Chapter 6, Page 83

The Prophets Birthday consisted of masses of people, trance dancing, three pop-up fairgrounds, and no school.  

When getting on one of these fairground rides there are no lines but there is a first come first serve mentality, meaning whoever has the best aggressive cohesion skills rides next.  This all went on for three days with the rides still spinning.  

What does one do when life gives him or her five days off school?

Go to Chefchaouen, of course.  The name Chefchaouen may not be familiar but the images of city walls of blue may strike some recollection.

We took a 3 to some hour bus ride making random stops and pick-ups along the way.  Filled the bus tires and saw an emphatic gestural argument outside that was settled with a few Dhs.  

We arrived to the city of blue meeting a women from Croatia and a man tempting us to stay at his “hotel”, which never seemed to be tempting.  The streets carry the pigments of blue as one feels like an aquatic water breather traveling through streets like streams.  Everything seemed so relaxing and easy going.  Call me a sap for blue walls, small streets, good company, and new people.  Our hotel was amazing with free breakfast and quant accommodations.  There was no warm water but who really needs that when they already have more then they need. We had a Spaniard man’s head as our fireplace, mustache and all.  

The next day we stumbled upon Croatia and went on an adventurous van ride to the mountains.  This ride consisted of a homemade Best of Bob Marley CD and many questions.  Along the mountain hike there was a small café like business made from mud and stone selling the café essentials, minus pastries.  Those events of that day were nothing that could have ever been planned but what happens when one just wants to “do it live.”  

The trip back to Meknes had all sorts of confusion with no one really knowing what was going on, including the Moroccans.  The night before we went to the bus station finding that not a soul knew when what busses would arrive or even if a bus would arrive.  There was also the looming possibility of a bus strike the next day.  We left Chefchaueen on the 20^th day of February, the day Morocco had its planned protests.  The way back was us occupying a bus, a 40 minute Grand Taxi ride, and a train.  Between were quick steps and a lot of luck, if you believe in that stuff. 

Meknes is where I sit now with those times now memories.  I sit knowing that a Chefchaouen Blue beats the Pacific Blue of Crayola any day.

 

Chapter 4, Page 61

Today is the Prophets Birthday.  Happy Birthday.  Make sure to bake a seven-layer birthday cake.  Not to be picky but marble is his favorite with bubble gum flavored frosting. 

I saw the past as it stands today.  Volubilis. 

This is Moulay Idriss, where Islam was founded in Morocco.

We went hiking through the Atlas Mountains.   We started off by having breakfast in a Moroccan home.  

Traveling up the mountain we went between trees and patches of snow.  Along the way we came along a colony of tourist apes.  They greeted us in their native tongue as we gave them pieces of bread for their hospitality.

Chapter 5, Page 52

This blog has been a constant catch up process.  I have been in Meknes, Morocco for almost a week now.  So much has happened, so fast, it is oh so hard to keep up with it all.  I will try and stay current.

Rolling hills of green are what one sees traveling from Tangier to Meknes.  

My academic life consists of taking

Beginning Arabic 1 and 2

Peace and Conflict Resolution

Islamic Civilization and Artistic Expression

Irreconcilable Differences: Arabic Media

The classrooms are freezing.  It is fuzzy if Meknes really believes in heaters or air conditioning.  Well, we have some portable heaters in our penthouse like apartment to keep us warm.  If two of these heaters are plugged in with anything else, we wait for the power to blow.  You get used to wearing more cloths then you would expect was necessary.  Most times it is colder in doors then out.  The sunlight is more then welcome.  The shadows and sunlight live in two completely different worlds.  A passing stranger’s shadow can bring along a drastic drop in comfort.  Meknes is cold this time of the year, don’t forget it.  A warm glass of mint tea or coffee is always appreciated.

Minus Arabic all of the classes are taught in one straight shot.  I mean, the classes are not divided into two class sessions a week but one large lump usually lasting three hours plus some odd minutes.  There is a break to thaw out.  Maybe it isn’t as cold as I ramble.  I was just not prepared.  A plus is you can get a nice hot cup of Café au Lait for 3dhs at the university café.  What are these dhs?  Let me tell you. 

Ds = Dhs

Dhs = Dirhams

Dirhams = Moroccan Currency

At this exact moment

1 U.S. dollar = 8.19578081 Moroccan dirhams

I just say

1 U.S. dollar = 8 Moroccan dirhams

In the school café

1 Café au Lait plus a free sugar cube = 3Ds = Less then 40 cents

The class sizes seem to dance around 10 students each.  There are only 24 of us ISA abroad students at this Moroccan University.

Note:

I have yet to see anyone selling the Fancy Coffees one gets in the states.

Chapter 3, Page 44

We left Granada for Tangier.  We took a ferry and crossed the Straight of Gibraltar, passing the rock itself.  

The first day in Tangier looked nothing like the Morocco I had pictured in my head.  The city was much more modern then anything I expected.  The city was under construction with a large number of new hotels and high-rise buildings being born.  Though, driving into Tangier there was a beach with a roaming camel, which seemed very surreal.

Outside my hotel window

That first day ended, brining forth my image of Morocco.  I traded modern Tangier for old Tangier.  I traded city streets for narrow walkways.  I saw hallways with meat and cattle heads.  Those images make up a typical Tangier grocery isle.  We meandered around the maze of small hallways and venders to a large open white tiled room. 

 

Before even entering one knew what was to be expected.  The smell of fresh fish poured out as we entered into the masses purchasing all types of fish, shrimp, shark, stingray, and other water creatures.  A man called for our attention, showing off a large shark lying on the floor as his friend began to chop off its fins.  Many venders stood smiling and calling at us in any language they thought we might speak.  Most of the time these moments were greeted by me staring for a bit while they went on about something that seemed exciting, if I just knew what was being said.  My best response was a head nod and disjointed smile.  Most people seemed to be loving life in that large room with all of its organized chaos.

Tangier will forever be remembered for that very first cup of warm mint tea.

Chapter 2, Page 41

This is Granada, it is the past

A stream carries more then a current

Within Alhambra

Some not so SHADY street

Alhambra and below

The door only you have the key to

Chapter 2, Page 32

Granada is just another step till Meknes, Morocco.  

Granada is a compilation of narrow streets composed of shops, people, pomegranates, and graffiti.  A city where sidewalks turn into streets and where one can play a never ending game of spot the pomegranate.    Pomegranate designs can been seen everywhere depending on how hard one wishes to look.  Within Granada exists a massive cathedral that houses the final resting place of Ferdinand and Isabella.  Isabella’s head lays heavier on her pillow then that of her husband, Ferdinand.  It is believed that this is done to show Isabella was the one who truly was the brain behind their operation.  Outside gypsies wander trying to give rosemary and stories of ones future for as many euros as they can get. 

In Granada, most walls carry the weight of extra paint.  These walls may show artistic expression while others share personal belief in a way to a better society.  The writing of simple text represents grander ideas is most likely the work of what some could call the “cave people.”  These people live along the mountainside just outside of town.  They choose to live a lifestyle outside of the system in caves with chimneys coming out from up top the earth like a grungy version of the shire.  They do not wish for tourists like the city they wish to view down below.

Breakdown

Tapas:  A signature consisting of a small plate of food with the purchase of a cold or room temperature beverage.

2-5 Euros

Menu:  Not just the simple list of prospective entrée items but a three-course meal.  This is said to be the common late big lunch thing to do. 

9-14 Euros

Cesta:  This is said to exist but I do not believe.  Supposedly, people take a late afternoon nap or break daily.  Places really just open and close whenever they want and people nap and sleep with the same mentality.