Up early, after a hot night of no air conditioning. Little sleep, actually. After a quick breakfast, hotel bill paid, we pack our boxes and luggage for the last time in Tehar's vehicle. A last good-bye to the Eastern Atlantic before heading to the Airport. It is 8 AM. I hadn't anticipated how genuinely sad I'd feel watching the scenery go by as we Traveling Nuest'as are driven to the airport. Heartfelt good-byes are exchanged with Tehar, who is sporting my English leather cap that I gave him last night — we four certainly became good traveling buddies! |
Contrary to our expectations, check-in is a breeze. Though perhaps I should refrain from too much gashing until we see our luggage at LAX. With time to spare, we make our way to the VIP Lounge for a quick look-around — look around that is by Gypsy and me for handsome men traveling alone . . . we've gotten bad, but it is so damn entertaining, why stop?
On the way to our gate, a few stops to buy chocolate and a magazine or two. In a bookstore, I attempt to buy a Moroccan design book that has $19.95US and $24CANADIAN printed on the back cover. After handing over my credit care, I ask the price in Euros with thought of using my remaining 2o. I am told 40Euros. "What? No way!" I said as I shake my head and grab back my credit card. No doubt I came across as another ugly American, but really almost $65/US for a book that says $19.95? I just hope I can find it through Amazon!
My next stop is a chocolatier . . . one of the sales girls comes over to sell me some of the hand-made truffles. Unfortunately, she doesn't speak English well, and as I don't speak French. Meanwhile, another salesgirl approached Jewel who did speak English more clearly, so I turn my attention to her. "My" gal storms off in a huff, and when the other indicates that she was not stealing her customer, she hotly replies something clearly not flattering to the other and storms off in a huff — ignoring us both. A very uncomfortable situation for Jewel's salesgirl, who was not at fault and did not deserve the tongue lashing from her co-worker. In the end, I made my purchases of several small gift boxes of truffles for Jewel and Gypsy through the nice salesgirl, who was unnecessarily apologetic for her colleague.
On the way to our gate, a few stops to buy chocolate and a magazine or two. In a bookstore, I attempt to buy a Moroccan design book that has $19.95US and $24CANADIAN printed on the back cover. After handing over my credit care, I ask the price in Euros with thought of using my remaining 2o. I am told 40Euros. "What? No way!" I said as I shake my head and grab back my credit card. No doubt I came across as another ugly American, but really almost $65/US for a book that says $19.95? I just hope I can find it through Amazon!
My next stop is a chocolatier . . . one of the sales girls comes over to sell me some of the hand-made truffles. Unfortunately, she doesn't speak English well, and as I don't speak French. Meanwhile, another salesgirl approached Jewel who did speak English more clearly, so I turn my attention to her. "My" gal storms off in a huff, and when the other indicates that she was not stealing her customer, she hotly replies something clearly not flattering to the other and storms off in a huff — ignoring us both. A very uncomfortable situation for Jewel's salesgirl, who was not at fault and did not deserve the tongue lashing from her co-worker. In the end, I made my purchases of several small gift boxes of truffles for Jewel and Gypsy through the nice salesgirl, who was unnecessarily apologetic for her colleague.
On our flight leaving Casablanca, Gypsy and I are seated in the same row in Business Class with the middle seat empty between us. Jewel is seated in the row directly in front Gypsy on the aisle. While wondering weather Jewel will have the entire row to herself, a gorgeous, dark hair and dark-eyed Spaniard makes his way past her to settle in the seat in front of mine. Wow — the Fates have intervened as they generally always do . . . As we fly over the Strait of Gibralter, Jewel passes back a note offering her seat next to Mr. Gorgeous for a price! |
The countryside in Spain looks amazing from the air — large rivers, much more mountainous, and open than I had imagined. Another country to add to that ever-growing bucket list!
Disembarking, Gypsy saddles up behind Mr. Gorgeous and asks him if he speaks English. "Yes." Then she proceeds to show him Jewel's note adding that he made our flight! Walking up the concourse, she finds out that he is a photographer and good friend of one of the Moroccan King's sisters. He is one of the King's "official" photographers, and is returning from a visit with his sister.
Our time in Madrid is short. Thankfully, we are on one of the wonderful Iberia planes on the long flight to New York City. The pace of the trip is starting to catch up with me . . . a glass of champagne, a few bites of dinner, and I fall asleep listening to Spanish music. It is literally not until we are approaching JFK that I wake. How different it all looks from Morocco and even my glimpses of Spain.
Disembarking, Gypsy saddles up behind Mr. Gorgeous and asks him if he speaks English. "Yes." Then she proceeds to show him Jewel's note adding that he made our flight! Walking up the concourse, she finds out that he is a photographer and good friend of one of the Moroccan King's sisters. He is one of the King's "official" photographers, and is returning from a visit with his sister.
Our time in Madrid is short. Thankfully, we are on one of the wonderful Iberia planes on the long flight to New York City. The pace of the trip is starting to catch up with me . . . a glass of champagne, a few bites of dinner, and I fall asleep listening to Spanish music. It is literally not until we are approaching JFK that I wake. How different it all looks from Morocco and even my glimpses of Spain.
Flight to JFK was uneventful. Customs went quickly and smoothly. Slept most of the way back to Los Angeles. Our driver picked us up and whisked us back to Santa Barbara, transferred vehicles, then home!