Hey-
I'm finally able to write again, the internet has not been reliable enough to write these past few weeks.
Since I last wrote I have finished the first half of my semester here, although it doesn't feel that I have been here that long. Just last Friday and Monday I took the midterms for my Arabic beginning I course and I am surprised at how much I have learned in such a small amount of time. Granted it was only the alphabet and a few dialogues but with these I can begin to understand what Arabic I hear and read. My exams went well and I scored highly on both the written and oral parts. Now the difficult part comes; conjugating verbs and forming sentences. But I'll get through.
Since I wrote last our group got to take a few more excursions. On the weekend of the 28th we drove out to Fes to tour the city. Fes is alot like Meknes in its setup, but much larger and older. While there we had the opportunity to tour a ceramics studio where we saw pots being thrown as well as mosiacs being made, as well as a tannery. The medina was very large and very hectic, I always had to keep eye out to avoid being clipped- or run over- by a passing mule. As interesting as Fes was I am much more appreciative of small and uncomplicated Meknes.
Last weekend we bussed out to the mountain cities of Azrou and Ifrane. We began by a homemade meal at our tour guides home and stuffed ourselves to the brim and so were glad to get a chance to work it all off on a hike up the mountains in the High Atlas range. It was a beautiful day, sunny and in the 70s. It was a hard hike but we took a break when we came across patches of snow of all things. Of course, being deprived of all that lovely snow back home, we broke out in a massive snowball fight; made even more enjoyable because we were not all bundled up but enjoying the summer-like weather. The rest of our hike was broken up by a few more of these impromptu wars.
About halfway through we came to a rest stop between the mountains and there were a family of monkeys just wandering around. We began to peel an orange for one that was perched above us in a tree. These monkeys must have been acclimated to the curious tourists that wander through and know just how to work them, because when we offered this guy a peel he just smacked it away and waiting somewhat impatiently for the good stuff. We all got a chance to feed this monkey a slice, teasing it further and further down the tree until it was just a foot away, meanwhile all his monkey buddies got wind of what was going on and came around to see what they could get. I got close enough to pet one as he was drinking from the water bottle I gave him. It was great fun to play with these monkeys but I imagine they take on the role that squirrels do back home; I would not want to try and have a picknick while they are around. I'll work on getting picture organized so I can get them up- others have pictures of me on their cameras- but look up macaques or barbary apes to see what we did.
After our 2 hour hike we drove to the cities of Azrou and Ifrane to have lunch and wander around. These cities did not look like they belonged in Africa but rather Switzerland, being built with the same architectural style; the pointed roofs and tall buildings. Everything was so quiet and pictuesque compared to the small town busyness of Meknes, it was very interesting to get that other perspective.
On the busride our program directors and guides broke out into full-on Moroccan/ Berber music and dancing, which kept us all laughing and clapping; preparing us for one of the cultural activities that our host university put on for us. Yesterday there was a sort of cultural show put on by the students and professers of Moulay Ismail, consisting of a compilation of music and dance and theatre giving us glimpses of all different cultures which make up Morocco; Berber, Andalusian, Sub-saharan, with a few American additions. Unfortunately though, there was a group of Islamists- extremeists- who disapproved of the music, the boys and girls sitting together, among other things. Things got pretty intense when they got upset over this show and wanted it to stop. There was no immediate danger to any of us, although the Islamists were forced to leave. Many of the Moroccan students afterwards came up to us apologizing and reassuring us that we were welcome and that this behavior was extreme and not tolerated. I felt very safe and reassured because I know many of the students and I know that they do not hold these views and would support our American group over these Islamists. I know that every religion and culture has some extreme element and that is not going to stop me from my interactions with these cultures; and that the only effective way to combat these elements is to peacefully and respectively form relationships. Yesterday I felt why there is a need for my area of studies (Third World and Reconciliation Studies) and the potential results when gone about correctly.
