Our Moroccan tour group was wonderfully small, there were just seven of us, plus our guide Khaled and a driver. We flew into Casablanca, arriving late to spend just one night and a long morning waiting for a late train, and then headed toward the M'Goun Valley. We stopped for a lunch of camel burgers. When we asked Khaled if Moroccans eat camel or if it's just for tourists, he said, "Well...not usually." Ha, mostly just for tourists then! Khaled was always very diplomatic. The 'burger' was meatballs in a giant bun, well seasoned but a bit gamey.
We spent one delightful evening and morning in Chefchaouen, a picturesque town nestled in the Rif Mountains, which is known as the blue city or blue pearl for its striking blue-painted buildings, narrow winding streets, and many staircases. The color indigo was purported to keep away the evil eye and (bonus!) mosquitoes. In the morning, we spent time in the red walled garden of the 15th century Kasbah fortress, did some shopping in the charming souks located up and down the steep and narrow cobbled streets, and had a goat cheese tasting in a restaurant in the shady main square.
After lunch, we walked past a handsome young man sent out to stand in front of the restaurant patio to bring in business. We’d gone past him a couple of times that day and he said to me, “So, you come to see me again.”
“Yes”, I said, “Shalom!”
He laughed, “No, that’s the Jewish! You say as-salamu alaykum.”
“Oh yes, I’m sorry." I shook my head, "I’ve been told this so many times. As-salamu.”
“No need to be sorry. When we are learn, is okay to make mistake.”
*As-salamu alaykim means peace be upon you. Isn't that a lovely greeting?
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