Viernes

This morning getting up was next to impossible, but somehow I managed to get myself through the dark and on the bus from Córdoba to Algeciras, and on to the ferry to Tangiers. Algeciras is next to the famous Rock of Gibraltar, which is owned by England, and although we didn't touch British soil, we did pass directly by on the ferry out of the port. The boat ride was incredible, and long enough that we had time to wander around and find the deck at the stern of the boat where we saw dolphins playing in our wake. I tried to snap a picture, though I'm not sure it it worked. Nonetheless, it was really amazing to see the dolphins in their natural habitat, and to be able to see two continents at the same time! And finally, after an hour ride and making it through customs with 37 Americans, we arrived in Morocco. Right now we're on a bus on the way to the hotel. I can't even believe the things I'm seeing right now- this country is so beautiful. I'll have to upload photos when I get back to Córdoba, though I can hardly imagine they'll do this place justice. It looks like the desert mountains rise directly out of the sea, yet there are tiny towns and houses clinging to the cliffs. I can't wait until we can tour and explore... But more posting later. We're at the hotel.  

Later: 

Well, the hotel is really nice. I feel like I should be on some kind of honeymoon here, not a trip with a bunch of college students. There are a series of white buildings built around various courtyards, and in the middle of the central courtyard there is a big pool area and bar. The pool, however, hardly compares to the beach, at least in my mind. We spent most of the afternoon body surfing and walking up and down the beach searching for shells. It was absolutely beautiful, lined with little white houses and small palm trees, and almost entirely deserted.

Despite the fact that the beach is private, I felt pretty exposed running around in my bikini. All the other Preshquitas were wearing bikinis as well, but it just feels different in such a religiously conservative country. All the women here wear scarves; the beach was the first time I took mine off all day. And as it happened, there was a man wandering the beach by our group, which seemed odd given the expansive space available. At first he was just standing around in the cool, Atlantic water, though after a bit he exited and started casually wandering towards us. We thought he was scratching his stomach, but after a minute we realized he was, in fact, pleasuring himself in the unusual company of American girls in bikinis. Needless to say, we promptly left the beach and went to the pool instead, but it was certainly an unpleasant reminder that not only are we not in Northampton/Smith anymore, we’re not in Europe of Spain either.

I’m rooming with Sarah and Amber, and right now we’re just getting ready to go out for our dinner with some members of the Moroccan consulate and tour the old quarters on Tetuan. Our room has TV with BBC in English, so we’re enjoying sitting and watching the news; I know I’ve been completely out of touch since being abroad.