“Forty days in Morocco!!! Are you mad?” screamed my neighbor, Riaz. His perplexity was natural. English is rarely spoken in Morocco and the language barrier may create problems.

Being determined, I boarded Emirate Airlines Boeing 777 on June 26, 04 for Casablanca. There were nearly 300 passengers. All applauded when the airplane made a smooth landing. I joined them and appreciated a good custom.

Immigration formalities were brief and soon I found myself on a waiting train right in the terminal area. In about 30 minutes, the train reached the city. I had a reservation for a hotel which was located next door. In a moment, I was at the reception of Ibis Moussafir with a printout of my Internet booking. Never before finding a place to straighten my back was so safe and so convenient.

In the next 40 days I covered most of the country and did not suffer due to my lack of knowledge of Arabic or French.

This would be evident from my travel tale that follows.