Exploration

Exploration


 I want this blog and this writing experience to fulfill me in some way. I hope that by writing about things I deem important and exploring parts of the world I have a better understanding of the incomprehensible parts of my mind. 


 I want to write about life. About people and about what I see. I would like to attempt the description of happiness and sorrow, in myself as well in others. I hope this will bring me to be observant of myself and to the world around me.


 To begin a script is never easy. Especially with all this pressure I have given myself with this new idea to become a journalist. So what to write as a first piece? There is a saying that says to write what you know. I cannot claim to know the subject I shall undertake but I’ve had a glimpse. Morocco, the northern African country I have recently visited. The vivid and colorful memories will be hard to put on paper though I shall try my best. 


 First close your eyes. Good, now imagine having trouble opening them because of the strong glare coming from the sun. As your eyes adapt your pupils shall open wide and you wont be able to get enough of the world that surrounds you. Be careful and alert though because on both sides of you are cars, horses, taxis, scooters, bikes and people. Crossing the road in morocco is probably one of the most risky activities you will ever participate in. Cautiously cross the road from wherever you are to arrive in Marakech Morocco. Walk wide eyed into the square Djeema al-Fna. Here you will be called after in Arab, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, German and English. All the young men can speak over 5 languages even if it is only to lure you into their carpet shop. You try as much as possible to keep a straight path forward and ignore the on callers but it’s impossible. As soon as you follow the bait into one the many small streets of the souq you embark on the ride of your life. Spices in every color imaginable, olives stacked in pyramid shapes, hand made carpets hang from every shop window, fresh herbs, leather bags, desert sheshes and then of course the people. Children running after alley cats, older men drinking boiling hot mint tea and the ever persistent henna ladies who see your hands as empty canvases to paint on. Twirl around in a circle and remember each unique scene that surrounds you.




 You will feel overwhelmed. You also need to sit down because after walking and getting lost within the Medina in 40-degree heat you are panting and faint. You will most likely need to pay a boy to guide back to the main square. Don’t be surprised when it’s about a 5-minute walk away when you felt like another turn down an alley would bring to the face of the earth. Since you’ve left the square the scenery has changed. The sun is setting behind the mosque and the square is even more alive. Make shift cooking stands have been set up and chefs hiding behind clouds of smoke bicker you to come eat at their stand. You choose the one with the most locals and you prepare to eat one of the best cheapest meals of your life.


 That night after making your way belly full through the open air theater of Djeema al-Fna you marvel at the chance you’ve had to be here in this new culture, in this new place. Covering yourself with a small sheet on the top of a Riad that you found for 3$ a night you close your eyes on your first day in Morocco.


 Even after years of learning to write I’m unsure I shall ever be able to truly describe the marvelousness of expression and joy of exploration found in the heart of the Marrakech medina.


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