Recently, while riding a bus back from Rabat, a number of ridiculous/humorous things took place. These things, while many of them happening everyday, inspired me to write down a list of ways that Morocco is like the Wild West. I have never been to the Wild West, except via western movies and shows. I am really glad though there are no guns, as machismo would create some crazy situations!
Here is the list:
1. Plastic Bags are the tumbleweed. Over land via wind, or even up in the air (hundreds of feet!)
2. Whirlwinds of dust (dust devils as well!) blowing in your face, getting in your house, and covering your face and teeth with a gritty film. MMM…Snacktime.
3. Hashing out problems almost always happens without authority present, and in the “Fight Club” style of a crowd of men circling the two people arguing/talking… I certainly love being a part of these circles, and the most recent one took place at night, in the rain.
4. Buses and taxis become like little families while you ride them. You see something, you point it out. You have a good discussion, and everyone weighs in and gives some input, even if they are no where near involved.
5. Bus and Taxi Rides are no more. From now on they are referred to as Bus and Taxi “Experiences.” Each one is fascinating.
6. It is perfectly okay to take a large stick (baseball bat sized) and wake up homeless people, yell at them to leave the bus station, and then hit them repeatedly in the legs until they get the idea… even when they cause no problems.
7. Police come around after events take place, and don’t really do anything except make people nervous. You should refer to another post about why this nervousness might be.
8. Card playing in cafes (especially old ones) is required.
9. If music played in these cafes, it would be: A. Star Wars Tatuoine music OR B. Ragtime piano. This music would come to a halt if you are non-local or foreign, and people would turn and stare.
10. While card playing, cheating most certainly occurs if possible (as with many games here by adults and kids)
11. You are not allowed to play cards unless you yell and taunt while throwing down cards.
12. Gambling certainly allowed in SOME cafes.
I am certainly glad no alcohol is served in cafes, or there are no guns. It would be intense!
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