The Whole Gang

I haven’t been on a tour for a very long time. The story is not complete without a little bit about the people I have met and grown fond of.

Mohamed worked hard to keep us safe, fed, and housed. He also has a serious case of bad dad jokes. He keyed right in to mine and the California gals’ feminist leanings with jabs aimed at women. Worked every time. He shared his heart with us with his stories of his stalker ex-girlfriend and a little about home. He’s looking at immigrating to Canada, Vancouver specifically. I hope he does.

Besides the LA group, I think I spent more time with Sophie. We did everything - the hikes up the dunes, Todra Gorge and through gardens. She seems to be committed to joy and being active in her life. I liked her open spirit and easygoing manner.

Mark, Sophie’s partner, ran for shade at every opportunity. He’s had issues with skin cancer, so it made good sense. He also loves adventure travel. We got a chance to chat about his variety of jobs all so different and also Canada. I shared my epic TripIt notes on Sheryl and my itinerary through Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador. I hope they get a chance to do some of it.

Alexis was a delight. So funny and self-deprecating calling herself dull from time to time. A complete lie! Love that she sweared almost as much as I did. Refreshing and silly. I addition to the goofball stuff, she works in occupational therapy. Sounds like a good fit for her obvious kindness.

The lovebirds. Lorena never ever had a hair out of place. Steve was clearly enchanted with her - looks and go-for-it attitude. They held hands through the medinas and on our walks/hikes. He also wanted to either know where the party was or get the party started.

Ok, so you’re not supposed to pick your favorite, but Jo and Tim are/were. I’m not sure how Jo doesn’t collapse at the end of the day from laughing or smiling so hard. Her enthusiasm for the experiences clearly affected her and infused the group. Tim is complicated. He has an artist’s heart and eye and delicious sense of humor. I do like that. They are planning a trip across the US including Montana, DC, Florida and places in between. I hope they find what they seek there.

Pamela and Ian come as a pair. Devoted meat eaters and somewhat royalist, they seemed nice and quite happy. They had a very British dry sense of humor that I liked a lot.

Ah, Terry and Pete. What can I say. I should have liked them better as they are staunch unionist, but I didn’t. They seemed to take up too much space for me.

Our driver Abdul is getting married at the end of the month. If he navigates marriage like he did that bus, he will live a long, loving and happy life.

Last but not least, the California gals. What can I say about my roommate? It is so wonderful to have such a long-time friend who doesn’t drive you crazy after a week together. I have had a spectacularly fun two weeks playing with her (and two weeks to go). Anna-Ruth shopped her way across Morocco purchasing beautiful things with great memories. It was fun to watch her come out a bit more each day. She is really delightful. I got to spend a morning getting to know Stacey. She has a quiet strength and perseverance that comes from having a storied life. I do admire her. And her hearty laugh. I’ll get four more days in Spain with her. Yay.Read more