Sorry Guys!!!

So Facebook, Blogger, and Google are being periodically censored here in al Maghreb.  I promise to post new stories ASAP. 

So sorry.

Morroco Update!!!

Hey guys! Internet is sketch at the moment.  I will upload some pics and elaborate on some of the posts later when I can find a better connection!

 

So we have made it to the AMAZING country of Morocco! Let me just say, I love this place!!! After a flight from DC to Paris and Paris to Casablanca, we were all jetlagged at 9 in the morning.  Rather than check in and get some rest, we immediately went about Casablanca! I was running on 4 hours of sleep for the past two days; however, as soon as I saw the Hussein II Mosque, it was like a energizing wind completely blasted me! The mosque was a sight to see! In fact, this mosque is the largest in all of Africa. 

 

Marrakesh is simply amazing! I love it.  Just a little side note: the hotels that the State Dept is paying for are all 5 star!  Our hotel is uber chic and serves the best breakfast with the freshest fruits.  The heart of Marrakesh is definitely in the souq where you can find literally everything.  Of course, the prices are outrageous and require one to barter.  My friends Aimee and Vera both bought (handmade) leather bags today for roughly the equivalent of 50 dollars.  The storekeeper wanted much more but the two girls bargained beautifully.  Aimee even bought a stunning turquoise and pearl cluster ring for 520dhms (about $65).  Original price: 1200dhms.  

A really awesome blog to follow...

For all my friends who are interested in civil conflicts and the like, I recommend the following blog: http://resistancestudies.org/

*Thank you Dr. Lisa Sharlach for pointing this out to me a while back. 

Packing Conundrums

So, just to update everyone on what is going on, I am departing Thursday (June 11th) @ 9:30 am for Charlotte.  From Charlotte, I will board another plane and travel to DC, arriving around mid-afternoon.  I think this is a bit crazy considering that I could just fly straight from Birmingham to DC in a matter of hours.  But alas, I am not paying for this ticket, so I am not complaining!  Anyways, I have tried tackling the problem with packing restrictions.  Not only do I have to obey International and Domestic Flight Restrictions, but I also have to abide by the restrictions mandated by my program which only allows me one large bag and a carry-on for ten weeks (there are space issues because we will be traveling for a week all around Morocco and will not have room for everyone's second bag)!  So, I have been packing, repacking, and weeding out the clothes and junk that I do not need.  I figured out an interesting way to beat the system! Since I can only have one large bag for the CLS program but can have two checked large bags for international flights, I am carrying a small weekend bag to check in as my second bag.  What is most ingenious about this bag is that I have borrowed one of those Space Bags (as seen on TV!) and shrunk several pounds of clothes into the size of a bath towel.  So, I will be able to have my second bag (which will be small and portable) and can carry it if my program does not have room for it on the buses! 

Post Number One

Hey guys and gals!  This is a blog that I am creating to document my travels to enigmatic and wonderful Tangier, Morocco...more to come when I actually get there!