This is a more personal piece about the culmination of our trip: a multi-day trek across the high Atlas Mountains in order to reach the village of Amsouzert. For the majority of the trek, we had no cell service or access to utilities like running tap water, electricity, or paved roads. We were trekking and camping […]
Tag Archives | Africa
Moroccan Opus: IV. Reverberation (Marrakech)
The city of Marrakech was the main reason why I wanted to create a podcast for my trip. One thing I wanted to capture and convey about my trip was the sounds of Morocco. Marrakech is a medley of noise, whether it be musicians, motorbikes, snake charmers, storytellers, the call to prayers, or the constant […]
Moroccan Opus: III. Dissonance (Ifrane/Fes)
I visited the cities of Ifrane and Fes back to back and was shocked by how different they were. While physically close in proximity, the two cities seemed to exist in two different time periods of Moroccan culture. While in Ifrane, we were able to take Moroccan and Islamic history classes at the local university. […]
Moroccan Opus: II. Resonance (Rabat)
To me, Rabat is Morocco at its most authentic self. Rich in culture and unfazed by tourism, the city is home to colorful markets and souks that attract all five senses. There are countless places to explore, and while I was out in the city, I came across many surprising and touching places that stayed […]
Moroccan Opus: I. Prelude (Casablanca)
Casablanca was the city that introduced me to the amazing country of Morocco. Because it’s known as the economic city of Morocco, we mainly spent our days visiting companies, tourist destinations, and the local malls and piers around our hotel. It was a great place to begin my study abroad journey. Although it was considered […]
Chalil’s Prayer
He pushes us through crowded walkways, past shouting vendors, ducking through soccer games, and across constant flows of traffic. Bushwhacking rush-hour, I follow him into the middle of the road, and absorb the moment — a bus almost hits me as it tries to change lanes, dipping into the incoming cars in the process. We cross […]
Creating a New Hay Roof – Fewnugol
Fewnugol means “to make” in Fulani. This picture was taken in a neighbor’s compound. The hay roofs need to be replaced every other year. They completely keep the water out, as the hay directs the rain to follow a shaft down the side of the hut. After two years the hay starts to rot and […]
Amidst a Pulaar Wedding – Tradition Rising
This wedding took place in Sabe, Guinea, across the border from Senegal. I had been living with Guineans who had crossed the border to find a better life in Senegal, but many villagers hiked back to Guinea for special occasions and celebrations. Ariel VardyI spent a year in the southern region of Senegal as a […]