"We're off on the road to Morocco..."

"We're off on the road to Morocco" today (taken from lyrics by Johnny Burke). Our flight leaves at 5. We left the house at 11 and traffic reports said we should have a clear way. We have tried to time it so we will leave the car at Jason's office in Uxbridge and have a bit of time for lunch and to buy diapers, water and a book on Morocco. The clear traffic didn't last long.

Traffic jams in LA are nothing compared to here-there is never an exit every few miles and there are really no side streets for detours unless you want narrow,windy country roads. We had only about 45 minutes (pushing that) when we got to Uxbridge. Time for the convenient but unpleasant McD's.

While standing in line to order, Griffen clamped his hand over his mouth-I took one look at him and we raced out the door with the inevitable splat just clearing the entrance. Thinking it was just car-sickness from stop & go traffic, he went back in and a ate his burger and fries.

After scarfing down our food, Jas let me off on a corner with vague directions to his office. He took the kids to wait for our taxi at his office and I ran to Tesco's for diapers, water and tissues. By the time I got to the Amgen building, the taxi was loaded and waiting for me.

We were not sure where the Air Morocco check-in desk was but a board at the entrace of the terminal said to use the Air France desk. I asked an agent waiting by the line just to make sure and she said yes. So, we stood in line for 30 minutes only to be told by the check-in agent that no, Air Morocco does not work with Air France, we have to go to the Lufthansa desk. We trudged back to the other end of the terminal where the Lufthansa agent tells us Air Morocco has its own next at the end. After another agonising 20 minutes (I swear they typed with one finger), we are checked in for our flight.

Thankfully the security line was quick. Our departure gate hasn't posted yet, so we decided to run into Boots for forgotten deodorant, sunscreen and sudafed for Kaitlyn's aching ear. Another stop at WH Smith for snacks a novel for Jason and tour book on Morocco. By now the gate is posted and thankfully its a close 10 minute walk (it can be up to 30 minutes or a bus ride away).

Once in the air we smell dinner-fish. A strong yucky smelling fish. Beef was another option but we are stuck at the back of the plane and the beef runs out at Kaitlyn. The fish was just plain nasty and unedible. The rest of us ate bread and the pudding dessert. Griffen and Jillian are feeling ill and really don't eat anything. Great start to our big holiday and I am having a deja vu from our last winter break.

The plane lands in Casablanca where we have to change planes instead of the listed touch down only. The first agent we meet off the plane tells us to go to gate 3. The agent at gate 3 tells us to go to gate 7. Back at gate 7, the agent walked away without answering when we asked him. A passing agent said no, go to gate 3. After waiting at gate 3 for 5 minutes with a now frustrated crowd of passengers we end up back at gate 7.

Gate 7-a quick security check and a long wait with no information. Our 20 minute touch down turned into a 45 minute delayed flight to Marrakech. Once in Marrakech we run into the chaos of passport control where we pick the slowest line. It is now about 11 pm.

Our guide met us and we drove for 15 minutes to our hotel. On the way he apologizes for the business of the airport, there are lots of things going on with Christmas, New Year's and the sheep festival, Aid el Kabir and many people are traveling to be with their families.

Immediately after getting off the bus, Griffen christens the ground with his stomach contents. Wonderful. Off to bed in our rooms that face the bus station and very busy road and beds that are as soft as the tile floors.