I suppose we had to talk about fundamentalists, terrorists and bad people that I am warned about, et_al. I'm not at all worried about that. Morocco appears to be a place that adores peace.

I'm a little more worried about Gringo middle class fundamentalists from my own country, but it’s amazing what the Daily Mail can create. I can leave that to reach its zenith in the general election that I will be thankfully away for. I can choose to return or not, my vote is cast already.

I am off on some travels, not to see how backward people are, but how different and similar I am to them. How great the diversity of life is, and how common the things that bind us. Our lives, our families, our landscape, our society. It would be great to see just a bit of this.

The past few years have seen in increasing amount of self promoting, social media narcissism. We all want the like's to be pressed but there comes a time where self promotion becomes unhealthy. What can I say to this? Yes, I have invited you to read my blog, and a lot of it will tell you how great I think I am, but I am happy to tell you when it all goes wrong and I make a fool of myself.

The main purpose of this blog is that I can keep my family and friends informed on what is happening. Anyone else is welcome, but not necessary. It saves me writing a million emails. Also, there is little to do at night, I don't expect to be going to any discos. Reflecting and writing down the days travels into an unknown land is a great task undertaken from when writing was in its infancy.

So there may be a little of the 'look at me, look at me', but I hope this not to be too much of a 'narc-hole' event. I'd like, very much to encourage people without lots of money to go motorcycle travelling, because it is simply the best thing you to do for the mind, soul and spirit. As some wizened dude once said, "go on a road trip in a car and it’s like watching a movie. Go on a bike and is like being in the movie"!

Betty is now ready to go. I've quite enjoyed getting her ready. I've made quite a lot of stuff like non slip foot pegs, radiator guards and beefed up pannier rack. I’ve fitted some TKC80 tyres to cope with the rough stuff. Just hoping they won't melt or wear away on the long trip down.

My new travelling companion, Hot Chick, under the windscreen is looking forward to the trip too!