I have one week until I leave for my spring break on the Atlantic coast; in a town called Tagazout, near Agadir, where I plan on lots of sand, surf and sun. I will get pictures and a note up when I get back so those of you in freezing cold Minnesota may live vicariously through me- relazing on a beautiful beach in 80 degree weather! Enjoy the snow!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
life here in Meknes
Alot has happened since I last wrote, both good and bad. On the 15th I got some news of a health scare with one of my roommates back at Bethel, and so much of that day was spent worrying and stressing out. I have been able to get some information and things are well in hand, but I would appreciate prayers for my roommate, her doctors and myself. It was really hard being so far away from everything but have come to terms with the fact that all that I can do is pray and trust in the Lord.
Aside from that there has been some fun activities going on around here. We had a henna party last weekend, a friend of ours brought her neighbor over to do all of our hands- 18 hands in total, front and back! We made mint tea and finger foods and made a party of it. The henna is supposed to last about three weeks, and mine set in alot deeper than the other girls' so I think it will be awhile before it goes away. She painted a green paste on with a tube in a floral pattern from my fingers down to below my wrist. The paste had to set for about 45 minutes and then I scrubbed it off and revealed a deep orange stain. The whole party was alot of fun, its not often we get all 11 girls together for an activity. I think we are going to buy the ingredients and try it oursleves next time!
On Thursday my room had a chance to go to the hamaam, the public bath house, in the Zitoun- the aea near our school. We got our supplies and put on our bathing suits and headed down. The hamaam consisted of three rooms; two steam rooms with fauctes lining the walls and one for scrubbing. We filled our buckets with hot water and were given a black soap mixed with a henna powder to use. It smelled like yeast and mixed together to creat a puce-colored slime. Pretty fun. We ended up looking like the monster from the black lagoon. This soap was an exfoliant that soaked in and made scrubbing easier. Next we had to scrub down with a rough mitt, scraping all the dead skin off, which they called spaghetti. Gross enough for you? All in all the experience was pretty cool, and relaxing even. I came out a few skins lighter and very, very clean!
Not too many other big things have happened, just the everyday adventures. Since you are not all here with me I've decided to give you a little taste of Morocco at home. Most days I wake up for an 8am course, but today I didn't have class until 3, so I spent the morning catching up on reading and homework. We have lunch made by a woman named Saida and her niece Fatima, and if it weren't for them we would be eating bread and fruit for every meal. Instead we get homemade Moroccan dishes which are deliecious. I swear I will go through withdrawal at home. After lunch at 1:30 we have a little before we leave to catch a taxi to class. The taxis that we use are old Mercedes with 6 passangers stuffed inside, and cost about 25c for a ride. Our campus is a few stucco buildings connected by covered walkways, but with many grassy sitting areas. There has been some misunderstanding between the students and the faculty going on since before the end of the fall semester and so their spring semester has not begun yet, but they come to the school every day in case the classes begin again. So every day there has been groups of students hanging around the campus with nothing to do. Consequently we have met quite a few students and see them often. After classes we head to the Zitoun- the area near the university to grab a pastry and to catch a taxi back home. We get back around 6:45 and since it is dark at that point there is not much else to do besides hang out in the apartment and homework for the next day.
On the weekends we usually visit nearby cafes as well as the medina (old city and marketplace). The medina is a very interesting place; there are many different shops as well as street vendors and it is fun to people watch. This past weekend we began our souvernior shopping by bargaining with a few old ladies selling their embroidered tableclothes and tea sets. They were very insistant and it is hard to withstand but I think we were able to get them down to a reasonable amount.
Well I hope my rambling has given you some sense of daily life here in Meknes. I am working on getting pictures and uploading them, but I hate being 'that' tourist with the camera glued in fron of her face. I suppose I shall have to buck up and get an album put together for you though, so that is my goal this upcoming week. I am sorry for the delay!
Aside from that there has been some fun activities going on around here. We had a henna party last weekend, a friend of ours brought her neighbor over to do all of our hands- 18 hands in total, front and back! We made mint tea and finger foods and made a party of it. The henna is supposed to last about three weeks, and mine set in alot deeper than the other girls' so I think it will be awhile before it goes away. She painted a green paste on with a tube in a floral pattern from my fingers down to below my wrist. The paste had to set for about 45 minutes and then I scrubbed it off and revealed a deep orange stain. The whole party was alot of fun, its not often we get all 11 girls together for an activity. I think we are going to buy the ingredients and try it oursleves next time!
