Granada, Spain

So I have finally arrived, after a harrowing and stressful flight schedule. I had a few transfers, connection tram mishaps and at one point I thought I would for sure lose my luggage and miss my flight! But in the end everything worked out and I am enjoying my stay at a small hostel in Granada!
I'll be here for a week of orientation and introduction to Andalucia and Arabic and Moorish influence in Spain, which will provide me with a little background knowledge as I start my studies in Meknes on Wednesday.
The city is beautiful and there seems to be new and interesting things around every winding corner. I started out today, my first full day, with breakfast at a neighboring hotel and a tour of the Al- Bazhiyn area of Granada. The Al-Bazhiyn was where the Arabic quarter was and it became the home to the majority of Granadas Arabic population; Saudis, Pakistinis and Moroccans. It was built on a raised hill in Granada so it was a bit of work to reach it. The homes there are called Carmens, which just refers to a beautiful home on a nice piece of land; and the name suits! The homes all had Arabic architecture influences; horseshoe arches, iron work, brick building and ceramic roof tiling. Most the yard were closed off and lush with green grass and fruit trees.
When we reached the top of the hill we were awarded with an amazing view of the city and the Alhambra, the Moorish fortress the city is famous for. It was great to see how high we actually climbed up while we were winding about trying not to fall behind.
We also visited the royal cathedral and chapel today. The chapel was the burial site of Ferdinand and Isabella and a few of their offspring, so off course the chapel and tombs were incredibly detailed and elaborate. The cathedral itself was stunning; painted all in white and gold leaf.
Afterwards I had to take a nap, jet lag hit me pretty hard. I turned in around 2pm and didn't wake until 6, right in time for dinner. We found a small kebab store, which was both delicious and cheap. Mine had lamb , cheese, hummus, sour cream, lettuce and was so filling, I think I am going to really enjoy this diet!
After dinner was when things began to really pick up. Here in Spain the nightlife is full blown, things don't really get hopping until 11 at night. We wandered around a while trying to find a club where there was a whirling dervish show; a dance put on by the mystical Sufi sect of Islam. Turkey, where I spent a few weeks January last, was famous for this, but I didn't get a chance to experience it there, so I was really excited. After wandering around the city and a few ill-fated directions we finally reached the place, but it was too full and we were not allowed in. We wandered a bit more and found a hookah joint, and went in to kill a little time. I didn't have any, inhaling smoke just doesn't appeal to me, but I did order a fantastic cup of chai. It was a good chance to relax and get to know some of the people on my trip. After this many began the rest of their Spanish nightlife experience and hit the bars and clubs. I was not inclined to do this, so I headed back to the hostel with a few others.
Many of the students on this trip seem to be adapting to their new liberated lifestyle alot more than I, they tend to drink often and are a bit more coarse then I am used to. I do not feel, at this point, any great friendships being stuck up but I have been spoiled by my friends at Bethel so I am able to just take things as they come here. There are a few girls I will be able to hang out with while all the others are out at night; there are a pair of Muslim girls who do not drink because it is against their religions and another girl who, like myself , just does not enjoy that scene.

I feel like this post is getting long, and I've got an early start tomorrow so I shall say goodnight for now, but keep posted- I hope to get some photos up soon!

to begin...

Hey all-
I decided to start a blog so all my adventures here in Morocco can be well documented for your enjoyment. If there are any that you think should be getting notifications about blog updates feel free to give them the web link or let me know.

For those of you who haven't heard about my impending trip or for those who aren't satisfied by the description I have given to you I'll detail my semester to come here before I set off.

I will be flying out from Minneapolis on the 29th of January to Malaga, Spain and then busing to Granada to begin an orientation to my semester. While there I will get a chance to explore Spain and the culture there before hopping a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco, where I will be spending the rest of my semester. I will be attending a liberal arts college in Meknes. taking classes in Arabic, History and Culture of Morocco, Religion and Society in the Arab World and possible a Gender Studies course. I will be living in an apartment close to the university and in the heart of the city with 5 other girls from the U.S.

Some of you may know but Morocco was not my first choice to study abroad, and although it is where I have found myself it has not been without struggle. I originally planned for a semester in Cairo, but that fell through and I had to find another venue quickly. I chose Morocco because I was looking for a program in the Middle East or North Africa, with Arabic and Islamic studies. Morocco kind of fell into my lap after I thought all my opportunities were gone and I feel that it is where I am supposed to be for the semester! I have high hopes for this program.

So thats it! I leave in 20 days and I have alot to do in that time. Please keep me in your prayers and keep posted! Send me emails or letters! My address:

Dan Osted
(attn: Megan Fink)
BP 7251
5000 Meknes, MOROCCO