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| Camp with Braghim (Arabic Instructor |
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| Augustus McCrae |
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| Augustus and I |
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| (Insert Joke About How We Rocked the Kasbah) |
Friday, February 11, 2011
Photographic Evidence
The Sahara Pt: 2
Well, I've kept y'all waiting long enough. I know it's so damn difficult to sleep at night when you're wondering the hell I'm doing.
It's ok, you don't have to be embarrassed. I know I'm that important.
Alright, so I'm not quite sure where I left off, so I'll just pick up from the first morning at the hotel. So, without further adue:
So we woke up. Big news, right? Anyway, we packed up our stuff and headed downstairs for a breakfast of coffee and bread. Afterwards, we all piled back on the bus and headed into town to visit a sanctuary. Now, the CLC (our center) has visited this place on many different occasions, however, this time was way different. We were quickly greeted by the man in charge of keeping the place up and running.
Guess what, he invited us to tea.
This man, appointed by the king, invited us to tea and proceeded to give us a tour around the entire area. Thus turning what was supposed to be a hour visit into a several hour, totally awesome tour.
Do I need to remind you how important I am?
Also, WE DRANK HIS TEA.
4reelz.
Things we saw:
-A beautiful room/tomb/place of prayer
-More beautiful rooms
-Qur'anic students
-A goat get slaughtered
-More beautiful rooms
-And the homes in which the people of Zagora live
Afterwards, we walked over to a pottery shop where I saw a man throw pottery better than anyone I've ever seen. Seriously, mad props.
I even bought some pottery.
Do I need to remind you how important I am?
Then back to the hotel for lunch, and to move our stuff into 4, separate, but equal rooms. The guys in one and the girls in the other three.
OFF TO THE SAHARA
After a two hour bus ride, we arrived at our camels. Yes, camels. Yes, I rode a camel. Yes, it was awesome. Yes, I named them.
I rode two:
The first day he was named, "Darlin'." The second day, he was named "Augustus McCrae."
Anyway, so we hopped on and we rode into the desert. After about two hours, we arrived at our camp.
We rode in around sundown, and made camp about a mile from where we thought the Kiowas had set up camp. We wanted to surprise them, though they didn't seem worried considering they had fire going, and we could hear them yelling across the plains, though none of us were really sure what they were saying. After setting up, Augustus and I rode off, leaving the others behind. Augustus wanted to go alone, but I couldn't justify sitting around while we had the opportunity to ride.
Around nine we rode into their camp. Augustus shot first injuring, what could only be assumed was a buffalo hunter who had fallen in with a group of renegades. We were lucky. They had spent the night drinking, so before long Augustus had killed the entirety of the group. I just stood there, gun in hand, confused as to how we had got ourselves into such a position.
Oh wait. That's Lonesome Dove, none of that actually happened.
We did ride into camp around sunset, but instead of being greeted with gunshots and battle cries, we were greeted with Moroccan Mint Tea, couscous, a campfire, and James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend," translated into Derija.
Not quite Lonesome Dove.
It was fantastic, and the stars were amazing.
The next day we jumped back on camels and rode back to town. We showered, ate, and went to a city that I can't remember the name off. We were given a brief tour of a Kasbah (where they filmed Gladiator, Babel, Kingdom of Heaven, and others), and shivered as we were told of the history of such a place.
Then dinner, shower, and bed.
The next day a 7 hour bus ride back to Marrakech.
Now, in a few hours I'm off to the beach town of Essaouira.
Lamborghini Dreams, Beach House Wishes.
B'slamma
Ps: Pictures soon.
It's ok, you don't have to be embarrassed. I know I'm that important.
Alright, so I'm not quite sure where I left off, so I'll just pick up from the first morning at the hotel. So, without further adue:
So we woke up. Big news, right? Anyway, we packed up our stuff and headed downstairs for a breakfast of coffee and bread. Afterwards, we all piled back on the bus and headed into town to visit a sanctuary. Now, the CLC (our center) has visited this place on many different occasions, however, this time was way different. We were quickly greeted by the man in charge of keeping the place up and running.
