Day 140 (16 Days to Surgery) Last Full Day in Africa

The sun is just starting to set on my last full day here in Casablanca. Originally, I was headed to Rabat today, but I decided against the train ride as it meant arriving early, and the sights there were not much different than those here in Casablanca. I really wanted to walk the city. So I remained in Casablanca.

I did not walk 10,000 steps yesterday, and I woke early, with the jetlag slipping back with less exercise. Today, I intend to make over 10,000 and sleep better (What would Dondrea do?). I was too early for breakfast, so I checked my finances (all good) and read some news before cleaning up and dressing. I had another European-styled breakfast, and I had cheese and shredded potatoes, meaning that at least some of the items were rotated. After years of hotels, I try to spot the rotation–just a game.

With the blog done the night before, I was ready to head out, and I needed some exercise to get over the jetlag. But the cough came back–f**k. The auto fumes or something else had me wheezing and coughing. Ugh! It went on for hours and stopped about 90 minutes later. I walked all the way back to the Old Medina and United Nations Square (where the nightclubs are–They open at 9 and 11 at night, have a dress code, and a high cover). I walked around the area to understand the size and saw that some of it was poor and in ruins–sad. I walked into the shopping area at about 9ish, and most of the shops were still closed. A man with excellent English offers to help me, but I turn him and others down. I walk deeper and deeper, and soon, I am lost in the maze. My iPhone Maps is actually working, and I learned I am stuck in the middle. I followed the path on the iPhone and found the museum to the Medina; I had forgotten there was one. I walk through the presentations (few in English) and even use their restroom (for free!). I took some photos as the presentation on how the area changed was interesting. I walk out by crossing over the patio of the old mosque (one of the oldest ones).

 

 

After seeing it on the Map app, I searched for the Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum, a museum of posters and other items. It is not mentioned in the guidebooks or the videos, making me doubly interested. I need to cross the Old Medina again. This time, I can find my way to the entrance without backtracking, which is the exact place where I started. The place seems to awaken around lunchtime.

Cafe France was a good place to rest; I was already at 8,000 steps. I sat in a chair in the front, and soon, the waiter moved me under an awning (he pointed out bird droppings). I should have stayed in the back, as my situational awareness told me, but I wanted a clear view. I ended up with a parade of beggars and sales offers–my training was right. But soon, I learned the French version of ‘no’ works (the American usage seems to be translated as “please tell me more”). This, with an arm waving them on to the next person, allowed me to drink my mint tea and eat my snack in peace (and not being in the fireline for the pigeons).

Next, it took me a while to find the museum, which is only a block from the cathedral and the park. The Mōvenpick is on the other side of the large park. The Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum is a collection of posters and curiosities plus native jewelry (some impressive gold and gem-encrusted) on five floors. There are, only in French and Arabic, stories of the flags of the area with copies of the original on display (and likely the original in careful storage). The top floor is mostly Moroccan-style sitting rooms. It is a strange but pleasant space. Recommended. The ticket is 60 local ($6).

 

 

I asked for directions and soon found myself at the start of the park. It is so large, the largest in Casablanca, that it starts only a few blocks from the Old Medina and goes within a few blocks of my hotel. I stopped three times and just sat for a while. I finally did the final push (12,000 steps) and reached the hotel (13,000+). There, I rested for a while in my room, 1203.

I then went to the cafe near the hotel and sat there. The staff recognized me and brought me mint tea and a small bottle of water. I read and relaxed for more than an hour. It was fun just to sit and pretend to be a local. We must get these mint tea and coffee places in Beaverton and Portland! There is nothing like a metal pot of tea and a glass cup sitting in a chair and watching the world move by.

Aside: We could remove the pews, put in tables and chairs (with pads), cut in some new glass windows/walls into the side of the church, and serve mint tea while folks sing and the pastor gives a sermon. I bet it would be a better experience, and we would get more converts. Get Min-ty with the Methodists.

There are cats and kittens everywhere. The rodents are definitely controlled, as are snakes, pigeons in the parks, and other unwanted creatures. I saw that the locals bring food for the outdoor cats. I saw the kittens play with some folks, but the cats are mostly standoff. It is a thing here.

I could not decide, so I wanted to try a nice place. I was told, after getting three staff members to translate, I would need a reservation and a dress shirt. F**k that. I ate a burger with a beer, which came with fries for dinner at the hotel rooftop restaurant. Sorry, I can be a brave tourist, except when it comes to taking a taxi to some place to be overcharged and likely poisoned. The mustard and ketchup came in little sealed jars, and I drank the local Casablanca lager. I even risked the lettuce, tomato, and onion. It was sooooo good.

I said goodbye to the folks at my most used dining place. I showed them a map of the earth on the iPhone’s Map app to where I was headed. That impressed them. 1/2 around the earth to the Western USA and the Pacific. I thanked them.

I started to pack. Much is already in the suitcase now, and I have arranged for a late check-out. I need to be out of here by 6PM. Heard from Alex and their family, and we will try to meet at the Old Medina tomorrow before heading back to the States (they are headed to the East Coast and me to the West Coast).

I tried to write this blog, but I started to fall asleep and then freeze. A warm shower worked to get me back to writing. I am fading fast, but I am almost done.

The General Conference of the United Methodist Church voted 93% to approve removing anti-pride language in its rulebook. The church lost 25% of its churches over this change (though many, including me, think the exits were more about money than this issue). UMC has broken with the past. I am so happy; it is about time.

I will reestablish my membership soon; I have already started financially supporting my local church again.

Thanks for reading.