Wednesday, January 4, 2012

African Child

Hello! I know I haven't been posting like at all in a very long time, but I've been busy celebrating my first real Christmas. Though it's not technically over until January 6th when the 3 Kings come and give us presents on their way to bless Jesus, I feel confident in saying that it has been a splendid time and a spectacular Christmas.
Another reason I haven't been posting very often is that I'm not entirely convinced that people actually read this blog. So, if you genuinely care about what you see here, I would love a note or something. Message me on Facebook, shoot me an email, write on a sticky note and give it to my family for them to send me in my next package. I've always been someone who needed a lot of love and it's really hard for me to get that here, so I would really appreciate something from back home. Just something to think about.
With that said, here are some pictures from the time I went to Melilla, the Spanish city in the very north of Africa, for Christmas.
 I stayed with the host family of my good friend, Jessica Latimer, and upon seeing this in their kitchen I nearly cried. Apparently their oldest son, Jose Luis, went on exchange to Medford and brought these back for his chef father. I adored the family- they were all so sweet, and encouraged us to speak English when we wanted to but also loved helping us out with our Spanish. Though it was weird not staying with my host family I got to experience life in another Spanish family and I found a sister in Jess.

 The view from northern Africa. The first full day I was there it was warm enough for us to go to the beach, so Jess and I did. The old part of the city overlooks the Mediterranean, and in the olden days they used cannons from this castle to shoot down ships attempting to invade Melilla.

 Though I love the shops here, the shops in Melilla were special because they had an African flair. I bought a flawless pair of classic white linen Moroccan pants, and am hoping to buy a pair of these awesome slippers when I return. The shops were also filled with glass pottery, products with Arabic labels, gorgeous veils, etc.

 The view of Melilla from the top of the castle.

 You could see Morocco from the top of the castle too!

 The fence separating Morocco from Melilla was very intimidating. It was several layers thick and complete with barbed wire and electric fencing so as to discourage illegal border crossing. Though I wanted more than anything to cross this fence to get to Morocco I wasn't allowed to, as being an American girl is a very dangerous thing in African countries.

 Morocco!

 Moroccan tea- practically the best thing I've ever had ever! It was minty but sweet and just splendid.

The nativity scene in Melilla is well known for one major detail- it's life-size! It's set up in the old part of the city and you can walk through it as if you were walking through the scene when it happened. It's complete with real animals and even real fruit vendors.

3 comments:

  1. It looks so cool! Not to be creepy or anything buuuut this is the third time I've been on here today, just hopefully waiting for the update <3 You're on my bookmark tab :) I love you!
    -Claire

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  2. I love reading what you're up to. Please keep up the posts. Cheers my world traveling friend!

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