Just as O.A.T. had provided a van to take us from Mohammed V International Airport   in Casablanca with Jennifer and Andy 15 days ago, a van brought  the four of us back to the airport for our return flight to JFK. The Uber driver who took us home to Connecticut was from the country of Georgia. Like several of the drivers we have had, he was an immigrant who came to America seeking a better life for his family.

Morocco’s flag is red, and it has a green five pointed star in its center. The five points represent the five pillars of Islam: the Muslim creed, prayer, charity for the poor, fasting during Ramadan, and a  pilgrimage to Mecca for those who are able.

Here is the story the story that was told by a  worker at our hotel in Ouarzazate: a farmer was taking a wagonload of pumpkins to the market. As he walked along, one of the pumpkins fell from the wagon, landed on the ground, and burst open. Out popped a genie. The genie asked the farmer what he wanted, and the farmer began to reply, saying, that he wanted a palace, great riches, fantastic gems…. The genie replied, “If I had access to those things, do you think I’d be living in a pumpkin?”

(Photo slideshow and possibly video are coming…)

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