The Souks of Marrakech!

I recently cashed in a bunch of frequent flyer miles and took myself to Marrakech, Morocco and Paris, France.  Among my adventures included a two-day cooking class that gave me a great insight into the souks of Marrakech.  

Below are some photos of the vendors, bakers, and tantalizing treats that make-up one of Africa's most fascinating markets:

The Baker

The Pharmacist

The Tomato Seller

Raisins, Dates, Apricots, Peanuts, Almonds, and more!

Olives!

And More Olives!

ETHIOPIA!

 When I run in Ethiopia, I look out and see eucalyptus trees and rivers. – Haile Gebrselassie

Because Ethiopia has been discussed in two of my previous conversations (Mebrahtu Waits for Snow and The Curious Mind), I thought it would be worthwhile to share some of my experiences as a traveler in the country.

I went to Ehtiopia during the Easter week of 2011.  There on break from my teaching job in Ghana, I had time to spend two days in Addis Ababba, and a few days each in the lake town of Bahar Dar and the fascinating city of Harar.

Vibrant religious images on a monastery in the middle of Lake Tana

Easter Sunday at the monastery

As Alem and Mebrahtu both acknowledge, many Americans fixate on images of poverty and strife when they think of Ethiopia.  I certainly went with some long-held notions of famine in mind, but it didn’t take long before I came to appreciate the beauty of both the people and the place. 

My week included an Easter morning tour of monasteries on Lake Tana, amazing meals in Addis, and an unforgettable journey through a town visited as much by hyenas as it is by tourists. 

Market Day in Harar

I traveled alone and on a restricted budget without any trouble.  It was easy to hop in vans that went from city to city, and once you've arrived, there is an adorable little vehicle called a “bajaj” that gets you anywhere you need to go.  And, if you want to take to the skies, you can book in-country flights through Ethiopian Airlines from Addis to some of the larger towns for a reasonable price.

I loved Ethiopia.  It’s unlike any place I’ve ever traveled before.  The history is complicated and gender inequities are undeniable, but there is so much more to the country than what the headlines would have us believe.

HARAR, ETHIOPIA: 

A multicultural and remarkable town

A girl in the Harar market

A Meat Market in Harar, Ethiopia

The crowded meat market

Sorting coffee beans in Harar

Where to stay when you visit Harar:  Rewda Guest House.  

This is a beautiful B&B.  You’ll need to consult Lonely Planet to get a working number for the place and you must book ahead.  Be prepared to encounter reservation problems.  Be open to staying at her sister’s place (Zubeyda Waber Harar Cultural Guesthouse) if your room is (for whatever reason) no longer available.  Cost: about $20 per night. 

Where to stay when you visit Bahir Dar: Kuriftu Resort 

This is where I highly recommend splurging on a fancy resort.  For $100 I got a gorgeous room with a view of the lake, a feather bed, a huge shower, access to the pool, three meals, a massage and mani-pedi.  It was heaven. http://www.kurifturesortspa.com

Where to stay when you visit Addis Ababa: Harmony Hotel: Good location, provides a free breakfast, and is within walking distance of some great restaurants. About $65.00 a night.  http://www.harmonyhotelethiopia.com

Plans and Possibilities

It seems I led a few people astray in my previous post.  Despite including a photo of a schoolroom in Tema, Ghana in yesterday’s update, I am not actually in Ghana this year.  I spent the 2010/2011 academic year teaching in at a high school in Tema.  This year, New York City is home base.

So, you ask, what is the intention of this blog?

-                    I want to celebrate many aspects of what that little classroom in the photo represents: promise and possibility. 

-                    I am a teacher and a traveler and this is my fusion of two things I generally do pretty well. (I will NOT be creating a cooking blog, a mathematics blog, a map-reading blog, or a speed-skating blog as these are among the things I most definitely do not do well).

-                    I want to share some of my discoveries – from the soothing effects of idyllic seaside retreats in West Africa to the exciting appeal of cacophonous bars in New York City with people who hope to follow their own curiosity around the world.

-                    I want to write about the cool things I’ve seen and the interesting people I’ve met before I get too old to remember where I was, why I went, and who helped me find my way home.

o   As a traveler I often begin my journeys alone, but I rarely feel lonely.  If you’ve ever been too intimidated to travel solo through Africa or South East Asia, I am here to tell you how, why and where to go.  The world really is full of promise and possibility and sometimes we forget to engage with the places and people we set out to see.  It’s great to share adventures, but sometimes stepping out the door all by yourself is the best way to understand life: yours and that stranger who is about to become your new friend.

-                    I believe that education is an interactive adventure – from the worlds we discover in the books we read to the real world we encounter with own eyes, ears, and hearts.  And yes, I know that sounds a bit cheesy, but it’s true. 

-                    I love the chaos and the immediacy of classroom learning, but sometimes our brains need space to stretch out and grow.  And I’m not just talking about kids here, I think teachers need the same space.

So.  That’s my blueprint. 

And like any itinerary (or well-intentioned lesson plan) expect a few changes along the way.