La Gare Meknes is a nice enough station, and we are pleased that it allows us to cross the suitcases over the tracks to get to the correct platform, rather than carry them manually up and down staircases. Perhaps after 2 1/2 months of travelling some edges are fraying in the fun of travelling, if so, carrying suitcases up and down stairs (which is my job) is one of the causes. Nevertheless, the station is nice, it is not too hot yet, and we are excited about getting to Casablanca. Secretly, I think Cinthia is more excited about getting to Brazil, which we will later this week.
It is 11.50 a.m. , just having departed Meknes station, which again proves that trains are late worldwide, as we were due to depart at 11.20. Most aspects of Morocco may still be third world standard, however it is pleasing the station had wifi, so we used the delay to Skype my parents. Amazing really...."Dad, we are just awaiting our train to Casablanca, so thought we would give you a quick call to see how Melbourne is going". Sorry Mr. Telstra, no $120 phone call here!
Also pleasing is that the train is quite nice, the ride smooth, and that the surrounding landscape is quite scenic. Unlike the south, the north is hilly rather than mountainous, and the paddocks are green enough for trees, crops and/ or livestock. It helps to show the contrast that is Morocco. The cities we visited have their own great contrast too- their historic Medinas (where we spent most of our time) versus their new towns.
Arriving Casablanca mid afternoon was like entering a different world, with the dusty medinas of Meknes, Fes and Marrakesh replaced with paved roads, tall buildings and supermarkets. We stayed at the Ibis hotel adjacent the train station, as this would also allow us to catch the train to the airport early the next morning.
It is fair to say we needed a change to the Moroccan food type, so instead of heading out for some traditional Moroccan fare, we went to a large supermarket (for probably the first time since Russia) and purchased our dinner for the night.
Cinthia’s opinion by this stage was that we had spent a few days too long in Morocco, and would not be spending enough time in Brasil. My reply was that we will most certainly get back to Brazil many times, but unlikely back to Morocco.
No comments:
Post a Comment