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