Relative Point of View

After my trip to Morocco I have gained a new appreciation for America’s opportunities.  Moroccans fight to survive, working very hard for little money.  They don’t have the same access to jobs and education as we do in the United States.  The average Moroccan income per capita is $1,310.  Now, that I look back, I feel kind of foolish complaining about my circumstances at home.

When I am home I am stagnant.  I live in one town and see the same people everyday. Things become ‘normal’.  What is ‘normal’ though?  ‘Normal’ is not living in the bay area.  The bay area is one of the most affluent areas in the world per capita.  We worry about our pets and how shiny our rims are.  To a Moroccan, the bay area is not normal.  When things become ‘normal’ things become blurred.  We start to live in relative point of view.  We compare ourselves to others.  “Why does Gary have two cars? And a vacation house?  Why don’t I have that.”  This kind of thinking causes heartache and disappoint.  It beats up our self-esteem and makes us constantly want more.  Because with a larger paycheck and more toys we can rise in stature and status.  But does the race ever end?  Does it ever bring true fulfillment?

For this reason, I will not let myself slip into what is ‘normal’.  These travel experiences have energized me to make the most out of every opportunity.  Whether my next job is ideal, I have to be grateful for the work.  I have to be grateful for what I have.  Remembering the people of Morocco will keep me from slipping into a blurred reality.

Chris

Morocco: A descent into the past

Right now I am sitting at the Madrid Airport waiting for my connecting flight to Cairo.  Today, I said goodbye to Valencia and Europe.  Egypt, Jordan, and South Africa are the next on the map.  Although much excitement is to come, this post focuses on my short stint in Marrakesh, Morocco.

On Sunday I flew to Marrakesh, Morocco.   I was sleepy but I awoke to the famous Dejemma El Fna square.  This square was filled with orange juice stands, snake charmers, and traditional dancers.  The first thing I learned is to never accept help from ‘guides’.  You quickly learn that this help that appears pure and innocent comes with a large bill.  During my short stay, I had two long winded arguments with my ‘help’.  I grew resentful of these people because their only goal was to extort tourists and I wasn’t having it.  So the first lesson is to never accept help unless its behind a counter.  There’s no such thing as a free lunch in Morocco.

In Morocco, Islam is the majority religion.  They pray in Mosques, which are strictly for Islamic people only.  The Islamic people pray five times a day,  at 5AM, 10AM, 2PM, 7PM, and 10PM.  During these times you can hear a calling in Arabic on loudspeakers throughout the city for several minutes.  This calling signals its time for prayer.

During the first two days in Marrakesh, I explored the city and tried not to get lost.  Everything was in Arabic, which makes using a map almost useless.  On my third day, I went to Ourika Valley (30km outside the city) and hiked up the mountain with a nice American couple.

Overall, the trip was amazing.  Morocco, less developed, transcended me back in time.  Every time I walked through the city, donkeys would pass carrying loads of food and mopeds zoomed through narrow streets.  Light bulbs with no shades hung off the walls in the street and stands were assembled and disassembled within an hour.  When I first entered Marrakesh, I looked out the window of the bus to see two camels and kids playing soccer.  They played on dirt with two rocks as goalposts.  All the taxis were old Mercedes Benz’s from the 70’s.  During the trip to Ourika Valley I looked at my taxi’s odometer and it said 497,838km.  I was shocked.  

Morocco’s mix of beautiful geography, unique culture, and great food make it a must-see.

Chris

Valencia: Settling Down

Hola!

A successful move to my new flat, has allowed me to drift away from my vagabond lifestyle for a short while.  I signed up for two weeks of Spanish lessons at a nearby school that teaches small groups.  I finished my first week and have picked up some new verb tenses and phrases.  Learning Spanish is difficult because you have to learn how to speak, listen, write, and read all at the same time.  In the afternoon, I have been trying to see a number of Valencia’s sites (but sometimes just lay around instead).  On Wednesday, I went to the Oceanographico (Aquarium), which had array of marine wildlife. The ticket I purchased their also allowed me to see a IMAX movie of my choice.  I picked the ‘Egypt: Secret of the Mummies‘ because I will be meeting Natalie there on May 22nd.   The IMAX movie described the mummification process as well as the discovery of Ramses the Great’s tomb (included twelve Kings).  On Friday, I went to the Valencia Museum of Illustration and Modernity, and took a interactive walk through the evolution of thought.  The tour took us through a number of themed rooms from the dark ages to the present.   It was somewhat of a time capsule.  This coming week I plan to spend some more time on the beach as well as see some more sites. 


My three roommates have been very warm.  There is Joan (Jo-han), James, and Pau.  Joan is from Valencia and has a French girlfriend named Clara.  He is a native Valencian, but has studied in France and Montreal.  James is English, but grew up in Switzerland.  He speaks English, Spanish, German, and French fluently.  I don’t see Pau a lot because he works and is transitioning into another flat.  He is Spanish like Joan.  I have spent some time with each of them and they have taken the time to help me out with whatever I needed.  On Monday, I am going to watch Joan and James play in their semi-final futbol club match.  It should be a good time.

Currently, I am on my way to Barcelona to see Ricky and Denise.  It will be nice to see some familiar faces.

Best Scam:  This one is particular to South Africa.  You’re driving and see someone who has just been hit by a car, except he has not been hit.  He’s just pretending to be hurt so you pull over.  Six people jump out of bush come out and take your car and belongings.  Maybe you will get punched in the face just because.

Best Deal:  So far I have scored some good deals, but  my best deal has to be my flight from Madrid to Morocco one-way.  The ticket cost me $18!  Ryanair must lose money on that so I was pretty happy.

Best Hostel:  Red Nest Hostel in Valencia.  This hostel had friendly staff and clean quarters.  It also had a terrace, and common room with couches and TV.  In addition, it had a kitchen with utensils and plenty of refrigerator space.

Best Feeling:  When I booked my Kruger National Park trip.  I will be staying at two camps, where I will be staying in my own hut.  The greatest part is when I booked the ‘Morning Walk’.  The morning walk is where you and a small group walk through the park with the two guides.  It’s just you and the animals, without the safety of a vehicle.

Best English-to-Spanish:  A young man was describing how he met his girlfriend four years ago.  He’s now a pilot and she’s a flight attendant; at the time, he was working in scheduling and saw her come in.  He was attempting to explain how he was taken aback.  “I asked my friends, ‘who is that girl?’  I was flashed”.  My friend Ricky quickly said that you might not want to use the word ‘flashed’ in this case, unless of course that’s what actually happened.  Ricky then motioned to lift his shirt up to explain what he was saying (just a tease, thankfully).

Worst hostel:  Ideal Youth Hostel.  The front entrance feels like you’re boarding the Enterprise.  It doesn’t take long to realize that there’s nothing “Ideal” about this place.  Unless you like paying for internet.  Off to the Hard Rock for dinner!

Adios

Chris