On The Road Back Home
/I firmly believe things happen for a reason. We weren’t supposed to spend New Year’s Eve in Morocco, but it was the only way we could get a flight home without a 9 hour layover. Making the most of our extra day in Marrakech, we asked the hotel staff where we could do some shopping other than the souk. They set us up with a driver to take us to the Bouchaib Shopping Complex in the Medina.
Tucked in between shops near the market, this complex is the closest thing you’ll find to a department store, with three floors of anything you could possibly want in Marrakech!
Our driver, Jalel, was incredibly gracious, arranging a time to pick us up when we were done shopping.
Of course all that power shopping made us hungry, so Jalel brought us to Riad Omar, a wonderful rooftop restaurant in the Medina for one last authentic Moroccan meal. Basking in the sun, i didn’t want to think about heading back to the Chicago chill!
Our driver took backroads returning us to the hotel - for one, to avoid traffic, as not too many knew this route, and two, to give us one last look a the Palace from a special vantage point. There was high security, Jalel explained, most likely because an important dignitary was in town.
Back at the hotel, we got ready for our New Year’s Eve dinner, knowing full well we couldn’t stay up until midnight, with a 6:00 am flight to catch on New Year’s Day. Still, it was fun celebrating in such an international way. Makes the world not such a big place.
I have several takeaways from this north African journey. I am grateful for the kindness and hospitality the Moroccan people showed us every day. Even though I have no known ties in my family with the Moroccan Jews, being a Sephardic (Spanish) Jew I still feel a connection.
I feel lucky to have formed many new friendships through this journey. Not to single anyone out, but a heartfelt thanks to Chuck Berman for not only sharing your love of photography with my daughter, but for sharing these incredible stork pictures!
Although I was traveling with my daughter Sara, most on the trip came as couples.
I was touched, observing many of them holding hands. This simple form of affection, of unspoken intimacy filled me with hope as we head into this new year and new decade, that perhaps it will be a kinder, gentler time.
Wishing everyone a most happy and healthy 2020, filled with kindness and love.