Friday, July 25, 2014

Day 18

This morning we said goodbye AUI and headed north to the seaside town of Saidia.  Saidia is next to the Mediterranean Sea.  It is close to the Algerian border. It took nearly 5 hours to make the trip. I slept most of the bus ride, so unfortunately I can't elaborate on the scenery too much.  Though I can assure you that we passed olive groves, sheep and dry mountains.

I woke up just in time to hear the group discussing the border of Algeria.  Saidia is very close to the border and at one point on the road to the hotel we drove along it. The border between Morocco and Algeria is closed. Anyone found crossing the border from Morocco into Algeria will be shot.  At one point the driver of our bus paused at a scenic outlook so we could snap pictures.  The border between Algeria and Morocco is simple dry river bed.  On each side of the border you can view the countries respective flags. The close proximity is significant because in Morocco gasoline prices are very high, but in Algeria the price is far lower. Along the road there small stands selling gasoline in a 4 litter plastic jugs.  According to Halima, the gasoline and other goods are illegally smuggled back and forth between the two countries.  Often it is done at night.  Sometimes the exchange is done by a donkey who knows the route.

The hotel in Saidia is a great place for rest and relaxation.  We have all been working hard on curriculum and this is time well deserved. The hotel is a five star all inclusive resort run by Eurostar.  There is an ocean front and three pools, I counted.  Thanks to Halima's husband, we got all inclusive package that includes food and beverages.  I am not normally a buffet person, but after eating cafeteria food at AUI for two weeks, this is awesome.  I got a very relaxing massage this afternoon for 60 minutes, for approximately 60 dollars US.  It is great to have my own room and some space to relax.  Oddly enough my room has three beds...so many choices.  I went for an afternoon swim in the Mediterranean  Sea. I was surprised that it was so salty and warm. There were camels on the beach. The two camels in my pictures were babies and were still nursing.  The adult camels are available for tourist rides, and the babies tag along.  I liked idea of taking pictures of the camels, but not going for a ride.

Tomorrow morning when we check out we head more than 5 hours to the city of Fes.  Fes is large city with an old Medina. We will being staying with host families there for the next 6 nights.  We have been told the families are from the neighborhood near the school and they are selected by INLAC.  We warned that the food will be plentiful at our home stays and they will keep it coming, eventually you can politely decline.

Massalama!

The Traveling Educator

1 comment:

  1. Do the camels swim? :)
    What an incredible experience you are having. Lots to bring back to your classroom. Thank you for sharing with us all.
    Luv,
    Your Cuz

    ReplyDelete