Things are busier than ever here in Granada with final projects, exams and papers but I´ve been able to spend my last few weekends traveling a bit. Two weeks ago I went to Morocco-a trip I´ve been longing to make for some time now-and toured three different cities. First we crossed the Strait of Gibraltar in a ferry and docked in Ceuta, one of the two Spanish cities on the northern coast of Africa, and took a bus to Tetouan where our hotel was located. Crossing the border was really interesting because I had never experienced a crossing with such high security like that before. There were long retractable strips of metal on the ground with large spikes near the openings in the border gate to blow out the tires of illegal entries. We also spotted several of these contraptions along the main highways on our way to the hotel. Apparently they are needed quite often because when we were waiting to cross, a car flew by going the wrong way and all of the police immediately halted all traffic and started reaching for their guns...quite a way to start off the excursion.

Throughout the weekend we visited an outdoor market that offered a variety of foods, from fresh vegetables and fruits to freshly slaughtered chicken and raw legs of animals. Needless to say I didn´t make any purchases during this shopping trip. We also made a stop where we had the opportunity to ride camels but I wasn´t up for taking a lap around a parking lot for 15 seconds on a worn-out looking animal so I passed on this opportunity. My favorite part of the trip was the point we visited in Tanger where the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean meet, or besan, according to our tourguide. Other highlights were bargaining with the locals at various markets for some gifts to take home, seeing all of the mosques with speaker-phones in the minarets to call the Muslims to prayer and our visit to Chefchaouen. This small pueblo, located in the mountains, had beautiful scenery and blue doors are found on nearly every building. When we were climbing up to see the source of the town´s drinkable water, which comes from an underground lake in the mountains, we learned that the Andalucían government has given this town money to promote sustainable lifestyles, such as removing the marijuana plants from the land.

This past weekend I stayed in Andalucía and toured two cities to the west of Granada: Arcos de la Frontera and Ronda. Both cities are situated on elevated terrain with dramatic cliffs, bridges and old architecture. Pictures say more than words so hopefully some will be posted soon...

Today is National Day of Books in Spain because it is the day both Cervantes and Shakespeare died. To celebrate in Granada they are holding booksales in various plazas and in Cataluña it is tradition to bring books and roses to your teacher. We tried to talk our literature professor into taking us out for some coffee to celebrate this monumental occasion but considering we have an exam on Thursday, this idea didn´t fly with her. I did, however, contribute to literacy in Spain today; every Monday I tutor at a colegio for about an hour in a classroom that attempts to function as a study hall. Although the students ask me more questions concerning whether or not they can go to the bathroom than concerning academics, I try to help them with their language homework. I think what ends up happening is that I learn more Spanish than they learn English! Anyways, today was my last day and it is getting weird to think that I have to start saying goodbye to all the people I have met here.

I hope everyone is enjoying the warming weather in Wisconsin as much as I am here in Granada. Hasta luego y nos vemos pronto, un besito!