I have to be careful and selective. Avoid the café’s frequented by prostitutes. Sometimes when I sit alone and a man walks in and sees me I feel these are his first thoughts. Here I am, French, a lone female traveler or just maybe the quick fix he’s willing to pay for.
Mostly men walk in and sit down with their miniature coffees, smoking their cheap cigarettes, lighters strategically placed on the table. The choice seats are by the window or curbside to carelessly gaze at the passerby’s, strangers and the estranged. Young boys, men, congregate by the door. If I enter with the opposite sex, a friend, it could possibly open the door for people to converse about me or feel more comfortable to approach me if I should return unaccompanied.
The known cigarette vendor walks around ready to respond and sedate the first nicotine itch. If you’re too broke to pay the durham and a half (.18), the toxic air will be sure to sedate you. Here smoking is more than ever a mask of idleness.
Lone men, wandering, easily aroused, standing, smoking, and stalking. Idle, dull escapism.
Types of cafes in Morocco
1. Women are not allowed and you wouldn’t want to try even if you desired to make a bold gender statement. These tend to be filled with the older crowd of gentlemen all faced towards the television screen or streets. Here you will find cigarette smoke and glares.
2. If you are women you are a prostitute so don’t be expected to be treated otherwise. Generally in larger towns or cities. I find these places have the best pastries. Young men, old men, all men are here. If you go bring a friend. You don’t need to make new friends at this café.
3. Moroccan women generallywill go accompanied by a male. I can go as I am a foreigner and not feel as if I am constantly being looked at. Establishments like these are found in larger towns and cities and cater mostly towards tourists. I am not French.
