So, we headed down through Tarfaya and into Laayoune!
Laayoune was the first true “city” I saw in awhile. There were signs for McDonald’s everywhere. There was what seemed to be a major stadium. We were back to kind of my comfort zone. (Not that I hadn’t been in a comfort zone in the other places, but there’s something nice to feeling more freedom – like things are closer to other things, and easier to navigate, etc.)
One of the reasons I was excited to go to Laayoune was because it officially crosses the ‘border’ (recognized by some and not others) between Morocco and Western Sahara.
Now, as far as Mohammed [and from what he told me, Moroccans in general] was concerned, the border is meaningless, and it’s all Morocco.
Although, I will say, there was police presence close to the “border” that did check my passport, but there wasn’t a passport stamping. It wasn’t an ‘official border crossing’ or anything. But there was a higher level of security there.
We drove around Laayoune for a hot second. And then, I basically just went to the airport.
(Laayoune seems very chill and relaxed and would be a nice place to go if you want to just sort of reflect, and walk through a beautiful park area, and just truly relax.)
I’d known I’d wanted to see a good chunk of Morocco if I could, so I’d agreed to this little tour thing before I’d gotten there. But I had no idea what to expect. So, I only agreed to a handful of days. And then it seemed easier to just fly from Laayoune back up north, and figure out the rest on my own.
But, I was having so much fun with Mohammed. And he had a little bit of time before he his next group was coming. So, we agreed to meet back up in Casablanca in a few days!
I’d keep my normal flight. And I’d spend those days doing laundry, and catching up on homework and school stuff. And then we’d meet up and explore a little more!