Sunday, April 20, 2025

A day of relaxation. It’s Easter, and it feels strange to be in a islamic  country where the muezzin calls the muslems to prayer five times a day.

I realize more strongly that I am a Christian here.

We wake up very early and through the night we drive to the airport. The roads are wide and deserted. It’s a short handshake, but a strong feeling between father and son. The trip together was good. Then I wait in the car while Sisi walks with Didi to the main hall. 

The return to the riad is silent. I have reserved our room for another night, and I am happy about that decision. My night was not restful, and I sleep late.

The rest of the day we read in the central old columned room of the riad. Ali is very nice and brings us tea. ‘I offer to you. You don’t ask me. So it’s on the house.’

The room, with its high walls, its ornate decorations, its pillars and arches is quiet and peaceful. I can imagine how in the ottoman days of old some philosopher or Sheherazade used to sit here and read poetry. Now his place has been taken by a bald dutchman reading Sherlock Holmes…

In the afternoon we take a walk and stroll along the beach. It’s very busy. Many boys play soccer, I don’t see many women. The segregation is obvious and I stay near Sisi.

We walk along a stone pier. At the end is a small lighthouse where a group of people is fishing.

‘Any luck?’ 

‘No, the fish come after dark. Around eight o’clock you can catch fish of about one kilo (2 lbs).´

I am talking with Abdul, he is older than the teenagers who are fishing. He speaks french and italian. 

´Should I come back at eight to see the fish?´

He hesitates. ´No, do not come here after sunset. Go where the shops and the tourist and the police are. Don’t come here, and not with your lady. Young boys will be here, and they will ask you for money. Not safe.´

Slowly we stroll back.

‘See you Roberto!´ he waves after me. ´Welcome to Morocco!’

Good he warned me. I definitely stand out with my length, my bald head and my dutch way of walking.

We walk over to our chicken restaurant and leisurely enjoy our dinner. As usual stray cats are everywhere.

Then we walk back to the riad where I make arrangements with Ali for our return on the 27th, the day before we return to Holland. 

Morocco is a fascinating country. It has so much of everything: culture, food, architecture, climates, landscapes. And we always meet plenty people who speak french or sometimes english. Yet as we return to the riad, I realize that the short conversation on the pier rattles me a little.

Happy Easter