Midelt to Khenifra - Day 142

Date: January 7th, 2009
Distance: Bus to Khenifra
Country: Morocco
Song of the Day: Lazybones - Soul Coughing

Took the bus in the morning to Khenifra. Another big thanks to Jeff for letting me stay with him. Nothing really exciting happened on the trip though.

Once in Khenifra, I did meet Michael, the other PCV who is living there. He is a really funny guy and to hang out with. But we didn't actually do anything that exciting, so I won't bore you with it.

Instead I will tell you a little more about Morocco. It took me a while to get it, but there is hardly any branding here. Sure there are signs for Coke everywhere. I also can't tell you the number of kids I have seen wearing knock off Dolche & Gabana clothing. That all seems to be external influences. Most stores here don't have a name. In Aghbala, the cafes are known by the people who run them. Khenifra is a bit bigger, but still, if there is a sign it will probably only list the type of establishment. If it does list a name, it is done in much smaller print and almost apologetically.

To get around the confusion, the guys in Khenifra have been coming up with their own names for places. There is the Target. The Best Buy. The Dollar Store. The Costco. There are also a couple of cafes they have named. Like the Skyline, because of its rooftop patio. Or what everyone refers to as "Downstairs", which is the cafe across the street from their apartment.

So, while I never liked the oppressive amounts of branding in the US, it does seem weird to have a store entirely without a name. Maybe there is a happy medium in there somewhere.

-Dravis