Random Mumblings
The life of a backpacker really is quite interesting, and it takes a bit of time to get used to such a different lifestyle. With each new country that we visit, we attempt to adapt to their customs and habits. In Portugal and Spain, we were able to cook our own meals and were able to rely on supermarkets for food. Just when we got comfortable eating pasta and marinara sauce every night, it was time to head to Morocco and meet a different way of life. There are some aspects to our current lifestyle that do not change. I have come to the realization that to continue to enjoy this much awaited trip, I have to be flexible and go with the flow.
One aspect that doesn't change is our laundry pattern. We both have only two outfits, so every day we take time to do our laundry in the sink. We then hang it to try on the bed rails, which I think shocks some of our more modest bunkmates who take their dirty clothes to a be done professionally each week. Also, this process doesn't really do the job of cleaning our clothing, so at baseline we always smell, even after showering. This is okay. I am over it.
Another constant adventure is meeting our many bunkmates along the way. Most of them are nice and pleasant to chat with. It is always interesting to share different travel stories. It's been great so far, but you still have to go with the flow. For example, as the famous poem goes, if the couple on the next bunk over is going for a ride, the best thing to do is turn on your other side. Ahh, the joys of thirteen bunkmates.
It's all worth it, though, because of nights like tonight. We went out for dinner in the square and experienced a hectic but unforgettable meal. We sat outside in an open air restaurant and were seated right beside the chef. Throughout our dinner, he shouted and cursed in Arabic and even put out a large fire. Also, the waiter asked Aaron if he was done using his fork; before he could say yes, it was taken and given to a man at the next table. Who knows how many times that fork has been used tonight. It is all part of the experience. Looking forward to another funfilled and interesting day tomorrow.
فاهسخ نسمسم سخسخ خس سممسخسا ساسس
(Arabic parable: let not your nose wander into a tannery.)
Peace, Jess