Guess what, he invited us to tea.
This man, appointed by the king, invited us to tea and proceeded to give us a tour around the entire area. Thus turning what was supposed to be a hour visit into a several hour, totally awesome tour.
Do I need to remind you how important I am?
Also, WE DRANK HIS TEA.
4reelz.
Things we saw:
-A beautiful room/tomb/place of prayer
-More beautiful rooms
-Qur'anic students
-A goat get slaughtered
-More beautiful rooms
-And the homes in which the people of Zagora live
Afterwards, we walked over to a pottery shop where I saw a man throw pottery better than anyone I've ever seen. Seriously, mad props.
I even bought some pottery.
Do I need to remind you how important I am?
Then back to the hotel for lunch, and to move our stuff into 4, separate, but equal rooms. The guys in one and the girls in the other three.
OFF TO THE SAHARA
After a two hour bus ride, we arrived at our camels. Yes, camels. Yes, I rode a camel. Yes, it was awesome. Yes, I named them.
I rode two:
The first day he was named, "Darlin'." The second day, he was named "Augustus McCrae."
Anyway, so we hopped on and we rode into the desert. After about two hours, we arrived at our camp.
We rode in around sundown, and made camp about a mile from where we thought the Kiowas had set up camp. We wanted to surprise them, though they didn't seem worried considering they had fire going, and we could hear them yelling across the plains, though none of us were really sure what they were saying. After setting up, Augustus and I rode off, leaving the others behind. Augustus wanted to go alone, but I couldn't justify sitting around while we had the opportunity to ride.
Around nine we rode into their camp. Augustus shot first injuring, what could only be assumed was a buffalo hunter who had fallen in with a group of renegades. We were lucky. They had spent the night drinking, so before long Augustus had killed the entirety of the group. I just stood there, gun in hand, confused as to how we had got ourselves into such a position.
Oh wait. That's Lonesome Dove, none of that actually happened.
We did ride into camp around sunset, but instead of being greeted with gunshots and battle cries, we were greeted with Moroccan Mint Tea, couscous, a campfire, and James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend," translated into Derija.
Not quite Lonesome Dove.
It was fantastic, and the stars were amazing.
The next day we jumped back on camels and rode back to town. We showered, ate, and went to a city that I can't remember the name off. We were given a brief tour of a Kasbah (where they filmed Gladiator, Babel, Kingdom of Heaven, and others), and shivered as we were told of the history of such a place.
Then dinner, shower, and bed.
The next day a 7 hour bus ride back to Marrakech.
Now, in a few hours I'm off to the beach town of Essaouira.
Lamborghini Dreams, Beach House Wishes.
B'slamma
Ps: Pictures soon.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The Sahara
I feel like I owe the world an update. I also feel the need to brag to all my zero readers about how awesome my weekend was. Unfortunately, I have a cold and I feel like hell, so this probably won't be the update that will change your life.
But in all seriousness, drop whatever you're doing and ride a camel.
So here's how it goes:
Friday morning, I was up at 6:30 for breakfast with my brother. We ate, and around 7ish, I grabbed my bag and we hopped on his brother's motorcycle and headed to the center. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am officially a Moroccan badass. We swerved in and out of lanes, picking up speed, and being awesome. Now, at this moment, I feel the need to describe to the readers of the world the insanity that is Moroccan traffic.
Let's take a busy American street, for example. Portland folk, let's say the Burnside-downtown area. Laredo folk, let's say Mcpherson (spelling?). Ok, now let's say you're on these streets during rush hour. Ok, so there are tons of cars, you're passenger's seat of your friends car, the air conditioning is broken, and talk radio is blasting in some language you can't understand. Also, traffic lights don't exist (well they do, but they are randomly placed and seem to be only taken as suggestions). Now, imagine that every car had one selfish agenda, to get to it's destination without any sort of consideration for anyone else on the road. That means, if there is space for the car to go, it's going to go. On coming traffic? No biggie? Lady with stroller pushing a small child? No bigger. Godzilla making a bed out of all the office buildings within a 10 mile radius? No problem at all. Motorcycles are smaller, so they can cruise down the center lane and there are so damn many.
