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10 Apr 2011
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Posts: 72
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Morocco is for lovers
I decided to risk my reputation by submitting this post. If you're a hard-core biker or even just a serious guy's-kinda-guy, I suggest you skip this. The puke risk is high....however, if you ever plan to travel to Morocco, treat this as a warning:
Alone on the patio of the little cafe in Ait Benhaddou, I was relaxing with a freshly squeezed orange juice while enjoying the view of the Kasbah from the shade of the only umbrella when they walked in. The trio was led by the most beautiful woman I’ve seen in a long time. I tried hard to pretend I was taking no notice, but a blind man with a cane would have noticed my bewilderment. I actually might have stopped breathing there for a while. Since I had the only shady spot, I found myself hoping that they were going to ask to join me at my table, but they were content with flippantly posing for photos in a way only girls know how to. I couldn’t help but crack a smile when the youngest one attempted a seductive pose in an old doorway, but I don’t think they saw me.
Since I left South Africa a year ago I’ve become used to not understanding the languages people speak around me, and they were no exception. They must have taken close to a million photos when the goddess unexpectedly turned to me and in perfect English asked if I would mind taking a photo of the three of them. After metaphorically picking myself up from the floor I managed a “what makes you think I speak English”, and could immediately kick myself for not coming up with something more original or cool. Just as she started stumbling for a response I had the presence of mind to jump up and utter a hasty “I’d be glad to”
And so it started. For the next ten minutes the other two might not even have existed. We were in our own little world. By the time they left to go see the place where Russell Crowe was filmed fighting his way back into the higher echelons of the Roman Empire in Gladiator I was armed with her telephone number, the surprising knowledge that she was Moroccan and not European, and more bravado than the gladiator himself. Unfortunately I had also now learnt that they were on their way to the dunes of Merzouga and then the coastal city of Agadir the day after.
Fortunately I have a motorbike, a willingness to travel long distances for no particular reason, and a ‘dog-on-a-bone’ mentality. Two days later I left Ouarzazate for Agadir in pouring rain. It was raining so hard that water was pouring down the front of my rain suit onto the seat of the bike and soaking my crotch. In one day the stifling heat of the desert gave way to a downpour and bitterly cold winds, and I couldn’t help but wonder if the gods were telling me to back off this one. By the time I covered the 340 kilometers to Agadir everything but my crotch was dry again, and the sunshine I enjoyed over the last hundred kilometers or so also convinced me that the gods were having second thoughts about my intentions.
I hate my knee-high motorcycle boots with a passion, and rate them less comfortable than my ski boots. For a simple asphalt trip like this I would have worn my hiking boots but today I decided to wear ‘the boots’. It was a good move because now my hiking boots were still dry. Dressed in the better of my two long-sleeved shirts, faded jeans and dry hiking boots I confidently walked the kilometer to their apartment. When she answered the door I was floored. Even if I were dressed in my best suit I would have had second thoughts if we were matched. I hid my disappointment and surrendered to the fact that I was outclassed and our relationship was a non-starter. In true Moroccan fashion I was immediately offered tea during which we looked at photos of their overnight camel excursion into the dunes of Merzouga. To my surprise she leaned into me a few times while watching the photos and my confidence slowly re-emerged. She’s beautiful, classy, well educated, speaks four languages, and from a well-to-do family. I’m ugly as hell, unsophisticated, travelling around Africa on a motorcycle, and haven’t had a haircut since the transvestite in Spain screwed it up…...go figure!
We eventually ended up at a ‘white tablecloth’ restaurant in the heart of the beachfront promenade, with her looking like she was going to the symphony and me looking like I just crossed the Sahara on foot. It was in the course of that evening that her true beauty surfaced. Many women are beautiful until you get to know them better. Not her. She exudes a gentle kindness. It doesn’t matter if it’s a family member, stranger, beggar or stray animal, she treats all with the greatest respect and compassion. Her uttering an unkind word or acting in an unkind manner is simply unimaginable. During the evening I often found myself staring at her admiringly, wondering how I ended up at her side. The wonderful evening was concluded with a passionate goodnight wish and the promise of more of her sparkling company the next day.
