Whew. I dont have time for another long entry, as Im at the cybercafe with this other girl and I dont know how long she wants to stay. And THIS is the great thing and the problem about Algeria. Backtrack: So I spent a great and relaxing day in Tipaza before heading back to Algiers, hurtling in a bus in the 35+ degree heat and again having barely the foggiest clue as to what was happening. Im getting quite used to the feeling- in fact, Im quite thrown when I do know whats going on... I finally get to Madame Ranis house- seriously, a formidable woman. I was left with the strange impression that she could have been the head honcho mistress in a brothel in the olden days. Which, of course, I would never tell ... read more

I JUST SPENT THE LAST HALF AN HOUR TO THREE QUARTERS OF AN HOUR WRITING AN ELABORATE POST THAT GOT DELETED. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. seriously. I remember even thinking to myself about how proud I was of my wit. and it was detailed. and it described my entire time in Algeria thus far and I was ALMOST FINISHED. I hoped against all hope that the site would have saved it. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. seriously, I am far too distraught to try and recreate another masterpiece. merde merde merde merde. all I can say is that, other than being devoured alive by mosquitoes and bedbugs (and if you think Im joking I have photographic evidence. Im covered) and this recent mishap, I am having the most unbelievably amazing time. I am meeting the most genuinely open and warm people of my ... read more

A Canadian in Fez: (a Haiku by Stacey Waterman) does not last long. they melt like a snowman on a hot Calgary day. Ah, I would leave it like that but i promised people details. In the past couple days, I finally wrenched myself free of Essaouira. twas sad, but twas time. Essentially woke up right when the bus was about to pull out of Casablanca station. Divine intervention, let me tell you, as the theme of the past couple of days has been "exhaustion" and i woke up at 545am. Realized that I had, in fact, gotten sloppy lazing around the beach town. I was so frustrated those first couple of hours in Casa... NB: people say it is not worth going to casa. but i highly recommend it; if only to break up the ... read more

I'm still in Essaouira-- when was the last time I posted? yesterday? The days run into each other here- and I live sans watch, calendar, and sense of direction, so it's a bizarrely euphoric feeling of disorientation. I'm now pseudo-working at the hostel I'm staying at- staying for free in exchange for entertaining the owners and doing the odd clean-up (which, as my friends all know, is practically the reason I get invited to parties nowadays...) I am, however, exhausted, as I went SURFING yesterday and it. was. amazing. I actually got up quite a few times and rocked the waves. Then again, the only reason I got up is because the manager of the hostel was pushing me at the good waves as opposed to letting my weak chicken arms paddle-- but nonetheless. I love ... read more

"flip. flop. fly; dont care if i die..." (dont worry mom and dad. it most certainly hasnt come to that extent.) I am neither mentally prepared to create an elaborate post. nor to spend the next half an hour struggling with this arabic keyboard. However, i would like to simply state that I am in Marrakesh, Morocco. I am not only alive and well, but have been caught up in the feverish and (what can only be described as) spicy pulse of this city. I can hear the fast paced drumming and the whiny-toned snake charmer flutes from here. Quick Run Through of What You Can Expect in Marrakesh: GETTING LOST. first and foremost, the moroccans loove their little sidewindy streets. Catcalls. I am constantly amused by the assortments of greetings I receive... "Bonjour, Hello, Sabaa ... read more