Hermit

It looks like my attempt to keep up with an active travel blog has failed miserably. I took console in the fact that life is more than what is being documented. But really, kudos to the active writers- it takes some serious dedication. I figured most of the people who follow this blog have my facebook, which I have uploaded the pictures diligently. Pictures tell a thousand words, no?

I have since returned from the crazy world of Morocco and have settled back to life in London. Even though it’s less than an hour from Europe, this North African country is nothing like I have ever seen. With each travel experience, there were its ups and downs, and Morocco hasn’t been any different. Some great tales to share:

• Met a bunch of good people from Morocco, the US, the Netherlands, Austria, and great old Britain, some of whom I shared parts of my journey with.
• I was exhausted by the second day in Marrakech, arguably the party city of the country, and was tempting with the idea of heading back home earlier. Everywhere I walked there were people calling out to me (most commonly in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese); some offered to show me the way out of the ridiculous maze of its souks (markets), while others literally pulls me into their carpet stores. There are too much commercialism in certain areas of this country, and people are not afraid to shove them into the face of tourists.
• Went local and took a ride in one of what is locally known as ‘Grand taxis’, which brings me from one place to another, albeit in less than ideal conditions. The taxi will only take off when it’s fully packed, and they are quite insistent with what represents ‘full’. Imagine having 2 person sit on the front seat, and 4 people on the back, driven by a gung-ho driver. The journey back during the evening has limited street life- at the end of the trip I was made to count the blessing of still being alive! But it cost me 10 Dirham (1 Euro), a more touristy means of transport can easily cost 20 times more!
• Have too much street food for my stomach’s comfort. For someone with a rather weak palette, it’s miraculous I haven’t had too much trouble.
• My first attempt to take portraits of people on the streets, something I love but never have the courage to do it. People in Morroco are generally not very willing to have pictures taken, so it’s important to be polite and ask for permission. With kids and beggars, I offered some money in exchange for a shot. Some of the better ones:

I haven’t done much since returning. For the past few days I have been doing nothing at home; catching up on some of the movies and video games. This isolation is in stark contrast with Morocco, where I have arguably meet/ seen too many people. and is a good break from the intense past few months (College, France etc).

Enough of study and play, with busy season coming right up in January- April, it is vital I get back into the mood of working again!

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Filed under: Life, Photography, Travel