After solemnly swearing that I would go slowly, she ventured onto the back of my motorbike the next day. That’s when I knew it wasn’t the motorbike that attracted her to me. She was terrified. Not only would she lean in the wrong direction around corners, she would twist the skin on my back like a steering wheel trying to force the motorbike into an upright position in the turns. The straight sections were much more enjoyable with her wrapping her arms around me like seatbelts. By the end of the trip she was a little more relaxed and even talked a policeman out of giving me a 300 dirham fine for not wearing my helmet. How could I, she was wearing it. The real breakthrough came the next day when she started backseat driving. That’s when I knew the universe was in balance and I had fallen for her in a big way.
We spent three marvelous days searching out secluded beaches, restaurants and live Moroccan music while getting to know each other. Now I’m back in Ouarzazate, moping around the hotel like my favorite dog just died. I think of her kind eyes, her brilliant smile, and the way she dances to Moroccon music, and my body and soul aches for her. But then I remember that we live worlds apart with complete different lifestyles and I wish I had the guts to throw caution to the wind and follow my heart.
__________________
Jo’burg to Cairo (And a bit further): KLR 650
Southern Africa (And still going strong): XT660Z Yamaha
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10 Apr 2011
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Athens,Greece
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Love in Morocco...
How dare you using the left part of your brain so much..! Can you really describe many women in your life with all the superlatives you used for her? With the adventurous life your trips imply,is it possible for you to be in Ouarzazate? Get on the bike mate,go find her,don't chicken out,read what you just posted,give your life a chance!
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10 Apr 2011
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: york
Posts: 265
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And buy a new shirt.
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Anything can happen in the next half hour
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11 Apr 2011
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
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er, what, exactly, is the point of motorcycle travel? You are OUT OF YOUR F***ING MIND. I would have stayed - no question, no hesitation. GET BACK THERE YOU IDIOT!!!
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12 Apr 2011
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
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Thanks for the advise guys, not sure it's possible, except buying the shirt .....oothef, I'm on it 
Well, I’m now convinced that this forum is littered with hopeless romantics. Some people might even use the term romantic fools. Whichever, I’m glad I have company. Make no mistake, we all love our motorbikes too. I guess it makes sense, whether you’re a RTWer or a weekend warrior, it’s the sights, smells, sounds, places and people you meet that makes travelling so special, and what better way to do it than by motorcycle. When you’re out there on that road that’s never used by sensible people, and the only thing that’s going to get you back home or to that hot shower and that pillow is the machine you’re holding between your legs you’ve got to love it, whether it was manufactured in Germany or Japan. And size doesn’t matter…….
We often get labeled by the uninformed as adventurers who risk life and limb to travel through the most inhospitable countries and terrain imaginable, but we know it’s not true. We’re just average guys and gals who enjoy the outdoors immensely and like to do it on motorcycles (Perhaps we’re just too lazy to use bicycles). There are few things in life that match the satisfaction you get from climbing up a trail where the rocks display the tire marks of 4x4’s that struggled up there before you, and knowing that the driver didn’t run the same risks as you.
But I digress, I was trying to make fun of all you ‘tough’ motorcycle adventurers. I can just imagine you rushing in after a day of playing in the dirt, still wearing your knee-high boots and body armour, covered in dust and sweat, and reading my love story…..hehehe!
__________________
Jo’burg to Cairo (And a bit further): KLR 650
Southern Africa (And still going strong): XT660Z Yamaha
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12 Apr 2011
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Registered Users
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Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: BC, sometimes
Posts: 578
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So is it a true story or not?
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
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Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
What others say about HU...
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"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Every book a diary
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Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
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Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
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Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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