The Sahara in my hair and stubbly beard, rushing for a connection from Casablanca, would that I’d had Aer road to Marrakech.
What they don’t tell you before you head to Morocco.
At least not until you return, is to take Imodium with you.
To guard against the bugs you can pick up from unhygienic Atlas Mountain roadside cafes en route to the Sahara.
None of which, of course, is the responsibility of any airline.
Survivor from Sahara
Only it helps if you then don’t have to hop between Moroccan airports with your British flight.
To get back to London and then take a train to Edinburgh where I was living back then some 30 years ago.
Twas a time too before everyone had a mobile phone so I couldn’t easily report home of my condition.
So that when I stumbled gaunt over the doorstep I’m reliably told that I looked like a survivor from the Sahara.
Which, in truth, I was.
Marrakech excess
Now in 35 years of travelling the world to share its joys for your amusement I’ve been fortunate.
That Morocco is the only time I’ve nearly been hospitalised.
Now should I build up the courage to return to Marrakech I will be prepared.
And that’ll mean flying out of Dublin directly to Marrakech on one of three new Aer Lingus routes.
Flights to Marrakesh will operate from October 27, with fares starting at €69.99.
And you’re welcome, it will just mean you can get back more stress free from your riad.
Maybe in your kaftan, those Fatima hand jewellery and whatever other trinkets you’ve bartered away.
Marrakech is, in truth, a challenge but hey, I’m still talking about it 30 years later.
And Malta and Seville too
As I am, and for different reasons, with Malta where I took the knee and took a fiancee back.
And where Aer Lingus will operate flights from October 25 along with Seville.
Now it’s in the eye of the behoder which destination you keep going back to, and that I do.
But if I get over my reservations about Morocco, and I should.
Then it will be because of Aer road to Marrakech.
