Tomorrow we will mostly complete our ten weeks in Europe (except for two days we'll have in Spain); Africa, the Middle East and Asia are where we'll spend the next 3.5 months travelling.
Even though Europe is very different than Canada, it has a comfortable familiarity about it that makes it not really that foreign. As descendants of Europeans (English, Irish, Swiss) we've heard, seen, read and tasted European culture all of our lives. And even though I've never had a pistachio cheese sandwich like I'd had today at Eataly, the culture is not so different...just a lot older...and maybe more quality conscious...and less spacious...has more people...and...
I think I'm ruining my argument about it being similar. But really, when we compare our experience in Europe to what we're about to encounter in Morocco, I think it's fair to say we started in a safe and familiar space, and we're about to embark on something really new and different.
I'm a bit nervous, but very excited. I can't wait to see the reactions on our kids' faces when they drive in a taxi through Marrakech tomorrow then walk through the markets. The people, the smells, the food, and the hustle and bustle will be overwhelming, and perhaps unappreciated at first. Hopefully the awesome accommodations at a private Riad with a pool will give them a place to relax and digest all the new things they're seeing.
I feel comfortable saying our first chapter on this adventure has been a success. It was well planned, exciting, informative, fun and a dream-come-true.
Even though Europe is very different than Canada, it has a comfortable familiarity about it that makes it not really that foreign. As descendants of Europeans (English, Irish, Swiss) we've heard, seen, read and tasted European culture all of our lives. And even though I've never had a pistachio cheese sandwich like I'd had today at Eataly, the culture is not so different...just a lot older...and maybe more quality conscious...and less spacious...has more people...and...
I think I'm ruining my argument about it being similar. But really, when we compare our experience in Europe to what we're about to encounter in Morocco, I think it's fair to say we started in a safe and familiar space, and we're about to embark on something really new and different.
I'm a bit nervous, but very excited. I can't wait to see the reactions on our kids' faces when they drive in a taxi through Marrakech tomorrow then walk through the markets. The people, the smells, the food, and the hustle and bustle will be overwhelming, and perhaps unappreciated at first. Hopefully the awesome accommodations at a private Riad with a pool will give them a place to relax and digest all the new things they're seeing.
I feel comfortable saying our first chapter on this adventure has been a success. It was well planned, exciting, informative, fun and a dream-come-true.
So as of tomorrow morning, goodbye Europe - hello Africa.
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