16-17 April 2025
I take liberties with Crosby, Stills & Nash. Instead of “Take the train from Casablanca going south,” I leave Marrakech upon the highways going North to Casablanca. It nears the end of my Moroccan tour and we leave the city of Marrakech in our rearview mirrors.
The drive to Casablanca is inland along the smooth and straight A3 through dry landscape and unremarkable scenery. We enjoy a big white bus as our dependable van was a non-starter this morning.
Much of the dual lane toll road looks new or recently expanded. Bridges are being added as Casablanca grows and populations move. The ride proves quite comfortable compared to past highways. The expansions are being funded by Morocco’s government and built by their own citizens rather than the too-common signs signaling involvement of CCCC (China Communications Construction Company).
The 153 miles quickly pass as we speed through desert, eventually transiting some green agricultural land. After several drought years, it has rained and fields are green and productive again. Just one stop for Magnum Bars before we return to our seaside lodging at Hôtel Club Val d’Anfa.
Another Farewell Dinner
Each ElderTrek’s adventure ends with a farewell dinner. Shared and favorite experiences abound. The libation is free, the food good.
This represents both a sad departure and happy relief. Most times, I have found friendships that have lasted far beyond the goodbyes. However, departure also represents a freedom: I am once again on my own. I really do enjoy that release into quiet, independence. And my own schedule.
Flying Home
Some destinations around the world are more difficult to reach than others. Casablanca represents one. Because we fly at the convenience, and whims, of an airline, departures from Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Ai challenge one’s biorhythms.
Booking flights home represented a challenge. All Lufthansa flights, code-shared with United, departed Casablanca in the very wee hours of the morning. I wanted to depart on the 1:25 am flight on 18th of April.
No matter what I did, the automatic system would place me on a flight for the 19th. As a last resort, I finally called United. After some struggling, they got their system to cooperate.
I think we will depart when we want. At least, our return reservation says so.
Final Day in Maroc
It becomes a relaxed, kickback afternoon on a sunny day in Casablanca. The waves are high, probably perfect surfing conditions. I am pleased to watch them crashing into the beach. But, we have a plan.
The hotel is full so no late checkout. Instead, rooms at airport hotels are very inexpensive. We motor to the Sky Casa and check in. Here, we can relax, dine, then shuttle to the airport at 11. Takes but 5 minutes.
We quickly move through check-in, get boarding passes, pass security, weave thru immigration then head to our gate. It took all of about 30 minutes. No lounges available but places open for coffee.
Thus begins my 30+hour odyssey to return home. Night skies remain clear; lights on the ground shine spectacularly. Transiting in Frankfurt, their reputation for slowness remains intact. Long flight to Chicago, more transiting for my flight to Denver then final leg home.
It is a seriously delayed leg. Weather conditions restrict departures and landings. More hours on the ground, lounges close by 9 pm, some exhausted sleep on a bench. My bestie will still pick me up at the airport when I arrive somewhere around 1:30 am. It has proven to be a long haul home.
My United widget informs me, my next flight out is in 26 days.
If it takes some boredom and agony to travel to another adventure, I’m willing to pay that price.
– Myself as I board another flight
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