Barely 24 hours since arriving in Morocco’s Casablanca from Perth, I am off to Fes. But getting there is not without setbacks, perhaps an omen for what is to come.
“Sorry, the train is booked. Can I put you on the 6.30pm train in first class?” the ticketing assistant asks at Casablanca’s central train station, Casa Voyageurs. I now have an hour to kill and a further five hours of commuting, arriving around midnight.I am okay with some forced respite, relaxing my overused limbs and getting much-needed coffee. Perhaps inspired by Casablanca’s Medina walls, I create a fortress with my bags at a station cafe. Before I know it, it’s time to go.
Now, should I cram in a toilet visit or not? If I don’t, I will most likely sit cross-legged, resisting the urge. Tiny train toilets with questionable hygiene? No, thanks. I go to the restroom, leaving my suitcase outside the cubicle. With minutes to spare, I head to the platform, feeling double relief. Phew.The long train slowly enters the station and a frenzy follows, doors are swarmed. It’s a hop-on, ask-later scenario.
My eyes widen, and I shoot up from my chair. My eyes dart around the room, scanning stowaways. I can feel everyone’s curious glares on me.My mouth is open, but words are not coming out. It’s like my brain has gone into loading mode, reminiscent of Apple’s “Wheel of Death”, struggling to process it all.. I utter, “My luggage.” Concerned passengers offer assistance, but I remain a human statue. Thank goodness for a sudden bolt of quick thinking – my air tag! My hands shake as I open the app.
I shake off my sudden speech impairment and explain the situation to a young male passenger. He then translates it to a train officer. I feel embarrassed, but I set aside my self-bashing to try and resolve Bag-gate. I’m just grateful I have my passport, laptop and wallet on me. Things could be worse.After some time, the train officer reappears. My personal translator smiles as he shares good news: my bag has been found. It is right where I left it – outside the toilet cubicle. The joke is on me.