Hello! Before I tell you about the first days of my trip, I must tell you that I am just completely overwhelmed by the permanent and profound thumbprint the French have left on Moroccan culture. There is strong and lingering evidence of the long French occupation in Morocco in the language, the food, the architecture and even in the daily dress. But, none is felt more accutely by me than what I believe to be the most insidious of marks left by the French....the French keyboard!!!! Grrrrrr......it is driving me mad. I cannot find a QWERTY keyboard to save my life. :)
My arrival in Marrakesh was relatively uneventful except for perhaps the pilot's desire to circle the airport for ten minutes prior to landing at an altitude more appropriate for a crop duster. People clapped upon touch down. Of all the things I pondered and wondered about while planning the trip, I didn't give much thought to vegetation. So, when I stepped off the plane to palm trees and cacti, I was mildly (but pleasantly)surprised. Between the beautiful flora and fauna and the warm but gentle breeze, the walk along the tarmac to the Arrival Hall put an immediate smile on my face. As I closed in on the entrance, I was struck by the beautiful tile mosaics lining the wall and the stucco-like facade. But wait, something seemed a little whiffy as I took my first step inside. It smelleds...well....like too many cats reside @ the airport. That couldnt possibly be it, right? Cats can't live @ the Marrakesh airport. Well, guess what? Cats live @ the airport! No kidding. A pretty but scrawny tabby cat rubbed up against my leg while I waited to clear customs. I am pretty sure the agent told me the kitty's name, but it was lost in translation.
I arrived @ sunset so was greeted by the call to prayer over the loudspeaker. (more about the call to prayer in a future story to be titled "You don't need an alarm clock in Morocco") The Number 19 bus deposited me at the Place Foucault which is located just to the West of the Djemaa El Fna, the famous square filled with snake charmers, storytellers and food stalls that serve food ranging from frsh dates to roasted sheep's head.
A hotel overlooking this nightly party was to be my home for the next few nights but I had to find it first. Finding the hotel was an odyssey. After about 20 minutes of circling the same acrobats and monkey handlers, I decided to stop for a glass of mint tea. Holy Cow! It was delicious! It looked like a mojito but it was even tastier. I have consumed 8 mint teas since I got here and expect that number to rise. But back to the hotel. I never did find my original hotel, used my guidebook to find the second but didn't feel safe and settled on one that I will not detail until after I check out.
I have so much more to report, but this darned keyboard slowed me down so much, I don't have anymore time right now. Before I go to sleep, I will stop back to updqte and perhaps even attempt to upload some pictures. Today I will wander the souks, book my bus trip to the Atlas mountains and finish touring through the rest of this interesting little city.
