Summary of "Edgar Oliver: Courting Paul Bowles in Tangier" – The Moth Podcast
Episode: Edgar Oliver: Courting Paul Bowles in Tangier
Release Date: September 24, 2012
Host/Author: The Moth
Storyteller: Edgar Oliver
Introduction: An Ambitious Journey
Edgar Oliver begins his story by recounting a pivotal trip he undertook two decades earlier to Morocco, accompanied by his sister Helen and their close friend Jason. This journey was motivated by a shared admiration for the works of Paul Bowles, an esteemed American writer who had made Tangier his home. Edgar reveals the emotional undercurrents of the trip, particularly his unrequited love for Jason. Despite knowing Jason's lack of romantic interest in men, Edgar cherished a "passionate romantic friendship" with him, setting the stage for the personal stakes intertwined with their adventure.
"My love for Jason was an impossible love." [02:10]
Arriving in Morocco: Navigating Cultural Barriers
Upon landing in Marrakech, the trio faced immediate challenges that underscored the complexities of their visit. Their initial attempts to explore the city were marred by overwhelming attention from locals, leading them to retreat to their hotel lobby. It was here they learned the necessity of hiring a native guide to navigate the social intricacies of Morocco effectively.
"If you had a native guide, you could go anywhere and people would leave you miraculously alone." [04:15]
Their enthusiasm for Tangier grew as they progressed towards their ultimate goal—meeting Paul Bowles. However, their path was soon complicated by the introduction of Mohammed, a charming local who claimed to be Bowles' friend and offered to guide them. While Mohammed proved to be an excellent guide, Edgar and his companions harbored suspicions about his true intentions, deciding they needed to find a way to connect with Bowles independently.
The Tangier Sojourn: Encounters and Escalations
As Edgar, Helen, and Jason settled into the Medina, the old part of Tangier, Mohammed introduced them to the clandestine world of black-market liquor. One night, fueled by alcohol and emotional tension, Edgar's relationship with Jason became strained, leading to a series of impulsive actions. Edgar recounts a moment of vulnerability and distress as he wandered alone through the Medina, only to find solace in a serene park overlooking the bay.
"I felt so happy, alone in this magical place." [10:45]
This fleeting peace was shattered by an encounter with a young boy, whom Edgar initially perceived as a benign presence but soon realized was part of a more sinister plot. The boy led Edgar into the custody of older, intimidating figures who orchestrated an unsettling kidnapping scenario. Edgar describes the harrowing experience with vivid imagery, highlighting his fear and desperation.
"I had the definite impression that I had been kidnapped." [14:30]
The situation escalated quickly when the trio found themselves being stoned by local children, a terrifying culmination of their unintended transgressions in Tangier. Edgar narrates the chaos and the narrow escape facilitated by a veiled woman in a taxi, underscoring the peril they faced.
"We were being stoned by children." [17:20]
The Climactic Meeting: Facing Paul Bowles
After narrowly escaping danger, Edgar and his companions revisited their quest to meet Paul Bowles, this time with sober determination. Their second attempt led them to Bowles' residence, where they finally encountered the elusive writer. The meeting was marked by an awkward and superficial interaction, primarily revolving around trivial details like Bowles' bedspread—a moment that felt both anticlimactic and poignant to Edgar.
"Paul Bowles looked down and he said, 'ah, yes, I got this bedspread in San Francisco in 1958.'" [19:55]
This encounter left Edgar reflecting on missed opportunities to share their extraordinary experiences, such as being stoned by children—experiences that mirrored the compelling narratives found in Bowles' own stories.
Conclusion: Reflections on an Unforgettable Experience
Edgar concludes his story by expressing a sense of regret over not communicating the full extent of their ordeal to Paul Bowles. He muses on how their real-life adventure could have served as a fitting anecdote for Bowles' literary repertoire, encapsulating the unpredictable and sometimes perilous nature of immersing oneself in a foreign culture.
"God, why didn't we tell Paul Bowles how we were stoned by children the other day when we tried to visit him?" [21:30]
Reflections and Impact
Edgar Oliver's storytelling masterfully intertwines personal emotions with the vibrant and sometimes chaotic backdrop of Tangier. His narrative offers listeners a window into the complexities of cross-cultural experiences, unrequited love, and the unforeseen challenges that arise when pursuing literary idols. Through his vivid descriptions and emotional honesty, Edgar paints a compelling portrait of a journey that was as much about self-discovery as it was about connecting with a literary legend.
This summary captures the essence of Edgar Oliver's story as featured in The Moth Podcast, highlighting key moments and emotional beats that define his unforgettable experience in Tangier.