On Thursday my room had a chance to go to the hamaam, the public bath house, in the Zitoun- the aea near our school. We got our supplies and put on our bathing suits and headed down. The hamaam consisted of three rooms; two steam rooms with fauctes lining the walls and one for scrubbing. We filled our buckets with hot water and were given a black soap mixed with a henna powder to use. It smelled like yeast and mixed together to creat a puce-colored slime. Pretty fun. We ended up looking like the monster from the black lagoon. This soap was an exfoliant that soaked in and made scrubbing easier. Next we had to scrub down with a rough mitt, scraping all the dead skin off, which they called spaghetti. Gross enough for you? All in all the experience was pretty cool, and relaxing even. I came out a few skins lighter and very, very clean!
Not too many other big things have happened, just the everyday adventures. Since you are not all here with me I've decided to give you a little taste of Morocco at home. Most days I wake up for an 8am course, but today I didn't have class until 3, so I spent the morning catching up on reading and homework. We have lunch made by a woman named Saida and her niece Fatima, and if it weren't for them we would be eating bread and fruit for every meal. Instead we get homemade Moroccan dishes which are deliecious. I swear I will go through withdrawal at home. After lunch at 1:30 we have a little before we leave to catch a taxi to class. The taxis that we use are old Mercedes with 6 passangers stuffed inside, and cost about 25c for a ride. Our campus is a few stucco buildings connected by covered walkways, but with many grassy sitting areas. There has been some misunderstanding between the students and the faculty going on since before the end of the fall semester and so their spring semester has not begun yet, but they come to the school every day in case the classes begin again. So every day there has been groups of students hanging around the campus with nothing to do. Consequently we have met quite a few students and see them often. After classes we head to the Zitoun- the area near the university to grab a pastry and to catch a taxi back home. We get back around 6:45 and since it is dark at that point there is not much else to do besides hang out in the apartment and homework for the next day.
On the weekends we usually visit nearby cafes as well as the medina (old city and marketplace). The medina is a very interesting place; there are many different shops as well as street vendors and it is fun to people watch. This past weekend we began our souvernior shopping by bargaining with a few old ladies selling their embroidered tableclothes and tea sets. They were very insistant and it is hard to withstand but I think we were able to get them down to a reasonable amount.
Well I hope my rambling has given you some sense of daily life here in Meknes. I am working on getting pictures and uploading them, but I hate being 'that' tourist with the camera glued in fron of her face. I suppose I shall have to buck up and get an album put together for you though, so that is my goal this upcoming week. I am sorry for the delay!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
greetings!
Happy Valentines everyone! I have been here in Morocco for about a week and a half, and yesterday I finished my first week of classes. It's a pretty weird schedule, different than what I am used to. I have four classes right now; but only two a day, sometimes one. I have my Arabic course four days a week and my other courses one a day for three days a week. The classes, though, are 2.5- 3 hours long so I am pretty beat once they end. Arabic has been a challenge, but once I begin to recognize the alphabet it is pretty easy to piece together words, as they are put together with sounds rather than individual letters. Basically if you can pronounce a word you can read and write it.
My other classes have been switched around a bit as I tried to find ones better fitted to my studies. Tuesday I have Gender Studies and Artistic Expression in the Arab World and on Thursday I have Religion, Society and Politics as well as Arabic. Artistic Expression I feel will be a really interesting course, we are learning how culture is expressed through means of art when other means may not be accessible, especially to the uneducated in Morocco. We'll study things like weaving, folklore, clothing, as well as modern vessels such as cinema.
Today we went on our first excursion that the program has set up for us, a site called Volubilis. This ancient town was settled in the 3rd C. BC. by Romans, making it one of the most important Roman establishments in the North of Africa. The area is very fertile and much agriculture was imported back to Rome, as well as the more wild animals used in Colosseum games.
It was a beautiful day for a tour, but most of the days have been beautiful this past week. The first few days after we got here were rainy and cold, which is really uncommon in this time of the year, but it seems that the weather has settled back into the normality and the past week we've had sunshine and 50-60 degree weather every day!
