Gouda's Cheesewheel

Morocco Feb. 21

Salam

Just returned from a weekend trip to Fes, with stops in Meknes, Volubilis, and Moulay Idriss on the way. Volubilis ("oleander") is the site of ancient Roman ruins, and Dan will be pleased to know I took lots of pictures. Can't send them yet (or any photos for that matter), but I might try once they're off my camera. Fes was intimidating...a non-native needs a guide to avoid getting lost, so outside of our guided tour, we mostly stuck to the hotel, which everyone but me saw as an excuse to party loudly. I was peeved, to say the least; Islamic countries are not the place for that, and I was quite through with looking like a bunch of stupid American college students, no matter how valid that image might be; being the nerd I am, I did Arabic homework in my room. But enough complaining. Highlights of Fes included looms, traditional herbal remedies, the tannery (leather goods), lots of donkeys, tiles/pottery/mosaics being made, and gorgeous archetecture, as usual. In Moulay Idriss we visited a traditional olive press (for extracting the oil). All cities had beautiful mosques, two of which we were allowed to enter--a rare opportunity for non-Muslims. It felt a little strange actually...like we were defacing it...I guess the Islamic mentality has really gotten into my head. I have five minutes left within the 8-dirham period here, so I'll have to elaborate on the trip later, or read you my journal when I get home. We discussed Moroccan pop music in class today; I'm very excited about the local underground Hip Hop, as well as the folk music; I'll have to ask my brothers about these genres. On a related topic, the cyber is playing 90s dance music, which amuses me greatly. Bad spacing is due to sticky keyboard. Better than the slow connection on the other computer though.

To York--Chris told me you might sublease this summer, so if you still need someone, let me know by email, because I'm interested. I also told Jenn this, so pardon me if you get the message twice.

Much love,
Greta

posted by Greta @ 3:07 PM