WAKA WAKA (WAKE UP) AFRICA!!

Las Bas UMKC?

You're doing fine UMKC?

       I have now been in Morocco for six weeks, two weeks away from the semester half-point. The time here passes quickly, but not in the same way it passes in the United States, it is not that anxious, over-zealous, stressful lifestyle. Time passes by quickly here because people actually LIVE LIFE! There is no concept of time, time in Morocco is just an illusion. 

      Living in Morocco has already taught me life is about balance. Americans really struggle with the concepts of happiness because we do not understand how to balance our lives. Moroccans are still able to achieve the same lifestyle, without the fast-pace lifestyle. I am learning, it is okay to relax, to take my time, what is the rush about life? Nothing, just enjoy the ride to the destination, not the thought about reaching the destination. 

     When taking lunch people can leave for anywhere from one to four hours. There are breaks between classes where students and teachers enjoy the cafe on campus. There is fresh mint tea and coffee everywhere. There is never a time limit, when the conversation ends is when it's time to head back to class. Students lounge around underneath the palm trees, scrambling to hide from the blazing sun. Students here are so eager to learn for the enjoyment of learning, not the aspects of the what employment they will receive or what piece of paper they will receive to prove their attendance, but what difference they can make with their passion. 

      Enjoying their lunches and family time. Family is the most important things here and when people call you there friend, they really mean a lifelong friend. There is no rush to get to know anyone, it is the little details in life I am learning to enjoy. Walking around, people watching, eating, and laughing is the most joyous things Morocco has taught me to continue when I go back home to the United States. 

     I realize it is humility that brings joy, sharing what you have with the world. It was definitely an adjustment. I am a VERY uptight, goal oriented person. My transition was more difficult for me than for most of my peers. I was so ready to conquer the world, now I am realizing, it's not about being first, it's not about being the best, IT IS ABOUT what kind of impact you can make on others and on yourself. You can still be successful if others around you are successful, it is about helping each other reach goals. I constantly see people going out their way to create a community. Life is taken WAY too seriously in America. We need to take some notes from our African Neighbors, everything is going to be okay, all good things have perfect timing.

     I know what some of you might be thinking and yes, it can be annoying standing in line at the Mar Jane (Moroccan Wal-Mart) for thirty minutes because the cashier does not rush when ringing up all his customers. These are the precious moments in life when you realize, we are all human. That genuine smile does not seem like a marketing tactic, but a contagious greeting of happiness. 

Enjoy the wait at the grocery line, not on your iPhone, but talking to your neighbor. Who knows?! You just might get a great recipe for Cous-cous. 

It is the simple things in life we remember. 

Maa' Selma ma'

Go with peace,

Ida Ayalew

   

     

Hamburg and Visiting an old Friend

From Gdansk, Poland I traveled by plane to Hamburg, Germany. I had been to Germany before in 2010, but this was my first time in Germany without snow! The metropolitan city was very nice compared to my visits to the little villages of my old exchange students. Hamburg has historically been a great port, trade zone, and major place for international and internal commerce since the 9th century. My visit to Hamburg included a tour of their beautiful Town Hall, frequenting their city centre, checking out the expansive miniature museum, exploring the massive center train station and tasting delicious German food and beer.

While in Hamburg I met up with an old exchange student who stayed at my home in 2006. Our first meeting in seven years was a happy one and also greatly past due. We had so much catching up to do as we had both grown up and moved on so much since our last meeting. The greatest thing about having exchange students in high school (family has host five) is that when returning to Europe whether you have a place to stay or just someone to meet for dinner, you're never completely an outsider when you have local friends!

Here are some photos from my brief four day stay in Hamburg.

Seoul, South Korea II

Annyeonghaseyo! Things have finally settled down for me and I've managed to develop a fairly consistent routine. I've still been extremely busy.

Everland Amusement Park: This was incredible! Everland is South Korea's version of Disneyland. Rollercoasters, thrill rides, stage shows, a waterpark, haunted houses, and a zoo. Our day was packed and fun-filled (despite long lines). The best part is foreigners get a 20% discount on ticket price.

Sky Festival: Every year the Incheon Airport Sky Festival hosts two large music events. The first day is classical Korean music. The second day is Korean pop (K-pop). We went to the second day. Though I did not relish standing in line for 7 hours, foreigners got free tickets and I got to see 17 of Korea's top K-pop artists.

