The Movie--Last King of Scotland

Last night I enjoyed this provocative movie about the Uganda dictator Idi Amin's and his regime as seen by his personal physician during the 1970s. What I really came away with from this movie is how post-colonial Africa suffered from rulers that were ill-prepared for governing....and how bright-eyed Western young people came to this country ill-prepared for what a postcolonial type country is like...
I recommended it highly!

Welcome to the World Kennedy!

My Friend Zettie had her baby! She's so beautiful! I can't wait to meet her. Zettie is such a fantastic person....

The Movie Babel

The story of the Tower of Babel--is from the Bible. The Tower of Babel was a tower built by a united humanity to reach the heavens (they all spoke the same language). God, observing the unity of humanity in the construction, resolves to destroy the tower and confuse the previously uniform language of humanity, thereby preventing any such future efforts. An interpretive account of the story explains the tower's destruction in terms of man's deficiency in comparison to God.

How does this relate to the movie? Check out the trailer below!
If you haven't seen this movie yet....I would suggest you attempt to see it. It is a complex movie by a fantastic director, Alejando Gonzalez. Gonzalez and crew set on a journey to tell a story about how difficult a time we as humans have with communication. It has some very frustrating cultural stereotypes, but I think it was implanted to make you angry. I hope....it will for sure make you think!

The movie VOLVER

Volver
Originally uploaded by Cinencuentro.

So last night Mike and I went to this is fantastic Almodovar film. In Almodovar style, this story was based upon the tragedies women face due to unfortunate men in their lives. What I liked most about this film was Penelope Cruz's talent of a mother doing everything to protect her child...and finding the child within herself!
I highly recommending seeing this film.....the power of women in this film reminds me of how lucky/unlucky we can be in life as women...as well as the wonderful nature of sisterhood.

On to the next Academy Award film......Babel tonight!

Dinner Party Weekend

This weekend was a great chance to say thank-you to Ali for being such a great tour guide! We did that and more! We ate amazing food….Morocco, Indian, Portuguese and Polish!….and then as usual….we danced the night away! The hats came out….and the party began.

Sunday…Mike and I had the family over for dinner….my brother was nice enough to bring us these lively lobsters~ Aidan just loved it!

Little Mosque on the Prairie

Last night I caught new this new show on Canadian TV (CBC) called Little Mosque on the Prairie. I found it delightful and funny….trying to capture Muslim life for those living in the Canadian Prairies . The best part of the show is that it’s written by a Muslim-Canadian-woman…and you can see how the storylines reflect women’s interests….
Also, I think it gives non-Muslims a bit more insight into this religion and lifestyle and hopefully also understanding. Insullah!

Check it out: http://www.cbc.ca/littlemosque/

New Year thoughts

A good friend and I were talking last night...and he reminded me of something really important as I contemplate New Years Resolutions and thoughts...

Life happens when you are planning it.

So, one of my most important resolutions is not to stop planning (people would kill me---stop planning parties!)....but to remember to enjoy those tiny moments in-between the planning....

So, I guess that also means to remember the ride up the mountain as much as you remember to enjoy the top!

More from Morocco

Kris has been my long time travel partner for over 10 years! We have traveled the world together---experienced laughter, pain and everything in-between (including smelly shoes). She is such a great friend, and I am so glad that she decided to come on this trip with the rest of the gang. I love her very much!

All these pictures are taken by Kris!

Lingering Memories from Morocco

Dinner @ the Market in Marrakech

Of course life has taken over....Orientation for new students has started @ UB, but Morocco is still peeking it's way into my life....
I remember these great times with “the gang” as I unpack many goodies I bought. Yesterday I even got an email from a New Years Even friend! Oh la la C’est Bon!
I feel like Morocco will stay with me for a while~ Here are some more highlights of the sites and sounds of Morocco!

On our way home from the Atlas Mountains

You can call the local supermarket and have a live sheep delivered for Eid!

My destiney, Olive grove~

The Gang....as ghosts!

The Square @ Essaouira

The Atlantic Ocean~

The gang is back from our Moroccan Adventure~

Morocco is a magical place—full of welcoming people, food that makes your belly happy and music that makes life a party!

Morocco opened its doors to all of us during a very special time of the year. The festival of Eid. Eid ul-Adha is celebrated by Muslims worldwide as a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael for God.

Ali and his family welcomed us with open arms…smiling faces and lots of wonderful food. Here are just a few of the sights of the cities we visited: Marrakesh, Ouarzazate and Essaouira

Go there….you will come back changed for the better!

I fell in love with Moroccan Olives~

The Eid Lambs

Our Eid Lunch---TAGINE!!

New Year's Eve @ RDV

The Market in Marrakech--where Sofia and I were tough customers~


We made it to the top of the Atlas Mountains!


Fruit in Morocco tastes like candy

The blue doors of the coastal town of Essaouira.