Play it, Sam

This evening I sat at the Restaurant Ramses and watched the sun set and the people walk by. My table was just off the sidewalk, overlooking the Place des Nations Unies. The Blvd Houphouet Boigny runs from the northern end, and I had to laugh at the name. The Place was packed with cars; the sidewalks were packed with people. I ordered a chicken sandwich and an Orangina. I ended up with an orange Fanta that was too sweet and a sandwich that was surprisingly good.

I arrived in Casablanca near noon, taking the bus from the airport. The trains were running late, but the bus proved fortunate. It stopped in the center of town. Finding the hotel was quick if not particularly easy; few streets were signposted. But I saw the marquee of the cinema Rialto and knew the hotel was near.

I wasn't that excited about visiting Morocco until I saw a huge poster for Marrakech hanging on the wall at the airport. Suddenly I knew where I was headed, and then, settling into my seat on the plane, I fell asleep dreaming of my first glimpse of Africa.

Years ago I hadn't expected my introduction to Africa to remind me of the Middle East. As I wandered the streets and the Medina, I had visions of Beirut and of Turkey. It was familiar territory (albeit looking somewhat more modern) and I put away the guidebook to lose myself in the streets and alleyways until I stumbled upon the Cafe Maure and feasted on a delicious fish tagine. I sat in a courtyard set behind the ancient embattlements of the medina and settled in to the city. I wrote in my journal and contemplated my route. Sade lulled me into my surroundings.

Tomorrow I am taking the 6.30 am bus to Tagiers, to what I imagine to be the true start of my journey.
Posted by eku at September 5, 2005 7:35 PM