Unexpected encounter

I close my laptop. I look around the floor of the office, there is no one left. It’s 7 p.m. I’ve been here since 7 a.m. It’s more than time to go home, eat and … get back to work. 7’o clock isn’t a bad time to leave the office during this month of Ramadan. It’s exactly the time of the ftour so every one is eating and I’m sure to be litteraly alone on the road. It feels like being in the qualification laps of a grand prix.

On my way out, I’m passing by the security gate of Casanearshore. The guard I chated with yesterday at about the same time recognizes me and invites me to eat with him and his colleague to share their ftour. There’s no way I say no to that, no matter whether I’m hungry or not. The next 30 minutes are just among the most memorable of my stay in Morroco and at the perfect image of the Morrocans people: simple, friendly, open minded, exotic, full of discoveries.

One of the 2 guards’mother have cooked this ftour for us: tasty harira, grilled sardines, eggs, pastries, date, mint tea … it’s all there and it’s delicious. Miras does most of the talking in an approximative but pretty fluent French. His colleague is more quiet. I think his French isn’t as good and he may be shy about it. Or simply Miras doesn’t let anyone else have the time to speak. God seems to be responsible for everything and Miras thanks him for that every second word. His faith is inspiring. I’m smiling, listening, trying to make sense of what Miras says, add a thing or two in the conversation and mostly, and most importantly, I enjoy the hospitality and I relax.

The night is slowly coming over Casablanca. From where I am with my hosts, I completely forget about my day and try to make the most of the moment. In a few minutes, I’ll leave Miras and his colleague (and their friends who’ve joined us), go to my car and start heading home. I’ll work some more today but that’s ok, this unexpected sharing of the ftour has made my day.