Oh, and one more thing: Everyone's horn is on.
That's Moroccan traffic.
So we cruise through morning traffic, get to the center, and jump on the bus. 9-12 hours later, we arrive in Zaragoza and check into this beautiful hotel (complete with palm trees and swimming pool) and we....
But in all seriousness, drop whatever you're doing and ride a camel.
So here's how it goes:
Friday morning, I was up at 6:30 for breakfast with my brother. We ate, and around 7ish, I grabbed my bag and we hopped on his brother's motorcycle and headed to the center. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am officially a Moroccan badass. We swerved in and out of lanes, picking up speed, and being awesome. Now, at this moment, I feel the need to describe to the readers of the world the insanity that is Moroccan traffic.
Let's take a busy American street, for example. Portland folk, let's say the Burnside-downtown area. Laredo folk, let's say Mcpherson (spelling?). Ok, now let's say you're on these streets during rush hour. Ok, so there are tons of cars, you're passenger's seat of your friends car, the air conditioning is broken, and talk radio is blasting in some language you can't understand. Also, traffic lights don't exist (well they do, but they are randomly placed and seem to be only taken as suggestions). Now, imagine that every car had one selfish agenda, to get to it's destination without any sort of consideration for anyone else on the road. That means, if there is space for the car to go, it's going to go. On coming traffic? No biggie? Lady with stroller pushing a small child? No bigger. Godzilla making a bed out of all the office buildings within a 10 mile radius? No problem at all. Motorcycles are smaller, so they can cruise down the center lane and there are so damn many.
Oh, and one more thing: Everyone's horn is on.
That's Moroccan traffic.
So we cruise through morning traffic, get to the center, and jump on the bus. 9-12 hours later, we arrive in Zaragoza and check into this beautiful hotel (complete with palm trees and swimming pool) and we....
RANDOM PICTURE INTERMISSION
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| Picture by Renda |
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| Picture by Renda |
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| To Be Continued... |
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Oh Whoa, I Forgot
Well, I warned all you readers out there that I'm the absolute worst at keeping a blog. I mean seriously, who cares if my life is that much more awesome than anyone else's. Everyone knows this to be true, so why do I need to constantly prove it by dictating everything I've eaten and done here in Morocco.
Who knows?
Regardless, I'm going to do it and if you don't like it you can go read some other blog about someone else's life you secretly wish you were living.
So here we go:
GUESS WHO'S THE PROUD OWNER OF A JALABA?
GUESS WHO'S THE PROUD OWNER OF ONE OF THOSE SCARFS YOU WRAP AROUND YOUR HEAD (no I don't think it's called a turban, I'm pretty sure it's something different)?
Me! I mean, c'mon, you're reading my blog after all.
Aside from that, things have been insanely academic. It turns out Morocco is not one of the "fuck around" study abroad programs (take that The Onion). Seriously though, I'm in class at minimum, 4 hours a day and usually end up doing homework for at least 2 1/2-3 hours afterwards. It's insane, however there is still a good amount of time for fun, games, and getting lost in the never ending alleyways of Marrakech.
Did I talk about basketball last time? I'm not sure I did. Anyway, I play it. A lot. It really is a blast, and all the Moroccan folks get into it. Hell, there is even a basketball club at the center on Saturdays. It's really great. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that playing basketball against local kids is one of the highlights of this trip thus far.
Picture this:
Me. Girls in Hijabs. Moroccan guys. And everyone getting into it.
Of course, everyone get's schooled my your's truly, but they're great sports.
(Actually, I retract that comment. I'm awful at basketball, but it's damn fun.)
What else?
