July 2: Mae Alsalama, Africa!
Mae alsalama, Africa! It is with bittersweet feelings that I say good-bye to Morocco. After 12 days exploring this beautiful country I am sad to leave but grateful for the wonderful memories. Today’s ride entailed making my way from my hotel through at least a dozen police, customs, and security checkpoints in a process that made US airport security seem easy in comparison.
Eating breakfast at my lodging near the ferry terminal this morning I made sure to order two servings of Morroccan tea as well as Msammem, a traditional Moroccan bread that is buttery and flaky and similar to a donut in texture and taste. I have so much enjoyed getting familiar with some of the local dishes and wanted to make sure to get one more good meal in before I left.
After fortifying myself and loading up the bike, I headed towards the Tanger Med ferry terminal. My first step was to park in the check in area and submit my printed ticket to the GNV ferry representative. As was often the case at gas stations and other public venues in this country, the reception area included both bathrooms and a mosque.
Getting back on the bike, I headed through at least ten police, security, and customs checkpoints, each time presenting what I hoped was the appropriate document. I didn’t realize over 40 years ago, that my high school French classes would end up being so useful in communicating with Africa officials in my late fifties.
One of the most fascinating security checkpoints involved parking my bike along with eight cars and vans and two bicyclists and stepping to the side while a large x-ray truck proceeded to pass our line with a large wand scanning the left of sides of our vehicles and a long metal arm scanning the other side.
From there we proceeded on through more checkpoints and eventually to the ferry itself. The ferry is scheduled to leave at 5pm but the latest acceptable check-in time was 1pm, making the boarding process a full day endeavor. It’s been over two hours since I got to the terminal and my ferry is docked at port. However, it apparently takes at least two hours for the ferry to be unloaded and for us to start boarding.
I am so grateful that the ferry waiting area has a little café with food and water as well as bathrooms. There are only four tables, all outside and only two of which have any shade. Two kind gentlemen offered me their seats in the shade, and I had a pleasant conversation with them in French while I waited for my food. I may not be able to post for several days as my ship is not set to dock in France until July 4. Although there is WIFI on board, I have found internet connections on ships to be spotty.
