5 things we learnt in Morroco.

1. The Caspi-Man likes camels.

In this, he takes after his great-grandfather who also had a thing for camels. In fact, it is widely believed that one actually shared my grandfather's backyard (in a suburb of inner Sydney) for a while. I've been told (since early childhood) that sand was regularly bought to keep this camel happy.

During our time in Morocco, the Caspi-Man developed a special fondness for one camel in particular. This camel goes by the name of Masoot. Masoot also liked the Caspi-Man. Especially after the Caspi-Man shared his bread roll with him.

So strong was the Caspi-Man's natural camel riding ability - that Masoot's owner said the Caspi-Man has the potential to be a great camel jockey. Perhaps he could even become a "camel whisperer"...? So now I'm adding that to the list of his potential future career options. Along with fireman, pilot, street beggar, master chef and supreme dictator. (Yeah, don't ask.)

2. A holiday must be clearly defined.

The Caspi-Man strongly believes that the term "holiday" only applies to the things he finds fun. So any engaging in non-beach / non-swimming /non-camel riding activities (for example: strolling through the Souks of Marrakesh, or meandering in the Tombs of the Sultans) will have him loudly asking - "can we please go back to holidays, now?".

3. There are very few foods that cannot be enhanced by clever addition of cinnamon.

OK, I admit that this is more a preference rather than a 'learning' (as such). And it is an opinion not necessarily shared by all. Including the Ger-Man. Which is a shame. (In my opinion.)

We also discovered that it is a wise idea, when buying spices (or indeed any food stuff) from Moroccan Souks, to indicate how much you want by price. As in: "I want 20 dirhams of Cinnamon / lamb / mint / olives / etc, please". Any other approach will find you astounded by how much it is possible to spend / buy.

4. It is rather expensive to call Morocco from Australia.

My mother discovered this by dialing our hotel with a cheap calling card and learning that $10au credit would buy her 18 seconds talk time. (She quickly hung up and sent a text instead.) My sister, meanwhile, is dreading her next phone bill after calling direct and babbling with the Caspi-Man for half an hour.

5. That:

• All 3 of us like to laze on the beach. (Ok, 1 of the 3 of us prefers to splash in the sea.)
• All 3 of us like to laze by swimming pools. (Ok, 1 of the 3 of us prefers to splash in the pool.)
• 2 of the 3 of us like to make random attacks with water pistols.
• 2 of the 3 of us like to enhance our lazing with trashy paperbacks.
• 2 of the 3 of us find cinnamon in foods extremely yummy.
• 1 of the 3 of us really likes camels. (Had I already mentioned that?)
• All 3 of us had a truly brilliant and unforgettable time.