Sunday, we all went on a tour of the Mellah of Marrakech by the author of, "The Mellah of Marrakech." Now, I'm not going to give y'all a history lesson, however I will say this:
The tour was fantastic. Essentially, the Mellah is an old Jewish neighborhood and is absolutely amazing. Hah, I even got to open a door to a synagogue that hadn't been opened in 14 years.
Tonight: More random pictures.
This weekend: The Sahara.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Fuck Yeah, Random Pictures
So I'm exhausted, but I'm trying to stay up for something(one) wonderful, and I figured it's quick blog time. I'll give a real update sometime in the next couple of days, but for now you just need to know a few things.
First: The picture of the marketplace type area in no way does the actual place justice. It's called the souk, and it is a maze and it is crowed like you could never even imagine. Let's try really quickly. Take all of your most beautiful clothes and random belongings out of your apartment and place them randomly in the narrowest hallway you can find. Now, ask some friends to stand against the walls of the hall and tell them to yell random things in different languages and grab you as you walk by. Now, spin around in circles until you're about to throw up and try and walk through the hallway. Now make the hallway into a maze and make it seem never ending. Also, add tons of people walking through in various directions, and random motorcycles driving through the crowd.
THAT'S THE SOUK
Second: I went to the Hammam. It is a public bath and it is awesome (more later).
Third: ALDO SHMALDO ARGUETA 2011 governor of the world. Join the cause.
Also: Happy Birthday to him, buy him a beer or a chak. For serious.
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| THE SOUK, MUFFUGA |
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| My Brother Helping Me Read An Encription |
Friday, January 21, 2011
الحمد لله
I've officially begun my Marrakech experience الحمد لله ! Now, I'm sure all of your are tearing up your minds trying to figure out exactly what that means. That's right, I found y'all out, and it has become common knowledge to me that the entire world cares about what I'm doing over hear in Morocco, so get ready for THE update that will blow your mind. Of course, there will be more mind blowing blog posts, but for now I'll you what I've been up to the last couple of days, as well as a list of my daily life thus far.
So here it goes:
On Wednesday I woke up, finished packing some odds and ends and moved all of my luggage downstairs before sitting down to a "standard" Moroccan breakfast.
"But St. Richard, what is this standard Moroccan breakfast?"
That's a very good question, world. A standard Moroccan breakfast consists of bread, butter and coffee (though at the hotel they offered orange juice as well).
After that we took our luggage over to the center where we received phones and a 100 dh stipend. Yes world, I am now the proud owner of a Moroc Telecom cellphone (get excited). Unfortunately, I don't know my number by memory so y'all will have to wait to find out how you can reach me for a very very high price.
Then they sent us out into Marrakech to go find lunch, and some friends and I went to lunch at some place called "Cafe Glacier Snack." Kabobs muffuga, kabobs. I then fumbled through purchasing some Moroccan cigarettes (I can now do that perfectly and with a smile).
Next we were broken down into groups and sent on a scavenger hunt around the city. It was a great experience wandering around, learning Moroccan taxi skills, and how to never, ever try and find your way around the Souk.
"St. Richard! St. Richard! I have a question."
Yes world, what is it?
"What's a Souk?"
What a great question, world. The Souk is this labyrinth of shops, where they sell just about anything, from hookahs to shoes, to beanies. It really is a maze, and in order to even pretend to not get lost you just have to keep walking forward. Somehow, we ended up back where we started, though I have no idea how.
I bought an orange juice. It was 4 dh (i think thats the abbreviation), or about 40 cents and it was fucking delicious (I apologize about the F-bomb, but it is absolutely needed for emphasis).
Then we made our way back, had a discussion, and met the member of our families that speak English.
My host brother speaks perfect English, by the way, better than I do and so far the entire family has put up with me massacring their language with smiles, laughter, and cheers when I get things right (though there was one awkward conversation when I tried to explain what math class I took waaaay back in the day.
