Mick, Debbie & Garry enjoy a camel ride in Sidi Kaouki
Although I have covered this subject in previous blogs, most recently following the shootings in Paris on 13 November 2015 (my wife Debbie and I were there, and staying close to the Bataclan), I felt compelled to re-visit it after a conversation with a friend whilst we were out walking our dogs last night.
We were telling each other about our travel plans for the year, and I mentioned that we were going to Marrakech in December.
I explained how much Debbie and I love Morocco, a land which is just three hours away from the UK, but which feels like the other side of the earth. It has everything; exciting cities, tranquil mountains, desert wilderness and a spectacular coast.
To say nothing of the year-round great weather, fabulous food and friendly people.
He said: “I wouldn’t go to a Muslim country”. I was staggered. An intelligent man, ex- navy, saying he wouldn’t go to Morocco, for fear of getting caught up in a terrorist incident?
I said, “you can’t do that, that is exactly what they want you to do, to change the way you live. To do that, they win. You are helping them to achieve one of their main objectives. You are effectively supporting their campaign.”
The fact of the matter is, you are more likely to come to harm in London, Paris or Brussels. How many people have come to harm in Morocco, Dubai or Jordan?
Statistically, the most dangerous thing we do on a regular basis is drive our cars; but we all do it. Daily.
We are always hearing the phrase ‘the world is a small place’, but it isn’t really, it is huge. Massive. And the chance of coming to harm whilst travelling to countries that the FCO deems as safe are infinitesimally small.
The day we all start to change our travel plans because of a small group of misguided lunatics, who shamefully link their ideology to one of the world’s most beautiful and oldest religions, we might as well throw the towel of democracy in.
I can’t wait to get back to Marrakech, one of the most fascinating, colourful and vibrant cities on the planet. I cannot recommend it enough. Go on, book a trip, you’ll love it… (for a package try Fleewinter or Travel The Unknown)