crank up the presses

the beginning of the demonstration
somewhere around the middle...I was still not quite "sure" about taking photographs.

M.C. Solaar not impressed...

BANQUE CENTRALE POPULAIRE has one of its largest branches on
6,AVENUE CHELLAH/ANGLE MY RACHID which is an easy thirty minute walk from the Oudayas, but more often than is convenient – has no money. It is too strange to go to the bank and have it say, “Nope we’re out, try later.” Yesterday I tried three other banks within a half-hour walking radius at none of which was there money available to withdraw from the ATM. A line of people holding our bankcards, all doing the shoulder shrug – in three different languages! Fortunately the printing presses were at work last night and there was cash a plenty this morning. Joy and rapture and that Sparky is why I don’t keep my money in the Moroccan banks.

On my money search yesterday I walked up the Avenue Mohammad V toward the palace. I found no money but I did see the large, peaceful, and wonderfully noisy demonstration that filled the street for five or six blocks with demonstrators, signs, and singing. I have no idea what the protest was about as all the signs were in Darjia but it was so marvelous that the demonstrations can take place. This is not the first I have seen since we arrived, but it was the largest. Change is coming to Morocco, slowly but it is coming and it is exciting to see.

Walking back through the medina I noted the new snack food for the season is apparently roasted corn on the cob, served hot from the braziers; along with fresh figs and cherries all being downed by adorable children in navy blue school uniforms. There are days when I can’t get any cash, but I can always get something delicious to eat.

ADDENDUM/1430 hours

I have just read on CNN that nine firefighters have died fighting a fire in Charleston, U.S. I just have to comment, to pay my respects. I think firefighters are true heroes. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate police officers and soldiers, but some of those chaps (and women) are just mean people who want to get their hands on a gun and have the power to use it. A fireman/woman does nothing but run into a blazing building and rescue people. I remember when I first went to America in 1990 a friend of mine had invited me to a party in Bel Air where Kurt Russell was the guest of honor. He had just finished a film about firemen, and he is the one who told me, “If you have a problem, anything, call the Fire Department. They won’t ask why, or when, they just show up and help.” I always remembered that, and have found it true. True heroes, and I shed a tear for those who lost their lives in the line of duty today.