Paris My New Favorite City

Perhaps Paris is my new favorite city because I never seem to have enough time with it. The city of love has surely left me wanting more! Only downside is they speak French!
I set my alarm bright and early on Friday and headed out to Norte Dame Cathedral. I arrived to find some man doing ninja moves on the bleachers in front of the cathedral. I figured he had a pretty good advantage point for a photo so I decided to share his view. Of course he asked me to take his photo once, twice and a third time. I figured it was pointless to try to tell him I couldn't actually fit the ENTIRE church into his photo. I was like "Dude buy a postcard!". However, it's people like him that keep life interesting!
Once inside the church there was actually a small service going on so I quietly enjoyed the interior architecture. Then hightailed back to the hotel to check out and begin my voyage home. I feel like I did a lot with less than 24 hours in the city, but definitely didn't even scratch the surface of all the cool things to do and museums to see.

I've heard a couple people consider going into Paris on a 5 hour layover and ultimately decide against it. Well I have to say those people saved themselves a lot of heart ache and stress. It took me 3 hours from the time I landed to get to my hotel by the Louvre museum. Customs alone took over an hour, baggage and a 40 minute train ride into the city. I was deeply regretting the pottery I bought in Morocco when I had to haul it all over the city! Most of the train stations have only stairs, I never saw a elevator but did ride a couple escalators. So I would say pack lightly on your way to Paris if you take the train! Last time I was in Paris I ended up taking a taxi to the airport which cost about $70 dollars and was very stressful because of all the traffic. Either way, the train is the way to go for 9.50 Euros.
So I begin my 10 hour flight back to NC.
Once I got back to NC I fell ill to some sort of travel bug. Thankfully there was no welcome home party that I jokingly said I wanted! I ended up falling asleep at 12am, and proceeding to sleep for about 30 hours. I don't think that's ever happened to me before. I am a fan of sleep but that was crazy! Thankfully on Sunday I rejoined the waking world and started making my future travel plans. Next on the list is Washington DC twice in April and New York City and Miami in May.
Guess I better get cracking on those 2,000 photos I took over the last month!

Oh Paris!

Let me count the ways I love you! Despite getting up at 4:30 this morning, I'm having a wonderful time in Paris! He's a photo tour of my day, more later!

Things I will Miss about Morocco

It only seems fair that a Great Things in Morocco list should follow up my American List.
- Non litigious society. From the fire show to no fences at the 100 meter waterfall. Moroccans just aren't overly concerned about being sued so you get to experience things that would never fly in the USA.
- Food. I will admit I'm a little burnt out on tangine and couscous but if you are going to have it Morocco is the place to do it. Dining out is also relatively inexpensive an expensive meal is one that costs more than 10 dollars.
- Mint Tea. Delicious tea with fresh mint leaves. It's a sign of hospitality and generally very well sweetened!
- Cheap travel. A 4 hour train ride from Rabat to Marrakech costs only $23 dollars. The 2.5 hour bus ride only cost $10 dollars.
- Medinas. As much as I love my malls I will miss the medinas. It's part of the experience to stroll around see live chickens next to their not so fortunate friends. Spices, leather goods and rugs they have a little bit of everything.
- Non Westernized Culture (For Now). I think in 10 years time Morocco will be a completely different place to visit. For now there is a mix of western and Moroccan culture. However it seems the younger generation wants more access to the global society. Blame the Internet but it often seems like its impossible to escape what is familiar but right now in Morocco it seems like there is a balance of old and new.
- Milka bars. Sure it's a German chocolate but its good enough to earn a honorable mention in the Best of Morocco list!
- My mini turtle friends at the medina. Who are probably being converted into soup right now!
- My fellow volunteers! I feel like I've met some amazing people on this adventure and thanks to modern technology I hope to keep up with many of them!

American Things I Miss the Most

Continuing on with my feelings of homesickness here is a list of things I miss the most about living in America. I've had 5 weeks to explore new things so I think it's acceptable to start a list. : ) Part of the reason I chose Morocco as a volunteer placement was to get away from everything normal. So as negative as this list may seem its made me appreciate somethings in Western culture so much more.
- Common shoe courtesy. As I'm writing this post, someone has their stinky bare foot inches from my leg on the train. We wear shoes for a reason people!
- Fixed prices. Getting charged whatever someone thinks you are willing to pay got old pretty fast. The only places with fixed prices are large grocery stores and westernized stores. Stalls at the medina, taxis and little convenience stores grin with dollar signs when I stroll up.
- Restaurants that only bring you the food you ordered. Be prepared to pay extra for the bread basket, salad, water or tea that is brought to your table. In mean who brings a salad you didn't order?
- Taxis with meters that work.
- Customer service. MaryAnne and I waited an hour to check into a hotel in Fes. The person who prints off the reservations was at lunch. The hotel also didn't have wi-fi, hot water or toiletries as advertised. The only thing we got was a "sorry". Guess they weren't worried about losing a customer.
- Pedestrian right away in the street. I can safely say MaryAnne has saved my life on a couple occasions. I took cars stopping at stop signs and observing the traffic lights for granted. It's the pedestrians responsibility not to get hit.
- Starbucks. I know this is lame but I really miss strong coffee. I will also admit that I did a google search to see if Moroccan coffee is decaffeinated. It's not, just a little weak. I also miss the amount of caffeine you can consume at Starbucks. I can purchase a vente coffee and get a free refill for $2.48. That is 40 oz of pure glorious coffee. Of course that is way more than a person needs but it just seems like the American Way!
- Garbage and Recycling cans. It's a little sad to see how much trash there is in the Moroccan landscape. The beaches are littered with water bottles and its a common occurrence to see people litter. In the countries defense there aren't a lot of garbage cans. I often had to take my trash with me and throw it out later. When Disney World was being build they conducted a study on how long someone would hold on to a piece of trash before they dropped it on the ground. It was 20 ft, in Morocco it's probably 20 seconds. I noticed clean up crews in the major cities but its like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in it. It is hard to keep up!

