Travel deals!

Anyone planning a trip in the next few months should check out AirTran's sale (ending May 20, 2010). They are offering some great deals.

Photo credit.

Rep Yo' City: ATL Shawty!

Due to popular demand, we are revisiting Atlanta for a Rep Yo’ City series. (Check out the original Rep Yo City: ATL Shawty! in our last issue) On Travel Tuesdays throughout the month of May, we’ll be sharing a few of our favorite things about the ATL and we’re giving you a chance to share your fave things as well.

Spending four years in Atlanta at Emory University, I’ve grown to think of the ATL as a home away from home. As the place where I established some of my firsts tastes of independence of adulthood, Atlanta holds a special place in my heart.

I must admit that Atlanta is where I expanded my palette. Call it the life of a starving college student. Being hungry enough to try anything forced my taste buds to grow up. From my first time really appreciating fresh lettuce and tomato on a sandwich at Emory’s Dooley Den during my freshman year to my first almost addictive experience with calamari during my junior year. Here are a few of my favorite food memories from ATL:

• Maddy’s: A Ribs & Blue's Joint- Even though I didn't try Maddy's until my junior year, it might have been my first real experience with Southern BBQ, and it did not disappoint. With a hearty helping of chicken, ribs, baked beans, my first taste of Brunswick Stew, potato salad and the slice of white bread, which serves almost like an edible napkin, I was properly introduced to what Southern BBQ had to offer.
  
• Chick Fil-A- Chicken Biscuit (not to be confused with the McDonald's version, which is okay but just not the same)- the succulent chicken and the buttery goodness of the biscuit combined with a side of hash browns is the only thing that got me and my roommate out of bed and on to campus. If I had $5 to my name, two of them were devoted to my breakfast love. I have to admit that I was skeptical but it changed my life a little bit.
  
• Gladys Knight's Chicken and Waffles- The smothered chicken is more than a generous portion of crispy fried chicken smothered in a thick gravy that reminded with every bite that I was in the South (and loving it). Served with their macaroni and cheese that is so full of cheesy flavor that it could stand on its own.
  
• Mary Mac’s biscuits were enough to be a meal on their own. I remember them melting in my mouth and oh so warm, buttery and delightful. Something about those biscuits made me envision a granny somewhere.
  
• Fellini’s- The pizza that reminded me little bit of NY pizza from home. Also, the place that made me crave pizza and salad at a time when I didn't even eat salad. Perfect for a late night snack run, Fellini's pizza was definitely a crowd favorite.
  
• Popeye’s Fridays- A tradition that one of my friends shared with a few of us, every Friday for several weeks, we'd make our way to Popeye's for whatever our college budgets would allow. She always got a two piece and a biscuit, and I usually got red beans and rice and always got the strawberry Fanta.
• Krispy Kreme- The perfect treat on a late night drive. One of the greatest feelings is to drive by the Krispy Kreme on Ponce de Leon and see “hot” light on. Krispy Kreme donuts are always good, but when they are hot they are A-MA-ZING. They melt in your mouth almost like cotton candy but then the taste is finished with that sweet glaze.
  

I really want to hear about your favorite foods in the ATL. (So that I can make a list and try all of them next time I visit.)

Mark in Morocco- Part 2

Welcome back for Part 2 of Mark in Morocco! Just in case you missed Part 1, catch up here.

To get away from the desert stereotype of Morocco (or to just head for cooler temperatures), I recommend the Atlas Mountain region of Morocco, which was the region by which I was most surprised. My two favorite destinations were Ifrane and Chefchaouen (or Chaouen), Chaouen being my second favorite place in the country.

I only spent half a day in Ifrane, but was captivated by it. Lying high in the Atlas Mountains north of Fez (another wonderful destination), Ifrane was built under the period of French colonization as a skiing village - and it shows. You could be mistaken for thinking you are in a small Swiss Alpine village - with its snow-covered large plaza, Catholic church and half-timber houses than in North Africa. Though it is mainly a university town (for an English-language university) and resort for Morocco's super-rich these days, it’s nonetheless a fun get away if you just want to head somewhere cooler, see some snow, get a glimpse at the lifestyle of Morocco's rich and powerful (and compare it with some of the poverty you've seen elsewhere, especially in the Sahara), and take in the bizarre wonder of being in a French skiing village in Africa.

