Moroccan Tears

As I'm trying hard to adjust to non-vacation life, or "real life", I suppose, I am missing Morocco more than I thought I would. My guess is that part of it is the way I traveled, staying in amazing places and being busy with touristy stuff every day. It's like when my friends and family up north think I go to the beach every day, and I have to remind them that we have jobs and school in Florida just like everybody everywhere else; it's what they do when they come to Florida, so it seems like the norm. I know if I went back to Morocco or stayed for a long period of time -- and don't think I haven't considered it, possibly teaching English -- it would lose some of its luster. Every day wouldn't be fun and rose petals! I realize how fortunate I am to have taken this trip, especially in the way that I did, and as I put off doing my syllabus for a class that starts next week, I'm feeling like a big baby for wanting only to sleep until that class starts. Today I may give in -- to sleep, not to writing my syllabus. That can wait until tomorrow.

As I was running errands and driving home with these thoughts running through my head, I thought again about my wonderful hosts -- my driver and guide. When I got home and checked my email, a note was waiting from the latter. He had asked that I let him know I made it back safely, and I had, and he was replying. In my moody state, I teared up as I read his email. So kind and sweet without being sappy (even if I am -- and I'm getting teary again as I re-read it). Here it is (with his signature removed):

Hi Bernadette,

Happy to hear from you and happy you arrived safe home

You are welcome any time to morocco.

You are a lovely person. With you I didn't feel a guide doing his job, but I felt on a trip with a friend.

I wish you all the best 

Take care of yourself.and enjoy your life.

Keep in touch.