Chuseok: The Korean Thanksgiving holiday (Chuseok) is a time when Koreans remember their ancestors and eat a lot. It also used to be the best time to sight-see in Seoul, because everyone left town. This was partially true. On the first day of Chuseok I did some shopping in Itaewon. Itaewon is the foreigner district in Seoul and is the best place to find clothes that will fit Western bodies. The stores in Itaewon were dead and the vendors were desperate to sell, so I got some really great deals.

The second day of Chuseok, I decided to take on the Five Grand Palaces of Seoul all in one day. They are all within about 4 miles of each other and are beautiful. They were packed with visitors, but it was nice to see the Koreans acknowledging their Joseon ancestors. I still intend to go back to Changdeok Palace to see the "Secret Garden" (the line was way too long). Also, entrance into the palaces and the Korean Folk Museum (which I also visited) was free because of Chuseok!

The last day of Chuseok I went to Bukhan Mountain National Park. This was the most intense and fulfilling hike I've ever been on. The mountains outside Seoul are beautiful, but hiking up steep walkways for 6 hours was murder on my legs. I was literally soaked with sweat when I got off the mountain. However, I met some really friendly people along the way. Many of the Koreans I encountered were eager to strike up a conversation with me (even if we couldn't understand one another). Along the trails were nestled several Buddhist temples with incredible views.

Korean Folk Village: The week after Chuseok, the international exchange group on campus arranged for a trip to the Korean Folk Village and the national museum. The folk village reminded me of a Korean Renaissance festival. They have a completely restored Joseon era village with actors in traditional Korean clothes. We participated in traditional pottery making, watched folk dances, tight-rope walkers, and an equestrian show. Afterwords, we visited some incredible exhibits at the national museum.

Busan: After the folk village, the study abroad agency took us across Korea to the ocean-side city of Busan. They shacked us up in a very nice hotel for the weekend and took us on a two-day tour of the city. We enjoyed a ferry ride, Chinatown, a world famous fish market (where we ate delicious sea eel), swam on the beach, visited a beautiful seaside temple, and visited the APEC House where the 2005 APEC summit was held. Busan is an incredible city.

It has been a very busy three weeks and things do not appear to be slowing down!

Annyeonghi Gyeseyo!

Update: Almost forgot! Thanks Dr. Jerry Richardson at UMKC/SCE/CME, I was able to visit the Korea Institute of Construction Technology (KICT). KICT helps manage the infrastructure of Korea and does the majority of water resources and building fire research in Korea. I was able to meet the president of KICT, Dr. Hyoseop Woo, and go on a tour of KICT's labs here in Seoul. The visit was incredible! KICT's labs are world class and heaven to an engineering nerd like me.

A taste of Morocco!

Sabaha Al-Khyar
Blessed be your morning!

Kaf Al-halal?
How are you doing?
The hidden gem of Africa! Morocco is definitely, "a must see before you die" country. Ever since I stepped off of the plane at Casablanca International Airport, I am lucky enough to see the beauty most people in America does not know enough about.

Many people associate Africa with what is seen on television, but Morocco is not the Africa you could even imagine. This country is completely influenced by Europe and very little from the Middle East. An up an coming country, with much to offer. Though Morocco is in the North African Sahara, the land mass is completely diverse, every city you visit looks similar, but has it's own unique Moroccan Twang.


What you will see when you visit Morocco--
The people here are a mixture of Amazigh (Berber), Arab, and European. You can get anything from dark chocolate skin and brown eyes to  very fair skin and red Irish hair. There is also a large population of Sub-Sarahan Africans living in Morocco (stay tuned, there will be another blog post about this subject) and Europeans.

What you should see if you visit--
Morocco's history is intertwined with it's country, the cities of Morocco reflect the many different Arab and Amazigh dynasties of the last two centenaries. From the winding streets in the Medina to the open ocean air, every place you will go will have a story behind the significance.

Casablanca--Personally, you could skip this one, besides the correlation with the famous Hollywood movie Casablanca, which takes place in WWII, it does not have much to offer, but if you do REALLY want to go to Casablanca, you should take the time to go visit Hussan II Mosque, it is the third largest mosque in the World. A couple steps away from the open beach and the biggest mall in Morocco.

Marrakesh--Once an Imperial City, the name Marrakesh means- Land of God. This is an absolute must see! The history behind the Berber dynasties is extremely fascinating, and there is plenty to do around the city. It is the largest tourist city in Morocco. With one of the many standing Royal Castles still to this day, accompanied with a great night life, and a beautiful Medina.

