Here are some things I've learned about public transportation while travelliıng through Morocco:
1. If your taxi gets in a wreck it is OK to leave the scene of the accident.
2. If you're riding in the bus and the AXLE falls off while in motion, simply exit the bus and catch the next one to come along.
3. When in a grand taxi (normal size taxi that squeezes 6 passengers - 4 in the back and 2 in the front - instead of the normal 4) whomever is in the front should be prepared to either pay for the price of two people or be EXTREMELY squashed between the stick shift and the large man sitting next to you.
4. If travelling via local bus between cities know that it doesn't come to a complete stop. Therefore, if disembarking be prepared for a possible tuck-n-roll landing, military style. If boarding, get a running start when you see the bus so you can jump into the open doors...I kid you not.
5. When taking the train it is extremely important that when moving between cars that the doors between the train and the outside environment are closed. We had an unfortunate fatality aboard our train.
6. When travelling in a taxi with 11 goats and 1 sheep on the roof, make certain that ALL the widows are UP. You will smell better once you reach your destination and will thank me later. (Goat excrement is a hard smell to get out of your clothes, believe me! Although it iş entertaining to watch the windshield wipers try to remove dingleberries from the windshield.)
7. If your taxi comes equipped with NO handles to roll down the window, you can use your handy pliers in your Leatherman or Swiss Army knife to roll them down. Just try not to get caught and make sure you roll them back up.
8. When riding a camel, though it is a kind gesture to feed them oranges before travelling through the hot Sahara desert. It is better to give them a treat AFTER your travels or else it's a long walk of funky putrid smells and trails of 'pebbles'. However, if you're riding on the front camel feed them all the oranges your heart desires!
9. If you are taking the overnight bus and plan on sleeping then you're kidding yourself. Instead when you arrive into your desired city at 4 am be prepared take a nice snooze on a park bench somewhere. Although strange stares may ensue and possibility of being robbed is greater, it is quite a liberating experience even for a few short hours.
10. When crossing the road, no hesitation is allowed. I swear those drivers are like dogs in that they can smell fear, so it's balls out or else! Just go, I promise they'll stop.
