One of the best parts has been the reactions from people along the way. I have received a lot of high fives from schoolchildren as I ride past, along with waves, smiles, and greetings from people on the road. I never know exactly what I will encounter each day, and those small interactions have become some of my favorite moments of the trip. There have definitely been some challenging miles, but getting on the bike each morning and seeing what is around the next corner has been the most fun.
This week I have been reading Morocco: From Empire to Independence by C. R. Pennell. Since I am traveling across Morocco, I wanted to learn more about the history behind the places and people I am encountering along the way.
The book covers a long period of Moroccan history, including the Roman era, the rise of Islamic Morocco, different Moroccan dynasties, European colonial influence, and Morocco's independence. I enjoy learning about the history of a country while I am actually traveling through it. It gives me a better understanding of what I am seeing and adds another layer to the expedition.
I did not play any games or sports this week, unless riding my bicycle more than 125 miles counts! I have seen plenty of soccer along the way, though. Soccer is very popular in Morocco, and I often see children playing wherever they can find some space.
