20231108 Essaouira to Marrakech: Had a lousy night’s sleep, up about every half-an-hour. Got up around 6:45 and met those going out for sunrise shoot at 7:30. Nice colors on the water by the beach as the Sun came up. Went over to the fishing boat area. They are jammed together. We have no idea how they get out to sea.

Back to hotel for breakfast and up to room until 10:00 when we had to have our big luggage outside our doors and carry all of the other stuff down those uneven stairs to lock away until later. Ishmael then gave us a full walking tour of the medina including the spice market and fish market. Cats. Lots of cats. Got back around Noon, gathered our stuff, and headed to the lunch restaurant dragging our things along. I started to notice I was lightheaded. At that point, and later, just figured I was pooped not getting good sleep the night before.

By the time we got to the restaurant, Chrysalis, I had had it. Thought sitting awhile would perk me up, but it didn’t. Then loaded up our gear and went toward the bus. I was so tired I stumbled and was helped to the bus. When the group made a stop at a women’s coop, I stayed on the bus. All of this seems tied in as I found out later.

I rested on and off for the three-hour trip to our hotel in Marrakech, HIVERNAGE & SPA HOTEL, MARRAKECH. My sister and son suggested I do a Covid test…and, I was positive. Symptoms are low fever and some body ache. Lucky that I have Paxlovid along and immediately started on its regimen. Told Ron Rosenstock, the leader of the trip and sent an email to the others so they would know. Ron had room service deliver a really special three-course meal. Got to eat most of it before my tastebuds started to go the way of Paxlovid.

I will stay at the hotel (Room 104) probably most or all of tomorrow to rest and not expose others. Will wear a mask when with them, sit separated on the big bus, and when we eat together.

I am fully vaccinated, regularly wear a mask in crowded areas such as the airports on the way over, and, up until today, have avoided getting sick. Guess it was a matter of time. Figure I must have caught it on or around when we came over with it showing up now.

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