I had grand plans of doing some serious blogging while I was over here, but the course load is heavy enough that I’ve decided to just transfer over notes from my moleskin at various points during my stay here in Morocco.

Das ist mein line! It was a 9 hour layover in Frankfurt and we were waiting in the wrong line to get our passports stamped at customs. Ten minutes later, maybe two people have cleared our line. The line was moving painstakingly slow as the agent closely assessed every traveller, probing them with questions. Clearly he’s bored. Glad to see government work is the same across the pond — strong and enthusiastic work ethics! I finally step up to the counter and he immediately opens the door to his box and shouts at his colleage across the way. He opens his door and the two of them jokingly exchange a few words in German. Great. Here it comes. He looks up and says, “You are the forest.” [I can only imagine the face I gave him.] He quickly stamped my passport and I crossed into Germany without inquiry. And so, Shaj was born.

Lesson quickly learned: travel in small groups for efficient use of time.

Aggressive organ and modern art juxtaposed in the medieval church.

Rounded a corner and stumbled upon the Steigenburger Hotel — instantly recognized it from our layover on the way to Afghanistan in 2006.

Although I only slept 2 hours at most in the last 36; adrenaline and the pure joy of [finally!] being in Europe kept me going until I dropped like a rock on the flight to Casablanca.