The countryside, part two

Karl and I took a trip inland last week, and had a great time learning more about farm life in this country.



We visited a small village far from every large city. The people were so nice, and lived such simple lives. Most of the people lived in huts made out of mud, and the floors inside were dirt. Many of the older women did not even know Arabic, but I was able to communicate with some of them. It was a nice break from the big city, but would be very challenging to live out there!



Karl visited with these farmers, and was able to learn more about their work, and the methods they use.


After we left the village, we went with some friends to see another city. We had a great time! Enjoy the rest of the pics!

Life in the country...

I traveled with some friends to the "country" this week and had a great time! Life in the country here is definitely different than life in the country in the States. The women have tons of work to do because everything is done by hand. They do not have running water in the house, and have to draw it from a well everyday. Enjoy the pictures!


The donkey is the transportation of choice in this part of town. A first for me!


This is where they bake bread.





We took this "carriage" to the closest shop, and returned about an hour and a half later.


We traveled with these ladies, some great friends!


We also spent some time on the beach, it was beautiful!


We went shopping in the nearby city, and the pottery was beautiful and super cheap!! I bought a soup server, bowls, pitcher and cups, all for under $25!


Tagine anyone?

Summer is here!

We recently finished a two month basketball program, and had a great time with the kids and coaches. Here are some pics:




Karl telling the kids a story


The girls were a lot of fun to work with. The really improved in their basketball skills!




My friend and I cooked an American style lunch (hamburgers) for these ladies, and it was a hit!

Cous Cous!

I am spending a decent amount of my time here trying to learn how to cook North African food. I enjoy it so much, that I want to be able to eat it when we get back to the States (we are returning in August). Last week, I was invited to sit in with the mother of the house and watch her make cous cous. It was a lot of fun!!

In the beginning, cook the meat, spices and veggies together. The cous cous is steamed on top. It steams for about a total of 2 hours (they laugh when I tell them about 5 minute cous cous!)


Lots of veggies!



Enjoy!


The daughter in the house is getting married, and she let me try on some of her wedding attire!

Rest and Relaxation

We took a trip to Switzerland this week, and loved every minute of it!! When we decided where to go on vacation, we couldn't help but decide to go back to Suisse. This time, however, we were in Italian Switzerland - very close to the border. It was GREAT!!


This was the view from our Bed and Breakfast!

We spent most of our time hiking - and just loved being out in the mountains! The sounds, smells and sights of Switzerland were a nice break from the big city we live in.




High quality Swiss cows! We enjoyed cheese, milk and ice cream every day:)


One day, we hiked for 3 hours up a mountain to make it to this summit. It was well worth it, the view was amazing! Needless to say, we were sore the next day - the hike down was just as hard on our legs.



These donkeys were adorable - much cuter than the ones here.


This is the town where we stayed.


One of my favorite activities... The green grass and lawn chair was just enough for me.


One day we hiked down to this lake town, and enjoyed the afternoon swimming and relaxing at the lake.

Bezaf d'basket! (A lot of basketball!)

We did a basketball camp at this girl's orphanage, and the little ones were so cute!






The girls wanted me to sing for them... so I went back to my camp counseling days and sang "boom-chicka-boom." They loved it!


We always end with a great meal...


I don't think I've ever posted a pic of this dish... its called "safa" and its delicious! Its vermicelli noodles, butter, crushed up peanuts, cinnamon and powdered sugar. So good!


This picture gives you all a great idea of what traffic is like over here... it's amazing what people will put on their mopeds!