PLAY IT AGAIN SAM- probably the most misremembered movie quote in history. But as we drive away from Casablanca today, I feel as misty eyed as Ingrid Bergman leaving Bogey at the airport.
Moroccans don’t really get our fascination with Casablanca but for people of a certain
age its a timeless movie enjoyed over and over- right up there with Its a Wonderful Life.
We finished up our main tour today and from beginning to end its been fantastic. We covered the many faces of Morocco- the beaches of Essaouira, the madness of the Medina in Marrakech, the stunning landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, the stark desert of Agafay and the cityscapes of Casablanca. We’ve laughed, eaten, cooked, cleaned, painted and engaged with the local community in ways that very few other tours can.
In Imlil we witnessed part of the devastation caused by the earthquake almost exactly 2 years earlier. So much repair work has been done to buildings, roads and essential services but there’s still more to be done. We spent 3 days in a nursery school run by the local community as part of our give back project. Walls were scraped, plastered, sanded and eventually painted. It was amazing to watch a group of strangers find common purpose and become a real team. We celebrated the completion of the school project by meeting the children and their mothers- and the best cakes we'd ever eaten. It was quite an emotional project and felt like a very genuine community contribution.
The desert experience was a highlight for many in the group. Some opted for quad bikes, but everyone rode up into the sand dunes to see the sun set over Agafay. The camp had a pool so we were treated to an impromptu synchronised swim orchestrated by the sole male on the tour- the wonderful Chris who accompanied his wife Debbi.
After Agafay we made our way to Essaouira where no EVA tour is complete without a visit to the English Street Class and our good friend Mouhcine Camel. We'd been to visit the orphanage before that- a spotless and warm home to 40 abandoned boys. They are exceptionally well cared for but a lick of paint wouldn't go astray so the team can get cracking on that on future visits.
We finished up in Casablanca and a bit like the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland- it's worth seeing but not worth travelling to see. We were all surprised by the size of the outskirts of Casablanca, the western outlets like Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds and Burger King and the modernity of the buildings. But the most worthwhile visit is definitely to the Mosque, a true marvel of modern engineering, architecture and art. We also had the obligatory stop at Rick's cafe to the bemusement of the locals who are used to it but don't really get it.
We're on the extension now and enjoying this surprisingly beautiful city of Rabat before heading to Fes tomorrow. It's been the most amazing trip and we've enjoyed it all..... as time goes by.
