En cours de chargement...
In a desert town in south Morocco feistiness with a local leads to being mobbed and detained (subsequently imprisoned and put on trial) through incredulous events by zany and comedic Sidi Ifni police officials. Alone without support in a foreign country, culture and language, the author draws upon resilience, courtesy, and respect in dealing with the antagonists. There is a bizarre, and poignant, 200 kilometre police escort through the desert night to Agadir.
Imprisoned in a hell-cell the author finds inner strength despite being on sensory overload and sensing danger - by enacting a proactive contingency plan, feeling both exhilaration and despair in the depths of humanity. Held with other detainees, with empathic passion for the human condition - Morocco's destitute 'incorrigibles'. Bailed back to the 'life side', campground camaraderie and beach revelry resume - and the start of a relationship with Barb (Australia) with her charms and offers, accompanied by un-calm, unsure, new emotions.
Meanwhile the raucous, unruly, disorganized court sessions continue. Barb introduces the author to the charismatic Tim (Montreal) doing jazz music gigs in Agadir clubs. Tim becomes a providential translator/advocate, with a harmonious special connection struck among the three of us. Relationship intrigues develop amidst multiple adjournments in an unpredictable justice system. Multiple mixed feelings are managed regarding both Barb and the Morocco courts, both unknown.
Coon and Willy (U. S. A.) are introduced. They are tumultuous ultra-radicals, wildly engaging in their stark riveting dialogue - and another socio-political influence. The author is enthralled by the striking physical beauty of Morocco and by the defiant Berber of indigenous culture. Medieval Marrakesh's intense frenzy and Barb's exquisiteness captivate. There is a relationship twist with a bombardment of conflictual emotions, then renewed commitment.
Middle of book flashes back 3 weeks to recently enduring, with 3 Saint John friends, marooned in our derelict van in a Marrakesh neighbourhood square for 3 frenzied weeks. With 'off-the-wall' dialogue and through zany events 4 friends persevere through numerous setbacks. There is a rich description of growing up in Saint John: the grit and grinding poverty, the socio-economic status of Canada's oldest city hewn by survival by any means, and how Surf City indelibly forged live-long friendships leading to be marooned in Marrakesh.
There is a flashback to 3 months earlier in Saint John, to relate further friendship loyalties and rivalries in our hometown . of an unfathomable tragedy followed by further tragedy twists, depicting indescribable loss and sorrow, necessitating resolute resilience. Returning to Agadir in a bizarre court spectacle, with the debonair and diplomatic Tim, there is the verdict and exhilaration of 'suspended time' in Morocco.
The author meets again with Barb, accompanied by emotional confusion and working through expectations and plans during adventures in Marrakesh, Casablanca, Rabat, and Fes - including a dramatic romantic-dare. The story continues with rich descriptions of the exotic and clamorous Fes medina, with cross-cultural revelry and a dramatic escape from a Fes mansion requiring deep resolve and physical exploits.
Fes ends with a wrenching sorrowful farewell with Barb, and a struggle to manage mind and emotions, followed by a tragic twist. The author is consoled by the intrinsic need for solitude and feels renewed by the freedom of independence. Hitchhiking and walking 350 kilometres from Fes to Algeria, there is immersion with Berber and Moroccan people and culture, with vivid imagery of cross-cultural sharing and the spirituality of the real Morocco.
Escapades still ensue along the road, with an increasing spirit of freedom and reflections of surreal experiences with charismatic characters, life-forming - before crossing over on foot the Algerian border, exiting Moro...