Northern African: Morocco - The Lions on the Road: Cycling London to Cape Town - page 53

I was excited to start my journey across Africa and opted not to stay in Tangier. On
the road leaving this port city, there were scores of children selling melons. At first I po-
litely said no to everyone but by the afternoon I ignored them. Some of these children ran
beside me and tried to pull stuff off the bike as I cycled. Perhaps not to steal as such but
simply as a game to see how I would react (or 'for a laugh' as my old friend Andy used to
say.) On a few occasions some children threw stones at me. None hit me but I must admit
that I contemplated possible retaliations. I did the mature thing: I got off the bike, chased
the little shits and smacked them in the head with my bicycle pump. Actually, I just kept
going.
As I got deeper into Morocco, the roads became quieter and the children became
friendlier. I slowly plodded along the flat terrain without any further incidents. Just before
thetownofSouk-el-Arba-du-Rharb,Icameuponarailroadcrossinglateintheday.Iasked
the gate keeper (at the time, rail barrier gates were manually lowered) if there was a room
I could rent nearby. He told me that if I proceeded 10 kilometres or so I may find one. Just
as I was about to depart, his supervisor, Serrouf came and I spoke to him. I asked if I could
possiblysetupmytentnexttothetrainofficeandpromisedtoleavefirstthinginthemorn-
ing. He said it would be possible.
Serrouf took my bicycle inside the office as I pitched my tent. The station house
doubled as his home where he lived with his family. I sat down with Serrouf for a chat as
he explained how things worked in Morocco, especially about haggling. He also explained
what I should pay for staple food items which I recorded in my journal. As he spoke I tried
to stifle a couple of yawns. Serrouf noticed and politely bid me good night. This was my
first night in Morocco…my first night in Africa.
My First Cycling Day In Africa