Canada Bound! (Fingers crossed anyway)

Today, I made the big announcement. I waited until everyone from work (well, everyone that was here and available, which totaled 5 people, 2 of which already knew) was gathered around our conference table for our "weekly" (read: once in a blue moon) staff meeting. I didn't want a fuss made, as I didn't feel it would be genuine, but I admit I did expect some sort of reaction. I laid my cards on the table by stating:

"It's my intention to return to university in September to pursue my teaching degree, so there will be some upcoming changes to the education department here"

The response. Silence. Seriously, no one even said congratulations or what uni are you going to or anything! My boss already knew, so I wasn't completely dropping the bomb on everyone at the table, but still people could pretend a little bit. I so can't wait to go back to people who are socially normal! Wee Northern Irish village - you have been a struggle (and a half!)

3 months to go and so much to do!

Canada Election 2011!

Oh, Canada! Another election, another disappointment. At least from my perspective. I completely understand that the highest number of Canadians who voted, voted for the Conservatives, resulting in a blue majority, but given what I have heard Harper has done in the past few years (and also what I know he's done while I was still in Canada) I can't help but feel let down. Saddened. And thoroughly gutted by the fact that this election resulted in only 61.4% of Canadians going out and voting, according to Elections Canada. Someone told me that this was the 3rd lowest voter turnout in Canada's history. I wonder why less than 2/3 of Canadians can be bothered to do anything? To voice an opinion? To stand up and be counted?

These days in the media, there are plenty of countries where their people are demonstrating and protesting. Why? To have more power and a say in their government instead of being ruled by dictators. In Canada, where we do have that precious freedom, over 1/3 of us appear to be apathetic. The concept of our right to vote is not seen as important enough for many to bother to get out and make their mark on the ballot paper. It's at times like these where I wonder if it would be best for Canada to adopt a system similar to Australia where if you do not vote you are fined. And the Australian government are good at finding people to pay their fines, as a friend of mine who lives in Britons can attest!

I am off to vote in the UK election on Thursday, including a referendum on electoral reform. Here's to hoping things improve here!

Chefchaouen, Morocco (population 36,000)

Pretty blue Chefchaouen (or Chouen, as the locals call it), it was such a good decision to go and visit you! The estimated 3 hours for the bus journey from Tangier turned out to be exactly right, magically including the long delay departing from Tangier, and a lengthy stop at one of the towns along the way. Chefchaouen, a small village, set in the slopes of the Rif Mountains, makes a perfect destination for travellers who may want to get away from the hectic larger cities of Morocco.

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Most of the houses are white in colour, with the outer walls of the ground floor coloured a beautiful blue. The blue goes very well with the clear blue skies that greeted us while we were there. The weather was perfect, at least in terms of lack of precipitation. Temperature wise, it was a bit too warm for my liking: 37°C each day. My poor pale skin does not cope well with such extreme heat and I frequently hid out in our pension during the hottest part of the day. As a side note, I thoroughly recommend Pension Souika as a place to stay – very relaxed and the men who run it are very friendly and helpful!

Typical colours of Chefchaouen

The first day, we just wandered through the maze of streets in the medina, checking out the variety of shops and all their tourist wares. The second day we climbed one of the hills that overlooks the town where a smart new hotel has been built, complete with a spa. The views were spectacular, looking back down at the village and at the mountains. While we were up there, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to check out the spa. I had my first ever massage and I have to say that I could get used to having more of those on a regular basis! The exchange rate also worked quite well in my favour!

Spice Shop

View over the Rif Mountains from the spa

That evening, on the recommendation of a fellow traveller, we had dinner on the rooftop terrace of the Casa Aladin restaurant. Not only does this provide fabulous views over Chefchaouen’s main square, but if you time it right, you will also witness the sun setting behind the Rif Mountains. That is one sunset I will never forget.

View of Sunset over the Rif Mountains from the rooftop terrace

On the final day, I did a few bits of shopping and also visited Chefchaouen’s Kasbah, or “old town”. It’s a beautiful golden colour with some interesting buildings and a lovely tower to climb for some more wonderful views.

All too soon, we were heading back to Tangier and Tarifa, Spain, our next destination.