Since it has been so nice we've been able to get out and explore the city a bit more! We generally take a taxi to the university and to the medina- the old city- but we walk to anywhere else we want to go in the city. The medina has a large souk- or market- in an area called Place el-Hedime- or Place of destruction. Aside from the food market where we are barraged by sights and smells both pleasant- fresh baked bread (hobs) and spices, and unpleasant- sheep and camel heads as well as other raw meats, the souk has many interesting shops. The most common are clothes: jeans, boots, shoes and crafts: rugs, ironwork, and jellabas. A jellaba is the traditional Moroccan clothing, and is still many times worn over more modern clothing. It is basically a hooded robe but can be embroidered or made with fine material so the range of style is quite broad. I hope to get one of my own soon, so I am eyeing the ones I pass to get an idea of what to look for!
We have also been able to participate in activities that the students and younger Moroccans do; cafes and leisurely walks around the Ville Nouelle. There are cafes and patisseries in abundance here so we have no trouble finding one we like. A few Moroccan students who knew the last group well took some of us to a juice cafe last night. There were more combinations of fruits that I thought possible and I had a hard time choosing. The juices here are made with milk and resemble somewhat a smoothie, without ice. I got pretty adventurous and tried an avacado and mango drink, although the pistachio and avacado caught my eye as well!
We also have met a few students at the university who show us around and introduce us more to the culture; a friend Jihane is coming over tomorrow to my apartment to do henna tattoos for some of us girls. I have begun to find my place with the other students on this trip and although it will not be the easiest at times I have found peace in knowing that I am where I am for a reason and I can't wait for that reason to become evident!
Please send your prayers as I begin my second week of school and things inevitably begin to take their toll! Love to all!
My other classes have been switched around a bit as I tried to find ones better fitted to my studies. Tuesday I have Gender Studies and Artistic Expression in the Arab World and on Thursday I have Religion, Society and Politics as well as Arabic. Artistic Expression I feel will be a really interesting course, we are learning how culture is expressed through means of art when other means may not be accessible, especially to the uneducated in Morocco. We'll study things like weaving, folklore, clothing, as well as modern vessels such as cinema.
Today we went on our first excursion that the program has set up for us, a site called Volubilis. This ancient town was settled in the 3rd C. BC. by Romans, making it one of the most important Roman establishments in the North of Africa. The area is very fertile and much agriculture was imported back to Rome, as well as the more wild animals used in Colosseum games.
It was a beautiful day for a tour, but most of the days have been beautiful this past week. The first few days after we got here were rainy and cold, which is really uncommon in this time of the year, but it seems that the weather has settled back into the normality and the past week we've had sunshine and 50-60 degree weather every day!
Since it has been so nice we've been able to get out and explore the city a bit more! We generally take a taxi to the university and to the medina- the old city- but we walk to anywhere else we want to go in the city. The medina has a large souk- or market- in an area called Place el-Hedime- or Place of destruction. Aside from the food market where we are barraged by sights and smells both pleasant- fresh baked bread (hobs) and spices, and unpleasant- sheep and camel heads as well as other raw meats, the souk has many interesting shops. The most common are clothes: jeans, boots, shoes and crafts: rugs, ironwork, and jellabas. A jellaba is the traditional Moroccan clothing, and is still many times worn over more modern clothing. It is basically a hooded robe but can be embroidered or made with fine material so the range of style is quite broad. I hope to get one of my own soon, so I am eyeing the ones I pass to get an idea of what to look for!
We have also been able to participate in activities that the students and younger Moroccans do; cafes and leisurely walks around the Ville Nouelle. There are cafes and patisseries in abundance here so we have no trouble finding one we like. A few Moroccan students who knew the last group well took some of us to a juice cafe last night. There were more combinations of fruits that I thought possible and I had a hard time choosing. The juices here are made with milk and resemble somewhat a smoothie, without ice. I got pretty adventurous and tried an avacado and mango drink, although the pistachio and avacado caught my eye as well!
We also have met a few students at the university who show us around and introduce us more to the culture; a friend Jihane is coming over tomorrow to my apartment to do henna tattoos for some of us girls. I have begun to find my place with the other students on this trip and although it will not be the easiest at times I have found peace in knowing that I am where I am for a reason and I can't wait for that reason to become evident!