Chefchaouen (or just Chaouen) is a relaxing, very accessible small city set in the lush, verdant Atlas Mountains. The city was founded by Muslims and Jews expelled from Spain during the Inquisition, and as such the architecture has a very Andalucian feel. Though, perhaps the city's most notable feature is the shades of blue of all the buildings in the city (a tradition taken from the town's former Jewish population). A far cry from the hustle and bustle of cities like Fez and Marrakesh, and subsequently much safer and less aggressive than those places, the blue hues of the city's building, surrounded by the lush green of the surrounding countryside, allows you to catch your breath, relax, and enjoy the kindness and friendliness of small-town Morocco. You can hike from one city to another, take in views of the city from the ruins of an old mosque from a hill above the city, or just take in the historical sights of the old city - the mosque, the palace, the synagogue. Of course, the city's reputation as a center of cannabis production (kif or shisha, in the local dialect), doesn't hurt all that relaxing either, and helps explain the laid back nature of the city's population.

I really cannot recommend Morocco as a travel destination enough. The country's beauty does not disappoint, and the people are so kind and friendly. While it’s true you'll meet bad people who'll just see you as a dollar sign wherever you travel, the majority of Moroccans were so kind and friendly and helpful. I've never been to a country where people seemed so genuinely curious about how I was enjoying their country, and excited to give me advice on what they thought I should see or where I should go. As much as I can recommend visiting for the beauty of the country, I can also recommend it for the kindness and warmth of the people. It is truly a wondrous destination.

Mark in Morocco- Part 1

The Morocco series continues! This week it's all about HIS Journey. Let's take a trip to Morocco with our guest contributor Mark.


Morocco is one of the most exotic travel destinations in the world. When it comes to mind, you can't help but dream of winding lanes through sandstone buildings, market stalls piled high with fragrant spices and nuts, the golden dunes of the Sahara, and the haunting lilt of the call to prayer. Morocco surely delivers on all those stereotypes, but what surprised me when I visited was how much more it is - from bustling modern metropolises like Casablanca, to snow-covered French ski village of Ifrane to the verdant, lush mountains and valleys around Chefchaouen to the sparkling beaches of Essaouira - the country certainly has something for everyone.

Working as an English teacher in southern Spain last year, I had the privilege of being able to continent hop to Morocco in less than two hours. After an hour and a half bus ride, all that was left was a half hour ferry between Algeciras, Spain and the Spanish exclave of Ceuta on the African coast. The journey between the two continents was truly memorable - watching Europe fade into the horizon as Africa approaches you, and being able to see both continents at once as you sail through the middle of the Strait of Gibraltar. However, that short journey surely belies the world of difference between the place you have left and the place where you will be arriving.

Although I have traveled all over Morocco, my favorite destination by far remains Marrakesh. Marrakesh is perhaps the most iconic of Morocco's major destinations (and where I hear the Sex and the City girls will be traveling to in the next movie), and definitely delivers on all those Moroccan stereotypes. Surrounded by beautiful and well-kept red/pink clay walls, and studded with beautiful gardens, the city is truly one of the most beautiful in Morocco. A walk around those walls or a visit to one of the many gardens of the city (especially the Majorelle Gardens) will not leave you disappointed. However, the real jewel of Marrakesh is the city's massive central plaza - the Djemaa el Fna. A walk around the plaza at any hour (but especially at night [refer to picture]) will satisfy every dream you've had for Morocco: snake charmers with their pipes, dancing monkeys, Berbers dancing in traditional costume, storytellers captivating enthralled audiences with their animated tales, salesmen loudly hawking their wears - nuts, spices, rugs, orange juice, souvenirs, men begging you to come to eat at their restaurant, trying out a greeting to you in nearly every foreign language. Among all that excitement you just can't help but smile and think "I'm here."

