On the Open Sea

A couple of days ago the ship sailed away from Morocco and started the long seven day trek back to the United States.

Morocco was incredible. It was definitely the most culturally different port I went to. I was struck by the poverty of the countryside and the living conditions. All along the seacoast, outside of Casablanca, up to Rabat was full of shantytowns and garbage. There were also lots of shepherds herding cattle, sheep and donkeys all along the highway. It was quite interesting to see donkey carts passing on the highway overpasses. The Hassan 2 Mosque in Casablanca dominates the coast, it’s white walls and intricate pattern work still have me amazed. Unfortunately, there is mass poverty all around the mosque, which I find quite ironic.

Although the country is still developing: unsafe tap water, urine to fuel it’s tanneries and a per person capital of $4800, the people are for the most part happy. Everyone I met was friendly and helpful and offered fair prices at the souks compare to the Grand Bazaar in Turkey. Everyone always had a smile on their face.

One of the most interesting experiences I had in Morocco was observing Ramadan. During Ramadan one is not allowed to eat or drink between sun-up and sun-down. That is quite a commitment during the hot and long summer days. I really enjoyed watching people and square of Morocco come to life at sunset to break the fast during Ramadan. What I understood to be a religious holiday, looked more like a huge block party and people gathered and entertained one another in the streets.

My highlight of Morocco was an SAS zip-lining trip. I traveled by mini bus to the foothills of the High Atlas Mountain in 115-degree heat- way too hot for a girl used to Minnesotan summers. After arriving at the zip-lining place I was offered mint tea and got into my harness. I started my experience with a high wire bridge spanning over a canyon. Being afraid of heights I almost had a heart attack crossing, but made it to the other side in one piece. The SAS videographer was on the trip and got multiple shots of everyone zipping above and through the canyon…so keep your eyes peeled for the video on the SAS website.

Because it’s in the middle of finals week I am going to keep this post short. Only a couple more days until the ship berths in Boston and the experience is over. I can’t even begin to describe how SAS has changed my life.