Impressions of Africa and Morocco

First of all, we've been told that pretty much what we've seen in Morocco, the rest of Africa is similar. Except for the happy made-up tourist places, but we know that those are not real.

Anyway, here goes!!!
The first thing that comes to mind is: 'What have we done to ourselves?' We will forever hold in our memories the visions of all things horrible in this country. Yes, there are some beautiful things, people, buildings, weather and new and exciting things to do, but, all of this is numbed next to the abject poverty and state of living. Poverty that 60% or more of people didn't ask for nor can get out of no matter how hard and tirelessly they work.
Hidden behind mud walls and beside the mud huts, concrete broken down buildings covered with rocks and tin for roofs with no windows stand beautiful mosques filled with gold and marble. Why aren't these places hidden behind high walls to hide them from sight? Because we were high up in a tour bus, we could see the deplorable situations behind the walls.
Animals, too, are treated with as little respect as the poor. Donkeys bear weight not fit for 4 and have their legs tied together so that can't escape. Horses stand for hours waiting for a chance to walk or trot. Too, we saw that their front feet were tied together.
The pathetic manner of these poor people draws at your soul as you are forced to refuse their goods because it becomes overwhelming and dangerous to accept them. They are desperate to sell you something they wouldn't have or need. The amount of personal space is assaulted with every step. If a motorcycle, car, donkey, or bike is not in your way, these sellers are constantly on your feet.
Being rude doesn't work, you must harden your soul and push on. Trying to ignore their existance. How sad is this for caring people such as we try to be. How sad is this land. How sad are we to have to behave in this way to fellow human beings. And the worst yet and the hardest to live with is 'How pathetic is it to be glad that we are no where near as desperate as they are and relieved that we can escape the madness.
We leave this place with heavy hearts not able to take any more. We leave with many questions of how can a place like this exist.
Did we have a special time of our lives here? Yes. We have learned so much with which we will carry for the rest of our lives. Would we ever return to this land? No.