. And that my friends, is all I’ve got in me today. I promise tomorrow Grubb and I will regale you…
We’ve got this one mapped out
Here is a map and our itinerary. We are moving around more quickly than is usual for us – but hey – change is good.
Coming in October: Morocco
October 19 – November 10. We explore Morocco. It’s our first time there and the first time on the continent of Africa.
Is it already over?
The last day of our one week reunion on San Juan Island has come to a close. Tomorrow (Tuesday 6/14) we take the 11am ferry back to the mainland and make the two hour drive to Seattle. Nancy and Claudia have flights booked home for tomorrow evening. Margaret and I fly home on Wednesday. Today was…
Killer whales and crisp sea breezes
Four orcas, two humpback whales, many harbor seals, bald eagles, pigeon guillemots, and a few European farrow deer. All delightfully observed from aboard our whale expedition yacht, aptly named the Odyssey. Orcas are highly intelligent, use language (clicks, whistles and squeals) to communicate, feel emotions, travel in small pods that are family units (a mother…
Afterglow Vista
Everyday on my morning walk, I’ve passed a sign pointing to the “Mausoleum”. I figured this mausoleum, that was apparently one of the island’s unique monuments, needed to be explored. A narrow path leads into the forest. I expected a big white marble building. Nothing like that in view. Not far up the path are…
The group kayak photo
Paddling with the fishes
With a little trepidation, some wringing of hands over appropriate attire and much enthusiasm, we four young-at-heart, adventurous ladies set out for our kayak expedition. We were to meet our guide at the San Juan Kayak Expeditions kiosk in Friday Harbor. “Look for the white picket fence and blue umbrellas” were the directions given. Our…
Rain, art, history
We awoke yesterday morning to a rainy day. And rain it did, all day. All the more reason to linger over hot coffee. But eventually, we did leave our nest to drive into Friday Harbor for a visit to a small art museum with an exhibition by photojournalist James Longley. Mr. Longley chose to document…