Here’s to Belly-Dancing, Eating Snails, Birthday Weeks, and a Good Rosé

So the smell of Jasmine is EVERYWHERE in the Medina these days, and it has made me come to realize that it is now spring here in Fes. And that means it’s been much too long since my last post. Its April already, I’m not sure how that happened….but, as the changing weather and tree blossoms might be hinting, time never does stop or slow down.

Since my last post, I’ve had the most amazing experiences, with a few really rough days scattered in between. I guess, even when you are “living the dream” you can’t expect every day to be absolutely perfect? I suppose if they were, you would never appreciate them anyway. BUT some of the more perfect days were the ones spent in the Sahara Desert. We were able to spend an entire weekend gallivanting up and over sand dunes via camels! Let me tell YOU-riding Camels is HARD work! I was so sore afterwards...but it was also such a rewarding experience. My camel’s name, in case anyone is interested, was Petey. He did great, and he had a nose ring...which. was. AWESOME. After a couple hours of camel-riding to our camp, we were able to watch one of the better sunsets I’ve ever seen, and one of the most spectacular moon-rises I’ve ever known. It was an interesting night, filled with a lot of clichés, but, something I’ve been realizing? Sometimes, clichés aren’t so bad…and actually, sometimes, they make an experience all the better. So I clapped along with the “locals” who played music for us all night and made us tea, and I took all the touristy pictures on top of my camel, and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it.
After such a weekend, it was almost inevitable that we would need a weekend to rest here in Fes. (Our weeks are so packed full of programming and classes and homework that no one gets the proper amount of sleep, so we’re always playing catch up on the weekends). And this last weekend, a few of us traveled to Rabat for the weekend (the capital). We had a relaxing few days of laying on the beach, (fully-clothed mind you, well, at least all the girls were), shopping til our pockets were empty, and watching the protests in front of the Parliamentary building from our hotel balcony. (No worries, everything here is still SUPER peaceful).


The girls at one of our Hefla Hefla Party Discos


Sunset in the desert



ME! on a camel!


And now, it’s our last week for our first term. My birthday is in coming up, and so are my finals, and then, our spring break! And then, it’s almost too painful to think about, my last six weeks in Fes! Its unreal how quickly the days are slipping by, and, while I enjoy talking about all things Madison-related that I love and miss with my fellow badgers...I’m not sure I’m ready just yet to return? Hmmm...quite the conundrum.

Speaking of my last six weeks, I, along with a friend of mine here, have decided a change of pace is in order for the next term. We’re going to be moving out of our home stays and moving in to our very own place here in the medina! I’m so excited about all the possibilities, cooking all our new favorite Moroccan dishes, inviting our friends over for tea, tanning on the rooftop terrace, shopping for all our weekly groceries, etc. Should make for even more fun experiences and surprises next term.

BUT before the next six-week session starts, I’ve got to make it til the end of this one. I’m a little nervous for my finals, not only because they’re on my birthday and the day after (and I’ve been known to have less than perfect concentration skills when I’m so excited) but also because a full college semester in six weeks equals a LOT of information to know, but I’m feeling okay about it for now. We’ll see if I’m singing the same tune come Friday afternoon?

And then, on Saturday, we’re setting out for our road-trip through Southern Morocco! The plan is to rent a car and see all we can/want to see to our hearts’ content. I absolutely can’t wait. Hmmm…hopefully driving stick through Moroccan mountain roads is easier than it sounds?? I’m sure there will be too many stories to tell.
And of course, there were those not so perfect days I mentioned before, and, as to not dwell on them now, I only want to say that if I could give all my strength and will power and hope and love to two very important members of my family right now, I would in a heartbeat. If you have a prayer to spare, give it to them, because they need them more than I do right now.

I love and miss you all, and I can’t wait to share more stories. As much as I don’t want to leave this personal paradise of mine, I can’t wait to see the faces that I’ve only seen in photos for so many months.

OH and if you’re wondering about the title to this post. Last week, this was an actual toast of ours at a party we had. YES I took belly-dancing lessons (they were awesome, and we have more planned!) and YES I ate a snail. (Mummy I still can’t believe I did it, like, I literally scooped it out of the shell and in to my mouth. I’m sad nobody caught it on film, because I realize that most who know me will NEVER believe me...but, trust me, I did it!) And we’ve already celebrated a few birthdays within our group, and mine is this week! Along with my friend Jake! LOVE celebrating! And...well the last part is fairly self-explanatory? I’ll never turn down a good glass of wine.

Until next time y’all