There's perhaps nothing more enchanting than sipping a Moroccan mint tea (sweet and delicious), on the balcony of one of the cafes surrounding the plaza and taking it all in as the sun sets over the city. If you're lucky, the sounds of the bustle of the plaza will be interspersed at sunset with the call to prayer, as you hear it ring out from all the mosques of the city. It’s a truly beautiful sound (however, despite my expectations of a Muslim country, almost no one seemed to stop and pray).

For another taste of stereotypical, but nonetheless beautiful, Morocco, I recommend riding a camel through the Sahara. Not only is it the "green" way of exploring the desert (4x4 or Jeeps tend to kick up sand which leads to dust storms and desertification for Sub-Saharan Africa), but going slowly allows you to truly take in the beauty of the dunes - the patterns the wind leaves in them, the shadows they create. Plus, you begin to feel like an Arab trader going up and down sand dunes on your hump-backed friend. We spent the night at a Berber camp, which allowed us to take in both the sunset and the sunrise, which were spectacular (the first ray of light of the sunrise is green). Just a word from the wise: make sure your camel's saddle is secure! Camels are high, and sand is not as soft as it looks, and you falling off will lead to your camel and all the camels in the train going nuts, carrying your travel companions terrified off into the distance while nearly trampling you. I'm speaking from experience here. :-)

Come back tomorrow for Part 2 of Mark's experience to see another side of Morocco!

Mi encuentro con Marruecos (My Moroccan Encounter)

Guess what? I just got back from the "Motherland!" (Africa, that is). The girls from GSU and I just spent the last couple of days in Morocco and boy, do I have some stories to tell. Morocco always seemed like such an exotic place, so I was excited to go. After all, classes had not yet begun, so I wanted to take the opportunity to travel as much as I could. I admit, it was a last minute decision and honestly I did not know what to expect.

Our trip started out with a 6-hour bus ride to Madrid. We arrived at the Madrid airport at almost midnight and since we had 6 am flights to Marrakech, we decided to spend the night at the airport. That was a fun night. We were so tired, we were laughing deliriously the entire night. We tried to sleep on the hard and cold airport floor, but after numerous failed attempts, we just decided to sleep on the plane. Once on the plane I was knocked out. I think I woke up to the sight of the beautiful Atlas mountain range that sat over Marrakech. It is one of the most beautiful scenes I have ever seen.

However, we had a problem. The pilot couldn’t land the plane because of a thick fog that covered the city. We circled in the air for about 45 minutes or more. I was going in and out of sleep, interrupted intermittently by the pilot’s announcements about why he couldn’t land. Finally, he said that we were going to land in a nearby city to solve the fog problem. Ok, apparently the word “nearby” was relative. We landed in Algadir, which is a city on the Atlantic coast and about 155 miles away! Plus, it was not even the closest airport. Sheesh. At first I thought it was hilarious. Probably because I was not expecting what would come next. They then made us get off the plane without any further instructions at all. Somehow I assumed we were going to stay at the airport until the fog cleared and would be subsequently put on another flight to Marrakech. Nothing of the sort. We waited for about 2 hours at the Algadir airport until they put us on a bus that would take us to Marrakech. At first they told us it would take 3 hours to get there, but it ended up taking us about 5. We were originally supposed to arrive in Marrakech at 7am; we didn’t get there until 5 or 6pm. We lost an entire day.

