Midnight arrest

Spent most of yesterday trying to phone David, eventually had to resort to laying out 90 dirhams at 5 star hotel. Not arriving for another 10 days so meet in Tom(?). Variously pestered around the medina again, having got very lost under our own steam. Various mateys followed us but to no avail (for themselves anyway). (Editors note. The Souk/Medina is on a slope. To get out head up/down hill).

Went for a walk during the heat of the day, over the valley to some ruins. Waste of time in general, but had some good slop from a small matey in the market for 5 dirhams. He spoke no French but our fluent Arabic was enough to get by. Took my first 3 photos of peeps in the market but don't know if they'll come out.

Midnight
280 miles to the south at Er Rachidia, up and over the Atlas Mountains. 1 matey arrested en route (Bouleman) apparently for drugs, held up the whole bus for 90 minutes while police tried to identify whose bag it was with the drugs in. Marched everyone off the front 6 rows into the copshop. Meanwhile Seb's bowells were moving and he had to retire to the copshop, much to the consternation of Jan.

Ce matin spoke to David V briefly. I do hope he makes it.

Had some v nice bean slop with little matey in the market and changed £10 in the hotel. All the hustlers thought I was a Belgian motorcyclist but lost interest in me very quickly. The bus was V hot and sweaty to start, but scenery was good and shame it got dark so early. Crossed a sort of Altiplano and met some more rain. Arrived circa 11.00 and found nice clean cheap hotel easily. AmazingRead more