Susannah has been a wonderful host and both her and Genna great partners in these travels and exploration. Susannah seems to know everyone in Morocco, even the taxi driver we happened to have yesterday. The shopkeepers come out and greet her wherever we go, and we often see people on the street who recognize her. It become a far more powerful experience to have this connection to the community. It was also incredible to have someone who speaks arabic fluently. Everywhere we went we were taken care of like family, completely different from my Marrakech experience where I was objectified into a customer and only seen as a source of income by the souks.
Last night when they put me in a cab back to my hotel, I made a huge mental stickie note to call and let her know I arrived safely. Instead, I reached my hotel, and closed my eyes for a moment - make that many moments, about 7 hours worth.
My messages this morning included one from Charlotte, her sister. Susannah had even called the states to ask her sister to help make sure I was ok. The guy at the Hotel as I was checking out seemed to indicate she called looking for me as well.
I felt terrible about worrying her, and tried to call or send a text message. Argh. Phone dead. I then grabbed my bags and ran to Cafe Clock. Argh. Not open.
Then I saw the owner who I remember from the day before, and greeted him. He graciously opened up the cafe early for me, gave me some coffee and invited me to use the internet. I got online, emailed her while charging my phone, emailed her sister, and then when I had the minimum necessary power, sent a text message.
It's wonderful to know that in a place so far from home there is a safety net to catch me, even if I haven't stumbled, and one that is not just local. Watchful eyes and ears have kept a shroud of protection over me from D.C. to East Hampton, which has made this trip psychologically infinitely easier.
Thanks for support everyone.
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