Roof Top View

Roof Top View

Marrakesh, Morocco

July 2008

I am walking through the dense alleyways, looking at all of the merchants wares. They are all pressuring me to buy something.  I have to fend off their aggressiveness. I also have to pay attention to my whereabouts.  I have made so many turns in these narrow, dark alleyways that I wonder if I will ever find my way back to my hotel.

A small boy approaches me, "Madame, madame, want to see a beautiful view. Come with me.  No money."

I pull back from him and he speaks again, "No, it's OK, no money. I promise.  I show you view."

He extends his hand but I don't take it.  He runs inside a store and I follow him.  He gallops up the stairs and I don't even try to keep up with him. The steps are dusty and dirty There is no railing and the steepness slows me down.  But eventually, we get to the roof top and the whole town opens up to me. And it is a beautiful view and I give him some share change and we are both happy.