Class is great, though it's extremely fast paced and difficult. Luckily I get to practice with my family every night. I take to the bus to get there, and wouldn't you know it, I have the longest commute.
A 40 MINUTE BUS RIDE. Moroccan traffic and busses are insane, by the way and I'll provide more of a description later (hopefully with pictures).
And now today, we had class and now I'm home with my family for lunch (which every friday is cous cous due to Moroccan tradition). The food has been fucking fantastic. I mean fucking delicious. I mean wow. And you eat with your right hand, but it didn't take long to catch on at all.
So here is my day:
-Wake up at 7:30 for breakfast with my brother.
-Walk down to the bus stop at 8ish and climb on an 815ish bus down to a stop in an area called Le Guiles (GEE-LEES) and walk about 10 minutes to the center.
-Class at 9-11 with a Moroccan tea and bread break.
(Lunch after class the location various according to the day)
-Class from 2-4
-Go Home
-Coffee and snacks with the family
-Dinner
-Lots and lots of soccer
-Study
-Sleep
This schedule will change again next week when another class gets added, but the work load for that one will be small until we get to Fes. Right now, and for the next couple weeks, we're focusing on Moroccan Arabic.
So that's it for now.
B'slaama.
Ps: PERSONAL MESSAGE TIME!
Mom and Dad: I'm alive and well. We can plan to talk soon, just let me know when it works for y'all.
Matt and David Sames: Y'all are lame. Lyke4reelz.
Jon: I miss you too, mang. We'll tear the world apart when I get back.
Dayvid: Your comment made me wish you were here so we can raise hell here in Morocco.
Lauren: I love you and miss you. Here's look' at you (raises Moroccan mint tea glass), kid.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Ahalan
This will be brief.
I'm in Marrakech and it is awesome. Currently I'm sitting around in the hotel lobby (we're staying another night here before moving to our host families tomorrow), smoking a cigarette, and talking with this cute girl back in America. Can you believe that?
So today was fairly laid back. I woke up around 11 and since most folks were still asleep, I came down stairs to have a cigarette and explore a little bit, and immediately I was offered breakfast by a lady behind the front desk. Wonderful breakfast in a wonderful little garden (complete with turtles walking around), is a great way to start any day and fend off jet lag.
Then at 1230, we went over to our center (where our classes will be held) and had lunch, orientation, and tea time (Moroccan Mint tea is delicious, though very sweet). While there I had a chance to shoot around a basketball with the group as well as some young Moroccan kids. Good times. Then we had a brief tour around the city, which is beautiful, and not as overwhelming as I thought it would be, though tomorrow I move in with my host family, and Thursday I have to adventure on the bus to class, so perhaps i will be singing a different tune, but until then: Fuck yeah, Marrakech!
Well this is longer than expected, though stil pretty damn vague.
Anyway, until next time:
Here's look'n at y'all, world.
I'm in Marrakech and it is awesome. Currently I'm sitting around in the hotel lobby (we're staying another night here before moving to our host families tomorrow), smoking a cigarette, and talking with this cute girl back in America. Can you believe that?
So today was fairly laid back. I woke up around 11 and since most folks were still asleep, I came down stairs to have a cigarette and explore a little bit, and immediately I was offered breakfast by a lady behind the front desk. Wonderful breakfast in a wonderful little garden (complete with turtles walking around), is a great way to start any day and fend off jet lag.
Then at 1230, we went over to our center (where our classes will be held) and had lunch, orientation, and tea time (Moroccan Mint tea is delicious, though very sweet). While there I had a chance to shoot around a basketball with the group as well as some young Moroccan kids. Good times. Then we had a brief tour around the city, which is beautiful, and not as overwhelming as I thought it would be, though tomorrow I move in with my host family, and Thursday I have to adventure on the bus to class, so perhaps i will be singing a different tune, but until then: Fuck yeah, Marrakech!
Well this is longer than expected, though stil pretty damn vague.
Anyway, until next time:
Here's look'n at y'all, world.
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