My future living room

It's surprising and also kind of sad how many people prepare to live in the future instead of making the most of today. "When this is finished ..." and "After I have done that...". You might be one of those people too?

But what comes to decorating my apartment, it literally needs to be "when I'm back home".

In between Morocco and South Africa, where I arrived just this morning, I had a short break back home in Finland. It was so very nice to be home again, surrounded by things I had chosen instead of living in furnished apartments in which the decorating part obviously had not been very high on the priority list.

Being far away from home is hard with a decorating bug and at least I can be comforted with some great exotic finds. But being not able to DO anything long distance is just killing me.

All I have are the photos which continue to inspire and give fuel for my imagination. And once I'm back... you just watch this space!

I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship

This is my last working day in Casablanca and I feel like crying. Why is there 'good' in goodbye? What's good about it? I am not good at goodbyes at all.

Since arriving in late January I have developed an addiction to couscous and the fresh vegetables from the market. I've learned to speak a few words of Arabic and the people in my local bakery seem to be so impressed that they now treat me like a star. And I've learned to appreciate a good haggle. What do you mean you have fixed prices?

Surely I have complained about the chaotic traffic, the exhaust fumes from cars that make breathing difficult, the cold floors and breaks in electricity in my apartment, the men who harass me on the streets. But today people actually gave me way in the hectic morning rush hour traffic and I swear that the honking of the horns had a more friendlier sound. When was the last time I have received this many compliments from the strangers in the streets? The guy yesterday evening; il me dit que je suis belle.

I have not had enough time to do half of the things I planned to do or go to places I wanted to go. I was lazy and thought there would be time. I don't know what happened, I was busy making other plans.

I know this is not a goodbye but see you later. A part of my heart will always beat for Morocco and the wonderful people I have had the privilege to get to know. I hope I will be coming back.

A soppy post indeed.

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PS For some great photos of Morocco, check drewnoakes' flickr site

Out of Africa

"There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne - bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive."
-Karen Blixen-

I wish I had a farm in Africa.