The Adventure Continues

My five nights in Barcelona were magical: topless beaches; lighted fountain show with music; world cup win; tapas & sangria with locals; late night wandering through old roman ruins; Gaudi; Spanish guitar and cello.

I flew from Barcelona to Marrakesh. The next days I took to the Atlas Mountains for a six day trek. The mountains taught me something I already knew; life must be lived one step at a time. To look at the summit is futile and foolish, you might lose your footing. Looking to the past is also pointless, we must journey forward always. The mountains taught me to focus on the present. My mountain mantra kept me going. I synced each step with each internal word: one - step - at - a - time.

After the mountains I stayed in Marrakesh a night. I met Ken, a school teacher from New Mexico, whose traveling the world on a year sabbatical. Inspiring. Najeeb - the riad (hostel) manager - came up to the terrace to ask if we wanted to go to the gym. A few street corners later, Moroccan hip-hop with sweaty men and cheesy posters of waterfalls all intermixed to create a truly enjoyable cultural experience.

From Marrakesh I bused to Todra gorge. I met Brahim on the bus who offered to let me stay at his place for a price... which grew into a rip off. That said, the cultural experience was priceless. I got some insight into the traditional Todra way of life. The next day we hiked the gorge through the 6km oasis, which was also sick. Ate fresh figs, tomatoes, and nuts along the way. We made it past the gorge and chilled in the freshwater nearby to enjoy the phenomenal view. Since it wasn't tourist season, we had the place all to ourselves.

Now I'm Erfoud. The desert. I have learned that you can - in fact - cook an egg on a rock. The desert is - obviously - fucking hot. The previous statement does nothing to convey what I mean by "hot." I'm chillin' (if one can "chill" in the desert...)with a peace corp volunteer here. Just what I needed. So far my stay in Morocco has been, outside of the Atlas mountains, plagued by pseudo hospitality. I am prejudiced and judged constantly. For the most part, I'm perceived as a walking wallet. It's okay though, I'm use to it and that which doesn't kill me only makes me stronger. I am not bitter.


I have 14 days left. If life has taught me anything, this time will feel both like an eternity and a blink of an eye. Time is such a slippery devil. To life!