Please send your prayers as I begin my second week of school and things inevitably begin to take their toll! Love to all!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
al-salaam 'aalykum
So I have finally reached Meknes, and I have now been here for five days. Things have finally begun to fall into routine, I tell ya- it is nice to unpack and not live out of my suitcase anymore!
We left last Tuesday morning at 4am, many of us stayed up the night packing and others decided to keep themselves up in other ways, enjoying the Spanish nightlife once last time. There were students who came back a little worse for the wear, so that made the trip a little more stressful. I had a hard time that night, and my exhaustion may very well have played into it. I was just struck by the absence of the sense of security and support I've acquired through my friends and my school the past 3 years. I was surrounded by things I had not experienced with people that did not necessarily share the morals and personality that I have. So it was rough for a few days; what with cliques beginning to separate, but I believe I have begun to find my niche in the group.
Our trip began with a 3 hour bus ride into the port at southern Spain, and then a 2 hour ferry ride across the Strait of Gibraltar- which my stomach was none too pleased about, i might add. After that we proceeded with a 4+ hour busride through the very wet Moroccan countryside. At times we had to push our way through flood level waters.
I've gotten out to explore the area a bit. I live in an apartment in the Ville Nouelle, the 'New Citey' of Meknes. This part of town was built by the French when they came beside the existing city; what is now referred to as the medina. I have been out to the medina a few times, it is very easy to get lost in! there is a substantial market selling everything from goats heads to a gellaba, the traditional hooded robe that many Moroccans still wear. The medina is a treat for all senses, but i haven't had a chance to really enjoy it because the weather here is just as unpredictable as Minnesotan. there hasn't been a day yet without rain, but it will tease us with patches of sunlight and blue skies!
ive gotten a chance to meet a few moroccan students my age, and the famed hospitality is showing its face already. they are so willing to help us with anything and to make us feel comfortable in any way. I'm sure I will have no trouble finding friends here. I start my classes on Monday, so I am excited to see what that will bring about!
WELL it is after 1a here now, so I am gonna hit the sack.
NOTE i have changed my address if anyone wants to suprise me with a little snail mail:
Daniel Osted
(attn: Megan Fink)
BP 7251
5000 Meknes, MOROCCO
till next time...
We left last Tuesday morning at 4am, many of us stayed up the night packing and others decided to keep themselves up in other ways, enjoying the Spanish nightlife once last time. There were students who came back a little worse for the wear, so that made the trip a little more stressful. I had a hard time that night, and my exhaustion may very well have played into it. I was just struck by the absence of the sense of security and support I've acquired through my friends and my school the past 3 years. I was surrounded by things I had not experienced with people that did not necessarily share the morals and personality that I have. So it was rough for a few days; what with cliques beginning to separate, but I believe I have begun to find my niche in the group.
Our trip began with a 3 hour bus ride into the port at southern Spain, and then a 2 hour ferry ride across the Strait of Gibraltar- which my stomach was none too pleased about, i might add. After that we proceeded with a 4+ hour busride through the very wet Moroccan countryside. At times we had to push our way through flood level waters.
I've gotten out to explore the area a bit. I live in an apartment in the Ville Nouelle, the 'New Citey' of Meknes. This part of town was built by the French when they came beside the existing city; what is now referred to as the medina. I have been out to the medina a few times, it is very easy to get lost in! there is a substantial market selling everything from goats heads to a gellaba, the traditional hooded robe that many Moroccans still wear. The medina is a treat for all senses, but i haven't had a chance to really enjoy it because the weather here is just as unpredictable as Minnesotan. there hasn't been a day yet without rain, but it will tease us with patches of sunlight and blue skies!
ive gotten a chance to meet a few moroccan students my age, and the famed hospitality is showing its face already. they are so willing to help us with anything and to make us feel comfortable in any way. I'm sure I will have no trouble finding friends here. I start my classes on Monday, so I am excited to see what that will bring about!
WELL it is after 1a here now, so I am gonna hit the sack.
NOTE i have changed my address if anyone wants to suprise me with a little snail mail:
Daniel Osted
(attn: Megan Fink)
BP 7251
5000 Meknes, MOROCCO
till next time...
Saturday, January 31, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
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
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
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