When we finally arrived the bus dropped us off at some random spot from which we took a taxi to the main square, Djamaa El Fna. Man, there were A LOT of people. I was a little overwhelmed. And I guess I didn’t know exactly what to expect so I experienced some serious culture shock. Plus, I think after the rough travels and sleep deprivation my emotions were off kilter. That night we got something to eat and found us a nice hostel. It was pretty nice and the guy at the front desk (Aziz - super nice) gave us a good deal. We stayed practically on the main square, right in the middle of all the action and across the street from a nice park. That night we walked around for a bit and went to get some ice cream. Even at night the plaza was full of life and excitement. Small groups were playing drums, there were kiosks with all kinds of fruits and spices, there were even snake charmers and people with trained monkeys. Before coming I was actually worried about how I should dress since Morocco is a Muslim country and I didn’t want to wear anything that would be offensive. Also, it was just us three females so that first night I was a little on edge. I was actually surprised to see the women dressed in all different ways. Some wore tradition dress, some were covered completely, while others wore regular clothes without any head covering. After noticing that, I felt more at ease.

The next day we decided to explore a little bit of the city. We decided to go to the Bahia Palace. To get there we walked through areas that were not as touristy. I enjoyed it because I got to see how locals really live. The palace was beautiful and very much like many of the alcazares (palaces) that I have already seen in Spain. After coming to Morocco, I could really see how strong the arab architectural influence was (and still is) in Spain.

That next day was our big shopping day. Souks – here I come! The Souks has got to be the greatest place to find good bargains. It's this laberint of local venders where you can buy everything from leather purses to silver jewelry. I collect vases from different countries so I bargained my way to a good price on a beautiful ceramic vase with a cool camel bone design. But if you ever go there, be careful not to get lost because it is seriously a maze. We decided to stay on a straight path and I must say we were quite successful in finding our way back out.

On our final day there we visited the Koutoubia gardens. The Koutoubia is the most important mosque in Marrakech. We had the entire day to chill, so we walked alongside the ancient city walls to the Majorelle Gardens. It was a long walk, but once we saw the gardens it was well worth it. It was breathtaking and a great way to end our trip.

We also spent that last night in the Marrakech airport, since we had an early flight. LOL. It was so cold we had to huddle together to stay warm. And to top it off, when we got back to Madrid, we missed our bus back to Málaga :(

Overall, we had a fun and fantastic trip. Next time I would love to go to the Sahara. Most of our frustration on this trip was associated with the traveling itself. And really, it brought Kelley, Lizette and I closer together. I don't rememeber ever laughing so much in my life. Everywhere we went something funny happened that we still laugh about even after having come back.

Can't wait to share my next adventure.

You can read about all of Teljer's adventures on her blog Teljer in Malaga, as she shares her study abroad experience from Malaga, Spain (and wherever else her travels take her).

Morocco: Fez Pt. 2

After getting that little taste of Morocco from Jenelle's first post, we knew you'd be back for more. As promised, here are the rest of Jenelle's tips for your visit to Fez:

3. ‘THESE MINT LEAVES TASTE GOOD” – Visiting The Tannery

Speaking of leather, another must-see is the tannery.The tannery in the medina is the oldest leather tannery in the world, and features leather-making techniques unchanged since the Middle Ages. It is composed of numerous stone vessels filled with a range of dyes and liquids. From above, the vats and colors look exactly like a painter’s pallet. Workers use a mixture of ingredients, including bird droppings, to help the leather take the dye more effectively. It’s a really amazing scene to see, but you’ll probably be a tad distracted by the strong smell of animal hide baking in the sun.

You should definitely try to visit early in the morning before the sun hits the tannery and the smell starts rising. If you’re not so lucky, have no fear, because you’ll most likely be offered a sprig of mint leaves. But, as tempting as they may look, they’re not for munching!

On my first visit, I thought the mint was a snack. Although it seemed slightly odd, I still happily munched away on my sprig until I realized I was the only one eating it! So, save yourself the embarrassment, and use the leaves to take your mind, and your nose, off the smell.

Either way, the stench is definitely worth braving as the view over the balcony allows you to witness a practice that has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. It is all achieved manually, without the use of modern machinery—just some good ol’ elbow grease and foot stomping, to help you get the picture.

After your tour, you can lose yourself in the tannery store, where you’ll find a gorgeous array of goods including shoes, belts, jackets, bags, and other trinkets.

Don’t forget to put your poker face on and put those newly acquired bargaining skills to good use!

