Many Moroccans fancy living overseas. Some find their way to New York, Madrid or Paris and are disappointed. Others find a comfortable life. I'm in a spot here. I left the US for Tokyo in 1985 because I didn't like what was happening and wanted my son to get a more global perspective while growing up. But I'm not being two-faced, as I've struggled making my way overseas and think I've learned something about what it takes. When I was posted at the Consulate in Casablanca I was surprised by the numbers of Moroccans who applied for the visa lottery or who tried to get tourist visas in order to stay in the US. If I got into a taxi leaving work the question would invariably come up, "Can you help me get a visa to the U.S.?" I could never understand why they thought it would be so much easier and so much better. Even after 9/11 there are crowds outside the Consulate every day. For the most part I've heard that those who make it adapt to what's necessary: working hard, being resourceful, and making every minute count. My question is, why can't they do this in their own country? Could it be that no one is demanding they do so? We've just finished dealing with what ended up a five day holiday commemorating the 50th anniversary of Moroccan independence. Three weekdays were given just before the weekend and only announced late Tuesday afternoon, November 15. While intended for the administration and not the private sector (which would ordinarily have just the 18th) it ballooned immediately into a major country-wide holiday with all the banks closed for 5 days. Our business, which was just recovering from the 30 days of Ramadan, slacked off as holiday makers headed out of town. Today I read that the Port of Casablanca was blocked for 5 days because of the bank closures and the lack of truck transport. Imagine! I remember all the festivities of the American Bicentennial, but we still only celebrated a holiday on July 4. It's exciting to be here as Morocco commemorates 50 years of independence, but I'm hoping the authorities channel the population into adopting a positive work ethic by improving governance and discipline. If the people feel they have a responsibility for their own well-being and know what's expected of them, there might be shorter lines outside the foreign consulates in Casablanca. One of my objectives in creating Rick's Cafe in Casablanca was to show that the "American Dream" can be a reality anywhere. |
