Morocco

We had time for a short trip to Morocco, flying to Casablanca, and visited Marrakech and Fes by train. The country is a nice contrast between the modern streets of Casablanca, and the crazy mazes of the medina's of Fes and Marrakech that make you feel like you have landed in a different world. Imagine endless streets, none of which wider that 2 packed donkeys, no "main" streets or squares to orient yourself to, and most directions being dead ends. I pride myself in being pretty good at finding my way around, but here we got hopelessly, terribly lost time and time again, several maps in hand all being incomplete and disagreeing with each other. A fun adventure for someone like me, it's like a very realistic but rather crazy videogame.

Some of our hotels were deep inside these mazes, impossible to find without help. Having to return there late at night looked kinda scary, but luckily Morocco is a very safe place to be (especially compared to some other places in the world I have been). That doesn't mean it is without challenges: low levels of tourism because of "europe", and it being december meant we often were the only tourists around in seas of street vendors, tour guides and other people that are rather persistent in trying to get your attention. Needless to say my "saying no" skills are in optimal condition now.

To the guy chanting into his megaphone for 20 minutes at 6AM, close to our hotel window: a bit less repetitive would make you more entertaining.

There's lots of rather stunning architecture to be seen absolutely everywhere (if you know where to look, as most inner courtyards are hidden behind non-descript doors). I love the detail, as everything is made up of geometric patterns instead of the more symbolic western styles. Even some of the hotels we stayed in were almost museums.

Oh, and hurray for absinthe leaf tea on random street corners... we needed it.

Benelux

Pittsburg

Living in Texas for a long time colors your picture of what America is like... and Pittsburg is certainly almost the opposite of Texas. It almost feels like an industrial town from northern england, except with americans living in it. Pretty much all houses are tiny, and rather old, lots of very atmospheric areas.

The main attraction was architecture, and our primary goal was to see Falling Water, Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous design. I was much more impressed than I thought I would be, it truly is a masterpiece. Absolutely everything down to the smallest details feels integrated with the rest, a prime example of Christopher Alexander's theories on the power of "wholeness" in design. Sadly, photography wasn't allowed on the tour, so just a few quick snapshots.

Colorado & Wyoming

I had never been to either state, and spent 2 weeks hanging out with friends and family. It is all rather pretty!