4. FIT FOR ROYALTY –Getting A Good Night’s Rest

After spending a day in the medina, you’re definitely going to need a restful place to lay your head. When in Fez, I recommend staying in a restored house, called a riad. Many are considered too expensive for the locals, but it’s about the same price as a stay in a Western hotel.

My sister and I stumbled upon Riad El Yacout after it was recommended to us

by a Moroccan train passenger.

Although someone from the riad met us at the train station, I have to admit that upon arrival, we were a bit wary of the location—it was nestled in a narrow, dusty alley on a random street on the outskirts of the medina. The street was even too small for our taxi to fit through! We were just about ready to turn on our heels and run screaming back to the train station when they opened the heavy, Moorish door and led us inside.

The best way to describe the riad is simply: paradise. There were birds chirping and flying across the hallways, and the trickle of the rose petal-laden indoor fountain was most relaxing. The noise from the hustle and bustle outside was inaudible, and it was much cooler inside the walls than out on the street. The riad even featured a roof that could be opened during the day and closed during inclement weather.

As with any hotel, each riad is different and unique. However, they commonly feature suites ranging in décor and layout, each exquisite in its own right. They are lavishly decorated with textiles embroidered in the colors of the rainbow, stained glass windows and doors, as well as intricate tile work. As an added bonus, they also come equipped with air conditioners and television sets.

While there, my sister and I were lucky enough to be the only guests present and we not only felt like royalty, but were treated that way as well. Every morning the waiter waited for us to emerge from our room, and brought us a breakfast that could feed at least four people. It included assorted sweet breads (Moroccans love sweets!), fresh orange juice, eggs made however we liked, and endless cups of coffee and tea. Dinner was another banquet—we rarely ever finished our meals.

Being the only guests also allowed us to roam the riad freely. We explored each suite and made many a visit to the rooftop. We also became friends with the workers there and knew each by name by the time we left.

Even if you’re not as lucky as we were, you’ll leave wondering why every hotel in the U.S. isn’t modeled after a Moroccan riad.

5. CULI! CULI! (EAT! EAT!) – Native Dishes You Must Try

You haven’t truly experienced all a country has to offer until you’ve tried their food. Moroccan food is delicious and a treat—as long as you don’t eat from the street vendors. We’ve all been told never to drink the water in an unfamiliar country, and Morocco is no different. Speaking from a not-so-pleasant personal experience, you might just want to stick to bottled water and hotel or restaurant food only.

That being said, Moroccan food is known for its savory flavors and many ingredients, and will definitely be a pleasant experience for your taste buds.

Although not a dish, the most popular, and my favorite, is the green tea with mint. Making good mint tea in Morocco is considered an art form, and the drinking of it with friends and family members is one of the important rituals of the day. The technique of pouring the tea is as crucial as the quality of the tea itself. Moroccan tea pots have long, curved pouring spouts, which allow the tea to be poured evenly from a height. Properly poured tea results in frothy bubbles, which is preferred.

Other staples dishes to try include Tajine (Tagine)—the national dish, Pastilla, and Harira.

Tajine is a dish which is named after the special pot it is cooked in. The traditional tajine pot is made of heavy clay, and is composed of two parts; a base unit which is flat and circular with low sides, and a large cone or dome-shaped cover that rests inside the base during cooking. The dish itself is a stew slow-cooked at low temperatures, resulting in tender meat with aromatic vegetables and sauce.

Pastilla is a pie dish which unexpectedly, but deliciously combines sweet and salty flavors; a combination of crisp layers of a thinner form of the phyllo dough, savory chicken cooked in broth and spices, and a crunchy layer of toasted and ground almonds, cinnamon, and powdered sugar.

Harira is the traditional soup that is usually eaten during dinner in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan to break the fasting day, and is considered a meal in itself. It can also be served to relatives and friends after a special celebration, such as the morning after a wedding night. Luckily for you, you won't have to wait until Ramadan to taste Harira. Just visit any Moroccan restaurant to get your fix.

