Travel written log September 16, 2005 - Meknes, Morroco

It had been two days of laughter with a loving family, 2 days of great food, 2 days of sharing and 2 days of bonding.

It seemed like we could have never accomplished a tour, a henna application, a belly dance lesson, a sari application, a night out for coffee, a carriage ride, an album recount of their life, an overflow of love within such a short time...but we did.

Late on the second night, the three young people (me excluded), the Son, his Cousin and her best friend stayed up for hours telling stories and jokes. The laughter rang through the room and the elders either joined in the laughter or chastized the three for the tale told or the outburst of laughter they created as other tried to sleep. As tears rolled down their faces from laughter, I could not help but provide my own giggle to their reactions.

I stayed up for a long while listening, smiling and being thankful for the moments. In the morning, I woke early and as I crept through the room in order not to wake the inhabitants...each one crept up to give me a kiss, hug and to welcome me and my family back again.

The Son and Cousin both went with me to the bus station and waited for the luggage to be recovered from the storage area, the breakfast to be purchased and the bus to depart. I noted they had a look of worry on their faces and the Son finally asked if I had enough money. I was taken aback for this family was offering something they themselves had little off. My heart runneth over!

I hated that departure and as they walked and followed the bus till it was out of sight, I blew kisses.

May we meet again!