CAR
BACK SEAT (CASABLANCA, Morocco)
"In June of 1998 I found myself in the Casablanca, Morocco
airport at 10 pm and a lengthy wait until my 7 am departure back to the
States. After a quick scope of the airport I realized not only was there
no decent space to crash out (let alone stretch out), but several
intimidating characters were eager to see where I would end up for the
night. Summoning the logic that's accessible only to those faced with an
uncomfortable and potentially dangerous night's "sleep", I had a
brainstorm. I browsed the car rental stalls until I found a young man who
seemed willing to barter. After a good deal of haggling, I managed to
score a safe place to sleep: the back seat of a rental in a fairly secure
airport lot. For about $8 US I was escorted to the Ford Escort that would
become my night's accomodations. I was not given the car keys (I wasn't
going anywhere), but merely set up my blankets and travel alarm clock and
locked myself in. The money went directly into the vendor's pocket, and I
had an inexpensive and secure night's sleep! Try this option when in a
country with a relatively low cost of living and the airport scene is too
scary." Contributed by Joel Moran