Morocco: Bright Memories of a Journey Cut Short

Two years ago, I set off for Morocco. This country wasn’t part of my original plan, my dream was to travel overland from Switzerland to Australia, crossing Russia, Central Asia, and many other distant lands. But between the Covid-19 pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine, that ambitious project had to be abandoned. Morocco then presented itself as an alternative, and what an alternative it was!

From the moment I arrived in Morocco, I was struck by the warmth of the people. The Moroccans I met showed a rare kindness, always ready to help, attentive and welcoming. As for the country itself, it offered breathtaking landscapes: from the Mediterranean coast to the shores of the Atlantic, through the lush valleys of vegetable farms, the arid lands of the Atlas Mountains rising over 2,500 metres, and finally, the gateway to the vast desert in the south. This journey left me with unforgettable memories.

Originally, this blog was meant to be a travel diary, a space to share my impressions, discoveries, and moments of wonder. But an accident during a hike changed everything. Being flown back to Switzerland and going through seven consecutive surgeries turned this travel story into a convalescence journal. At times, I even doubted whether it was worth continuing to write. After some thought, I decided to carry on, because this blog is also my way of staying connected to what I love: movement, exploration, and openness to the world.

Today, my situation is far from what I had imagined. Living with a disability was never part of my plans. My most recent stay in Spain painfully reminded me that my mobility is now limited, and that some types of travel may no longer be possible for me. In a week, it will mark two years since my ordeal began. Thanks to an orthosis, I can now walk without crutches, but every step remains uncertain. The future is unclear.

As my surgeon suggested, I’m going to try to make the most of the summer, and we’ll reflect again in the autumn. For now, I’m doing my best to move forward, with the lights of Morocco in my mind, the smiles I met there, and the nostalgia for a journey that can no longer be.

I try to keep hope alive, even though the reality of my condition catches up with me every day.

May 10 marks two years since my accident and my hospitalisation in Midelt.