These have been four days full of emotion and discoveries. Starting from the spectacular landing last Thursday, 21 June, a series of events have lulled us into the desert’s mysterious pace. I still get goose bumps when I think about the HB-SIA’s final approach: UFO-like lights in the darkness of the night gently landing on the runway to the wooing chants of brightly-dressed Berber women, a lovely tinge of mysticism enveloping the moment.

This crimson colored city of approximately 60’000 inhabitants is the door to the Moroccan desert. Everything appears to move at a gentler pace here, slowed by the relentless and afflicting summer heat (temperatures going over 45°C during the day), a rhythm we all seem to have quickly and joyfully adopted.

This cozy and intimate setting has given us a chance to better meet the solar aircraft’s host country. As Solar Impulse discovers Morocco’s many facets, the local population continued to demonstrate their keen interest in this unique aircraft which flew from faraway Switzerland to the border of the desert’s dunes. Since our arrival, the HB-SIA’s temporary hangar has been honored by the visits of over a thousand curious visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Eyes-wide open admiring the impressive wingspan of the prototype while taking family photos; a proof of what they’ve seen. After an inspiring presentation given by André and Bertrand the crowd gathered around them hoping to get a moment with the founders and pilots of the project.

These are always the most enriching moments and an effective motivator to continue sharing our message across borders. This incredible hospitality only strengthens our host’s slogan of the Crossing Frontiers mission, bringing it from “solar convergence” to “solarly cultural convergence”.