Suitcases? Packing? WTF

The suitcases are out. Some things are packed. The room is hot. Clothes are hanging outside. I made cookies..or some version of cookies. I haven’t packed yet, but I’m getting to it. Some things are in motion, while others are on pause. I’m not sure if I’m in motion or on pause..yet. Maybe both.
I just took out my Lonely Planet guide to Andalucia and read about Almeria. Almeria is known for it’s massive watchtower, the grand Alcazaba, which is the only remaining Islamic monument. There is also a little place that’s called “little Hollywood” because many Westerns have been filmed there, vamos a ver. After that, we are staying in Roquetas de Mar, which contains the quiet beaches of Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata. Cabo de Gata is where I have wanted to go since January--I’m so excited that I got the opportunity to see it. Eugenio, Laura’s father (the girl I tutor) wrote 2 books about the vegetation there. There are volcanic hills and it has turquoise water. We leave tomorrow at 8 AM, I’m going to wake up a couple hours before to shower and finish packing. I’m so tired of packing. I contemplated staying in Posadas this week after the my epic trip to Morocco. But, I decided I want to see as much as I can--so I unpacked, did laundry, and am in the process of repacking and packing for home. Packing is the w-o-r-s-t.
Our trip was so much fun. Laura, Eli, and Felisa are so funny and vibrant. Laura and Felisa radiate happiness, it’s contagious being with them. Eli is priceless, she could strike up a conversation with anyone--her face lights up when she’s talking and laughter comes easily when you’re around her. The first morning, we woke up, echoing “Tengo sueno” (I am sleepy!) but I opened the curtains to look out on the ocean and we both fought our tiredness, showered, got ready and went to wake up Felisa and Laura. Laura scrambled to the door, still sleeping, and was so confused that she had somehow overslept. As Eli and I waited in the hallway, dressed and ready to go, Eli realized she had made a terrible mistake--she never changed her cell phone and it was only 7 am and not 9 am. We all had a good laugh when Laura came out with her clothes thrown on, rushing because she thought she was late. Eli had a big blonde moment.
For breakfast, it’s basically a carb-lovers dream and a dieters nightmare. You get a massive plate of different types of bread (croissant, wheat bread, pastries, etc) served with orange juice and coffee. The first day we went to Asillah, a coastal town, where the level of poverty was present. That evening we toured around Tangier, in the center, you can feel the poverty, especially in the bustling Medina. It’s overwhelming. You can’t move without almost being hit by a car or another person. The amount of activity is incredible. After an hour or so of walking around the vendors, we left to have dinner at a really nice restaurant that had singing and dancing. The next morning we did a legitimate tour of Tangiers, I was amazed that once we left the city it reminded me of the Hollywood Hills, it’s called a little California. The mansions are incredible, Princes and Kings live there, but you can buy the house for 30,000 euros. Can you imagine? It occurred to me that I could buy a mansion in Tangier. Literally, a mansion. I was offered many camels, maybe I’ll take someone up on their offer (Really, truly, “30 mil Camels!!”) It actually happens. We rode Camels, except for Eli, and it was so strange and random. I was afraid of them at first, the baby kept coming up to me when I was getting on the other one. Laura’s camel was going crazy, talking and yelling. Mine was more docile and Felisa ended up getting on with me because I was afraid to be alone. It was definitely a crazy experience--just like a roller coaster, once I was on I loved it. One thing I don’t understand is why all of our pants were soaked with water..do the camels sweat that bad or were the blankets wet? Anyone have an answer?
By the time we made it back to Tarifa, and drove back to Posadas I was so completely tuckered out. I was speaking in Spanglish, full on Spanglish. After Eli dropped me off, the light in the apartment building wasn’t working. So I traversed the three floors in total darkness, eventually giving into using my small cell phone as a flash light. Apparently, I was so put off by the darkness and sleep deprivation that I left my keys in the front door all night. Incredible, really, truly, I can’t believe I did that. Especially because Will didn’t come back until tonight. I had lunch at Alfredo and Maria’s and they teased me, he said “you were inviting all of Posadas in!” --be careful with your keys when you’re exhausted and freaked out lol.
To sum up Morocco--it’s brightly colored, busy, exotic, exciting and overwhelming. Most of the people we met were really helpful and incredibly nice, but walking in the street can be exhausting--people are always asking you to buy something and the children selling things in the street break your heart. I was happy to come back to the slower pace and quiet of Posadas, even if it just for one day.
Feria is still going on this weekend in Cordoba and I think I’m going on Friday and maybe Saturday. I have to buckle down and pack up this weekend..so depressing. I told Maria I wanted to cook a big dinner on Monday, mexican style, and bake some brownies.
When I was running tonight, heading towards Sunset, I decided I want to find time to take photos of my running route--it’s life changing. The sierrezuela is so peaceful and green, the smell of pine trees surrounds you, and the steep hills bring a unique burn to your legs and lungs. I also like running through the golden farm fields before, the grass is as tall as me, and the roads are unpaved. Then, when I finish, I run through the outskirts of town and then ultimately down the main street. It’s a little bit of everything. Nature Reserve, Farm Fields, Town. I’m bringing my running shoes because I want to go running along the beach in Cabo de Gata. I”ll make time, because I don’t think there is anything as exhilarating as running along the beach in the morning, just you and the waves.
K, now it’s really late and I haven’t eaten dinner or packed at all. Typical. See you in 1 week.