Morocco Finale

January 31, 2024

Ferry Tangier Med, Morocco Algeciras, Spain

Train to Marseille

Yesterday’s events have clouded the fine last few days in Morocco.  I arrived at the Tangier Med Port after a strenuous uphill and thrilling downhill. I was drinking a celebratory coffee when notification came to me by email that my return trip was cancelled.  No more information given than that.  A few phone numbers were listed, none of which were operational.  The message said I could wait for the next ferry which would depart in 10 days.  That was it.  I had to rally but I was taken aback.  There was another ferry returning which left today for France but I had read bad things about it and they were gong to charge me twice what the other company (La Meridional) charged.  I already had a place to stay, nearby, for the night so there was no hurry.  I bought a ticket on one of the many companies that serve the Strait of Gibralter for a ferry leaving the next day.

I spent an interesting evening in a coffee shop across the way from my lodging.  Morocco was in the knockout round playing for the African Cup in football.  The room was packed with men.  All drinking coffee or tea.  Where I had been offered a seat was in the back amongst guys smoking a lot of hash.  They did not offer to which I was thankful.  Morocco played poorly and lost.  This was disappointing.

The next day I road my bike to the terminal.  It was bittersweet to be leaving Morocco.  I had had a really wonderful time in there.  The country is fascinating yet it is the people that make the place a joy.  I was always an outsider but was never made to feel total disrespect.  Getting lost in the Medina is a right of passage I think.  Before google maps it must have been a real event.  So many of the little alleys lead you on to nowhere.  It seems impossible not to be confused and directionless.  

As I write this I. Am on my way to France on a high speed train.  I was not allowed to put my bike on Spanish trains.  Some of the local will take them.  At the station in Algeciras I was told they would not let me take the bike on the train if it was not completely bagged.  I had to spend an extra night, find a plastic

bag and some tape.  I spent about two hours in a 20 Euro pension taking the entire bike apart and trying to safely put the bike in two huge bags I found at a store that sold everything you could imagine.  The bags have worked well throughout the day.  It has not been without its difficulties though.  The bag is heavy and the rest of my gear hangs off me like and overladen Christmas Tree.  I will arrive tonight, ahead of schedule, and hopefully settle in for a couple weeks in Allauch in the hills above Marseille.