Two days later David and I found ourselves in Algeciras waiting in line to buy ferry tickets to Africa. That’s right, Africa! Granted it’s NORTH Africa but still, I was bursting at the seams with excitement.

Out of all the trips I had planned to go on or taken this year this was by far the biggest adventure, and up until 4 days ago we knew little to nothing about Morocco, I only knew that I could get to it by ferry so I HAD to do it. But now (after reading a travel guide book on the train) we knew just about as much as scanning a 174 page book will teach you. That is to say: not much.

But we were aware of these facts: Arabic is the first language, French is second, and English and Spanish are a distant third. If we wanted to communicate we had to do so in their second(broken on our part) or third language. Morocco is a Muslim country and as such dress should be very conservative. I told David I didn’t care how hot he got, he could not wear shorts. Also Dave would have to be ambidextrous for the next week, because the left hand is considered unclean and should never be used for eating or drinking.

I mean this was exciting stuff. Such a departure from the westernised culture we are so comfortable in. Plus there were some inherent dangers involved. We were heading there as Americans (who are pretty unpopular with Muslims outside the US). Also our religious beliefs were banned from this country, even the literature I had on me could get me some trouble from the law. Not to mention the high incident of theft at knifepoint Trip Advisor warned against that year. Like I said though, this all made it more exciting for me.

However bearing all this in mind we did decide not to tell my parents that I was going to take their 18-year-old-never-left-the-USA-son off to Morocco. We decided that to soften the blow we’d only call them after we had arrived safely. That way there really isn’t anyway they could talk me out of it.

And so we there we were, in line for the biggest adventure of our lives. Once on the boat deck we could actually see the continent of Africa across the water. It seemed close enough to swim to. I think we were both stuck by the power and majesty of all of this, not to mention how privileged it felt to be looking at this. As the boat lurched forward we were anxious and adrenalized for what awaited us. ..