Cider Press Hill

Or maybe just stay home?

So, I picked up the lad about 8:30 last evening and, on the way home, learned two things: there was a gathering of the (lad’s) clan in Worcester to which he had been invited (could I take him there, pleeeeeease?) and his Dad’s family has tentative plans to whisk him away to Morocco over Christmas vacation. I felt another coupla gray hairs popping out of my head.

Being in a benevolent mood, I took him to Worcester and, I’m sure, took the longest possible route there. Didn’t get home until 12:30, but that’s okay. It was a fun drive, completely destroyed my gas use for the week, but summer is wrapping up for the lad and this week is going to be all about friends and gatherings. I’m cool with that.

But Morocco. I’m not so cool with that. They seem to have had a few suicide bombings in the last couple of months, the US consulate in Casablanca (where they want to go) was shut down for several days, and Americans told to stay indoors. The state department says Americans should remain extremely vigilant and keep a low profile if they go there to avoid kidnappings, hijackings, assassinations, and bombings. Does this sound like a good idea? I’m not too crazy about it. I mean, Morocco is a lovely country and it is a cultural jewel, but there appear to be a some cranky people there who don’t like Americans, even if most Moroccans do. Even Howie Klein, who has traveled to Morocco numerous times, seems to suggest that maybe this isn’t the best time to go. I really hope this idea fades away quietly. Obviously, there will have to be some discussion about it. How bout Paris, instead? Or the Grand Canyon?

Posted on 07/22/07 at 02:47 PM
 




Linkmeister

Tell him if there is a Café Americain in Casablanca it’s a tourist trap, not the one in the movie.  Maybe that’ll disillusion him.

Ok, seriously, I might wait until my country-of-origin recovers some of its reputation before I visited Morocco.

United States   Posted by Linkmeister on 07/22/07  at  04:02 PM





Kate

Being a romantic, he is/was looking forward to seeing Casablanca where Rick “did the right thing.” After reading some of the state department postings, he’s not so enthused.

I agree, this is not the ideal time to be wandering around Morocco with blond hair and mannerisms that scream “I’m an American!”

United States   Posted by Kate on 07/22/07  at  07:16 PM





cyn

I absolutely agree...we get a little complacent sitting here, but there is an awful lot of hatred in this world for America and Americans and I would suspect that might not be the coolest place to visit right now. 

Have a friend whose son is in Abu Dhabi visiting for two weeks (his friend is one of the princes??) and she is very nervous and will be until he gets back here.  To compound things she is Jewish so therefore, her son is, whether or not he practices his faith (he doesn’t).

United States   Posted by cyn on 07/24/07  at  12:15 PM





Kate

I have a strong hunch that if they actually do go, someone is going to have to seriously sedate me before they leave and keep me in a semi-vegatative state until they return. I just hope they decide against this. I am so not in favor of this.

United States   Posted by Kate on 07/24/07  at  05:58 PM





cyn

Let’s see that would be in December - tell you what, I will bring the tequila and keep you sedated and myself as well, my husband is retiring next Friday (GASP) and then along about the beginning of Decembe4 or maybe earlier, my mother will be back for her usual 5 months with us so I will need a steady diet of tequila and lime (to prevent scurvy).  I am happy to share…

United States   Posted by cyn on 07/26/07  at  11:34 AM





Kate

That sounds like an excellent plan, Cyn.  laughter

Retirement is a big lifestyle change. That’ll take some adjustment for both of you. I wish you both well with it and my door is always open! smile

United States   Posted by Kate on 07/26/07  at  03:04 PM





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