Where is Derek?

I am finalizing my plans for hotels, transport and attractions. I leave in two weeks and I can’t help but feel like I am entering “The Amazing Race”. I don’t know the language and all I have are crude maps. It will be interesting to see how everything pulls together. I am honestly more excited about my time in Morocco because my trip in Morocco will be the first trip I have taken all by myself. Also, Morocco seems more exotic than any other country that I have been to.

I must admit I was nervous about all the tales of pickpockets and scams but I know if I keep my wits about me, everything will be good. I have heard some horror stories but they are more frequent for women traveling alone. Also, its a case by case situation. But the overall consensus is if you are shrewd with your money and keep an eye out for pick pockets, you should be fine. Moroccan people seem to be very friendly and hospitable. I won’t let a few bad apples ruin my experience.

I am thankful for all the opportunities that are presented to me.

[ Life.Iz.Good ]

My friend Josh, told me about this skirt women wear in Japan that transforms into a vending machine disguise to hide in plain sight from stalkers and other perverts.

Too bad, you can see her shoes… Also what if the stalker is thirsty?

My goodness what will they think of next?

[ Life.iz.Good ]

Hahaha, my roommate, Midori aka the quiet one just made a complaint to Toshi, the owner of the house. The complaint… Wendy aka the manatee, is making too much noise when its… “Sexy time with her boyfriend…” It’s hilarious. I don’t know who to feel sorry for. Midori for being scarred for life from hearing “the manatee” knocking boots, the Manatee’s boyfriend for getting with an effing manatee or me. Just thinking about the Manatee getting busy makes me want to throw up.

Sorry for not posting in a while, I have been busy planning my winter vacation, my future in Japan and spending time with my special girl. So my tentative itinerary goes as follows:

1st Half
1. Tokyo to Barcelona ( 1 day )
2. Barcelona to Marrakech
3. Marrakech to Casablanca
4. Casablanca to Fes
5. Fes to Marrakech
6. Marrakech to Barcelona

2nd Half
1. Barcelona
2. Barcelona to Valencia
4. Valencia to Granada
5. Granada to Tangier, Morocco via boat
6. Tangier to Sevilla
7. Sevilla to Madrid
8. Madrid to Barcelona
9. Barcelona to Tokyo

I have done so much planning my eyes and brain hurts but it will be amazing no matter what happens. My only concern is how to keep up the crazy pace I have set. Some of the surprises that I planned for Mina are: renting a motorbike and touring Granada, booking a suite at a swanky hotel for the last night in Barcelona, the boat trip to Morocco, couchsurfing with Alex in Valencia, booking a night at a nice riad in Morocco, getting lucky enough to reserve admittance to Alhambra at night and there’s more to come.

I will post a more detailed itinerary just in case I go missing in Morocco. J/K I have told some of my students about my trip and the funny thing is… They said they would pay for me to plan their next vacation. This could be the start of a vacation planning business. After I come back from vacation, I will decide on what to do in Japan. I can’t teach English anymore…

[ Life.Iz.Good ]

From my friend Jason:

[ Life.Iz.Good ]

Robotic thighs…

Optical Camouflage from Keio University…

[ Life.Iz.Good ]

I ran across this post on Gizmodo.com about gummy lego bricks. What do you think? Cool or stupid?

How to make your own gummy lego bricks… Instructables.com

Buy the official gummy lego bricks… from Kellogg

I think they are cool until a stupid kid actually chokes on a real lego. I remember I was watching this horrible dramatization of a child circling his finger around a marble and then the stupid kid swallows it and chokes on it. His hands around his throat and mouth gaping. His guardian tries to dislodge the dime. All horribly acted. I wish i could find the video, it was horribly awesome.

[ Life.Iz.Good ]