the Earth-bound adventures of the Lost and Found

10 de abril 2009, viernes santo. Instead of flogging and self-crucifixion, suffering in Spain is defined as going under one of the statues brought out for procession and becoming a human wheel. This video was taken in Cadiz, where I live now. I was just walking home from the beach and decided to go through the old town because it was getting cold, and serendipitously ran into this procession, which I felt preserved the original atmosphere more than the one I saw in Sevilla the day before. I know, it's already the end of spring, and I should be posting videos of ferias instead. I will. But this was just too weirdly cool not to post ;D

04 a 06 de abril 2009. First time to set foot in Africa, and no less than in exotic Morocco, which is only a ferry ride away from Tarifa in Spain. Went with my Italian flatmate and his German friends. After quick visits to Tangier and Rabat, the capital city, we took the long train ride to Marrakesh, with its big square Djemaa El-fna populated with snake charmers, henna tattoo artists, musicians, and carts selling snail soup, spices, and nuts. All around the square were narrow, winding streets lined with Ali Baba's treasures--markets called souks with different streets for metalworks, carpets, leather, lamps, and everything else you've ever imagined you can find in an Arabic market. As expected, I thoroughly enjoyed the bargaining, just as they enjoyed the good fight. After the stern negotiations, we would smile, shake hands, and say goodbye. And always, they would ask where I was from. I'm afraid I've just created a reputation for Filipinos being barat :P But now, es...