Under the Milky Way

 Perched atop a mountain of dirt and next to a stuck truck with 'God's time is the best" written across it's back, the komatsu excavator whirled back and forth. It's mighty engine was the only machine running outside of the occasional motorbike, as all of the cars waiting on it's progress had long since shut off their motors and settled in. When we had approached this spot in the road, we assessed the situation. Then"good time" truck blocked the road to the left, another sat in the middle of the mess, and a big truck was teetering on one side, barely upright on the right side of the pit. A dumptruck hauled out the middle truck, but then the komatsu went straight in, after being filled with gasoline, and went to work. Groups of men sat around the heart of the action, closely observing the incredible work of such a powerful machine. Young kids helped motorbikes push their way through the giant muddy mess, jumping out of the way of the big y

Walking down the busy sidewalk toward the king's palace, I paused to appreciate the cool breeze on my face and to breathe in the city air. I marveled at the palm tree lined street leading up to a beautiful minaret directly in front of me. Freedom at last. I felt so light and full of energy. ********************************************** After two of the longest days of my life-spent bored out of my mind in a hospital room- I couldn't get out and moving quick enough. I was discharged by the surgeon, and Peace Corps dropped me off at my hotel. I took a much needed shower, gathered my 'wandering' things, and was out the door. I had no purpose, direction, or place to be, instead I just allowed my body to venture down streets that appealed to me- taking turns when my subconscious told me I should and soaking in the bustling city around me.  This was just about the epitome of the seven days I spent in Rabat.