For those people who enjoy outdoors and nature--

Ozud--This little country town is right next to a beautiful waterfall which reflects a beautiful rainbow in any direction you stare. This is a great place to hike and go swimming with the family, much like a minature version of the Niagara Falls. Dress conservatively (women) while going swimming, or expect to be a center of attention.

Beni-Melal--Is a small authenic city near Ozud, a great place to get an authentic meal and see the authentic lifestyle of Moroccans. Not many tourists come here so be ready for the stares.

Fez--Is a must see! One of the most powerful Imperial cities in Morocco, has a history dating back to 788 when Idriss I had created his kingdom. The thousands of streets that fill the crowded Medina, to the world recognized leather, and toxic, yet beautiful dying pools. Fez is definitely expensive, if you can bargain the prices to a lower point, then by all means shop til you drop, but most people want to rip you off. Fez is known to be a tourist attraction so if you can wait to make your purchases then WAIT until to a cheaper city.

Voubilis-- This is also a must see, a city of Roman Ruins. A great place to get some European history, which intertwines with Morocco. A little taste of Rome, Italy in Morocco. Is located in a desolate part of Morocco, with not much surrounding the city. The murals are in great shape and the tour guides are very funny!!

Meknes--A great place to immerse yourself in the typical Moroccan lifestyle. The slow-pace environment was once an imperial city. Moulay Ismail (also the name of my university) founded this city. A beautiful Medina and friendly people is a place to relax and enjoy some of the many cafes surrounding the city.

Stay tuned for Pace of life in Morocco next week!

Morocco is a place of discovery, come discover the undiscovered!


Ma selam maa'
Go with peace,

Ida Ayalew

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Hello from Gdansk, Poland!

Hello everyone, my name is Taylor Stoddard and I am studying in London for the 2013 fall semester. I am an English literature student in my final semester. I am thrilled to have finally squeezed in my ‘always planned’ semester abroad. I remember attending the Study Abroad Fair at UMKC three years ago with plans of going to Lyon as I was studying French at the time, but as many of us do, I changed my major and now I am in the heart of my favorite subject, London. Surrounded by beautiful libraries, huge bookstores-new and used. Train trips to Oxford, Cambridge, and Trinity College are all in store for me during my next three months. I also have plans to visit some of my favorite author’s homes here in London and in other cities.

Leaving Kansas City was easy for me. This is now my third time abroad alone since I’ve been twenty. I can’t get enough of European culture, and this time around I wanted to explore further East and further North. So my journey began in mid August with enough time to see new places.

Gdansk, a beautiful sea-side city in Northern Poland was my first destination after spending just one quick day exploring London. Here I was exposed to a culture similar to that of Western Europe, but differing by their lack of Western products, shops and English. Waiting in the cold night air for a bus from the airport to the city centre was a poor first impression, and arriving to a fully booked hostel that myself and the two other girls I was meeting had already arranged also wasn’t ideal, however the morning light completely revitalized my impression of Gdansk, its people and especially its food! As I mentioned, once at the airport I met up with two other friends from Kansas City who were already travelling. The three of us woke up the next morning a bit curious as to why I chose Gdansk, but the truth is, I was only searching for cheap travel. I visited SkyScanner.net a site that allows for users to input a point of departure and “everywhere” for the point of arrival. Meaning, they allow for you to go anywhere based on the price of the ticket. I found a ticket from London to Gdansk for £20, so off I was to a place I’d never heard of.

We happened upon an annual fair, St. Dominic’s Fair, an exhibition of Polish food, Baltic Amber, jewellery, music and beer. Thousands of tourists flood the city to experience traditional Polish flare. Though surrounded by other tourist I’d swear we were the only Americans in the entire city.

A quick (but confusing) train ride from Gdansk to Molbork Castle brought me back to the 13^th century and the time of Teutonic Knights. The largest castle in the World deserves an entire day to explore its massive grounds. Though we missed the guided tour in English, it’s interesting to note it was the only tour of the day in English with only ONE customer. I met this man on the train back to Gdansk and he told me his tour guide spent 5 hours leisurely walking about the castle giving him inside information and even stopped for lunch together. These are the benefits of visiting very small cities. 

 During the second World War Gdansk was nearly completely wiped out, and so the buildings, the Town Hall and other important city features were completely rebuilt in the 20th century. However they stuck to the traditional features of architecture and design, the result of which is a colorful candy-land city on the water with beautiful crafts, rich history and friendly people. 

  

After Visiting Poland we ventured to Hamburg, but I'll save that for my next post! 

Taylor