Train to Marrakesh

I was on a stopover at Gare Casa Voyageurs in Casablanca on my way to the city of Marrakesh. Thankfully, I was confused by the announcement board since it didn’t find my train on the board even if it was supposed to be arriving soon. Fortunately, someone was there to help and I got on the train on schedule. The train wasn’t the bullet train type that I took from Rabat to Casablanca. That service still doesn’t go all the way to Marrakesh yet, but there have been talks on extending the bullet train all way to Marrakesh, which makes sense since it is one of the most populated cities in the country.

That being said, the train isn’t that much of a slouch either, it was plenty fast as well. The trains would be regularly clocking 150kmh which certainly beats a bus or car. Fortunately, the train wasn’t full, so I was free to choose my seat even though you have assigned seats. The first time I took this train, I was going the opposite direction, and it was already dark so I couldn’t see anything outside apart from some lights whenever we pull up a train station. This time, I can see the scenery. Immediately, I can see how dry this area is. I don’t think it is full blown desert yet, but it sure looks like one already. There were stops along the way and I wonder how people would survive in this kind of environment. I count myself blessed how I can still live in a comfortable environment and not worry about where to get food or water.

[xmglm {http://www.worldwanderings.net/kml/MarrakeshTrainStation.kmz} zoom=19]