Last day in Morocco

Today was the start of my adventure homeward. I took a leisurely stroll this morning through the Marrakech Medina and on to the train station. I received a couple more Shakira and Lady gaga comments but it seems to be the two most popular blonde singers. After a 4 hour train ride back to Rabat, MaryAnne and I ventured out to get our nails done. Our host mother negotiated a manicure and pedicure for 100 Dirhams apiece which translates to about $12 dollars. Since I'll be in Paris tomorrow I opted for the French manicure which was also the first option given to me. Lol It's raining outside now but I guess I can appreciate my last day in Rabat will be like the first 2 weeks here. Rain and more rain!

Cascade D'Oudouze

On Tuesday I decided to see more of the Moroccan countryside and visit the Cascades D'ouzoude. It's the second largest waterfall in Africa and the largest in North Africa. I realize Africa isn't known for its water sources but it was still pretty impressive. As I mentioned in a previous post there were no fences and make shift wooden bridges but the threat of some sort of injury kept it interesting. I spent 6 hours in the car and 4 hours at the falls but it was a nice day.

Hello again Marrakech

On Monday morning I tried my luck at getting an early bus back to Marrakech. There is only so much water and sunset watching one person can handle.
I felt as if my luck was changing when I was able to get on the bus 2 days early. The person at the counter just told a male passenger that the bus was sold out until 6 pm. However a different person told me to talk to the bus driver about an extra seat. This type of event seems pretty much par for the course in Morocco. Prices magically inflate, you are charged for "free" information or directions. It was nice for the scales to tip in my favor this time!
I often compare the main square in Marrakech to Times Square in New York. If you are going to be traveling alone might as well be with tons of strangers and plenty of things to look at. It could also be a factor of living in North Carolina, I've been craving a little craziness and mayhem!
I spent Tuesday exploring the artists market and the "new town" which was very westernized. Feeling a bit homesick it was great to be around so many familiar material things!
Continuing on with my slice of home experience I had dinner at Pizza Hut and wandered around the square for a bit. If there was a Starbucks you can bet that I would have been there too! It's been almost 5 weeks without more than a few splashes of coffee. I can't wait to order a vente Blonde Roast when I get home. Or maybe in Paris...for the free wi-fi of course!

Day in Essaouria

So the best and really only thing unique about Essaouria is the beach. There are some neat art galleries and watersports but the town can really be tackled in a day trip or a weekend.
On Sunday I spent the day at the beach strolling around and enjoying the sunshine. Considering the culture clothing restrictions on women, going to a beach in Morocco is a different experience. Of course there were plenty of tourists sunbathing being on my own I even felt a little awkward wearing a tank top. The local women seemed to wear their normal clothes and just relax and enjoy the beautiful day. The men played soccer on the beach and swam in the water. The only females I saw in the water were tourists.
I experienced another beautiful sunset and plotted my early return to Marrakech.

Goodbye Rabat. Hello Essaouria!

Saturday morning I left Rabat for a journey to the beach. Originally when I booked my flight I had intended to do my Sahara tour at the end of my volunteer experience. So I now had 5 more days to explore Northern Africa. Getting to Essaouria was an all day affair. First I set out on a 4 hour train to Marrakech then had 20 minutes to catch a 2.5 hour bus to Essaouria.
Thankfully I was able to hustle and make my connection and arrived at the beach at 5:30 pm.
Despite having directions I wandered around the medina for a good 45 minutes before I found my accommodations. After someone said "You'll never find it on your own" I was determined to prove them wrong and NOT hire a guide. Needless to say it took some time but I found it.
After checking in I strolled around the beach, watched the sunset and watched the world to by while drinking some mint tea. Excluding the trip to Africa this was my first time traveling solo. It's not for everyone. A little alone time is nice but I prefer traveling with an accomplice. Ideally someone you can share both comfortable silences and silliness when the moment strikes.
I ended up chatting with a nice German girl who had plans to hitchhike into the country side. Oh to be young and foolish! Lol

Last Day Volunteering

I've been really homesick but it was bittersweet to end my volunteer position on Friday. I understand how hard it is to learn a 2nd language or in my students case a 3rd language. I have such great admiration for people who take steps to change their circumstances and actively seek their dreams. I'll miss the students but I'm thankful for all the experiences and personal growth that occurred in my trip to Morocco.