Would I Lie To You?

If you love exploring new lands and meeting warm, friendly people on your travels, then Morocco is for you. And any trip to Morocco would not be complete without a stop in Fez. If you miss out on Fez, you will have missed a chance to take the exciting and rather colorful step back in time that it provides.

Morocco: Fez Pt. 1

Women all over are super excited about the sequel of Sex and the City:



How could you not be excited after seeing that? Rumor has it that the SATC girls reached outside of their NYC boxes and headed to Morocco this time around. As we await this much anticipated sequel, we're going to take a little trip to Morocco ourselves, and you are invited! Over the next few weeks, each Travel Tuesday will be dedicated to Morocco giving you a glimpse of what you might see in SATC 2. Fashion, friendship, just a few of our favorite things that we're sure to see in the movie, and now travel! Even if you're not a fan of SATC, join us on the journey to the fabulous country of Morocco.

Our first guide, Jenelle, takes us to Fez.

5 Things You Must Experience In Fez, Morocco

Being prepared is the best way to ensure a great vacation. Here are some great tips for an exotic trip you won’t find in a guide book.

1. “BELEK BELEK! WATCH OUT FOR THAT DONKEY!—Navigating The Medina

Fez, Morocco has the best-preserved old city in the Arab world, the medina of Fes el-Bali, which is also the world’s largest car-free urban zone.

Walking through the medina of Fes el-Bali involves using all five senses at once, while still trying to enjoy the experience. I would describe it as a Wal-Mart super center in its earliest stages. However, instead of neatly aligned and clearly marked aisles, you’ll find an earthen maze of everything you could ever imagine: livestock, brass utensils and decorations, cotton, textiles, medicine, food, and clothing.

Oh yeah, and none of the streets in the medina are named.

A visit to the Fez medina is definitely not for the faint of heart, or those who can’t handle walking around for hours. It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll be prodded to buy a live chicken or rabbit, or see animal heads hanging as you pass. But, if you duck into one of the many tiny stores, you’ll be sure to find hidden treasures.

For example, Fez is known for its hand-stitched table settings which are sewn in designs that are symmetrical, even when you flip them over. Just step inside to see this process in action and witness the women hunched over their craft as they sew for hours at a time. Interestingly, it is said that they are only allowed to work four or five hours per day, otherwise the constant focus on the small details of their work will make them blind.

You can also dip into the apothecary, where you’ll find an array of oils, herbs and spices, which can be used for cleansing or healing purposes, or simply as an addition to food. Another place you’re definitely going to get pulled into is a tribal rug store.

Morocco is known for its hand-woven Berber rugs, which come in a variety of sizes and designs. Certain tribes are known for the specific patterns used, so you’ll not only be buying a piece of furniture, but history as well.

However, buyers beware: merchants will often try to sell you a rug for more than it’s worth. But, you’ll learn how to bargain your way to a deal in no time…

2. “I GIVE YOU SPECTACULAR PRICE” – The Art Of Bargaining

If you’ve never had to do it before, you’ll be a pro at bargaining after visiting Fez. Shopkeepers and guides are very assertive and you will have to get used to saying “no” a lot. It can be a very frustrating and time-consuming practice the first few times, but after walking around the medina, you’ll quickly learn how to hold your own. Once a merchant realizes they might lose your business, they will agree to almost any price you suggest.

In one instance, my sister and I actually spent three hours bargaining for leather goods at the tannery. At the end of it all, we bought two leather jackets, leather bags and wallets all for the price one leather jacket would have cost in the United States. I have to admit, we worried that it wasn’t fair to the workers (they were the ones losing money), but it became clear that their only concern was making that sale.

Despite the hassle bargaining sometimes is, most merchants are genuinely warm and friendly even while trying to sell you something. Bargaining for goods is a welcome change from the fixed prices we’re so accustomed to, and you can’t help but feel giddy when walking away with your purchase.

Ready for more? Come back on Thursday for the rest of Jenelle's tips. You don't want to miss them.