Taking Care of Business...

...with only six and a half weeks to go, I've been trying desperately to juggle trip planning, a social life, and oh yes, SCHOOL...believe me, it's getting very hard to sit through classes these days, not to mention force myself into the darkrooms...therefore I am determined to keep this blog clear of anything in my life that isn't associated with my trip! So no worries, I won't be using this space as a dumping ground for all of my stresses regarding overbooked studios and bad print jobs!

THAT said, I have been doing all I can to make sure I'm as prepared as possible for everything from lisping Spaniards (can anyone say 'muchos grathias'?) to making sure my left hand is reserved only for...well...let's just say that Morocco's a Muslim country and therefore it is customary to keep your right hand clean for eating and your other free for...um, taking care of business...

My main source of preparation has come in the form of study. If anyone is hoping to travel to Morocco or Spain anytime soon, they had better not seek out the Vancouver Public Library for travel advice because I have it all...in fact I've almost reached my limit of books I'm allowed to reserve! Language cds, food guides, pictorial collections, timeless travel anthologies, and a good chunk of the Lonely Planet publications have taken up residency in my room here at Menno, and most late nights are spent poring over them as I am gluttonous for insight and ideas.

Last night I spent several hours salivating over the LP World Food Guide for Morocco...and I am delighted to tell you that meat (most specifically chicken, lamb, and fish) is a larger part of Moroccan meals than I'd already anticipated! Kebabs, (brochettes) stews, (or tajines) and other traditional meals revolve around meat and its counterpart couscous, and are accompanied by a variety of spices and sauces. Fresh-squeezed citrus drinks, almonds, olives, and grilled bread are other delicacies often on hand....oohh I'm going to LOVE the Mediterranean...