Sometimes I find it helpful to recharge the batteries by going somewhere completely different. I find that it helps clear out any of the stress that’s been hanging on to me from “real life”.

Now is one of those times.

I feel like everything has been stressing me out lately. Work, school, my relationships (both with friends and family)…it all has been weighing on me.

So I booked a trip.

By the time this is posted, I’ll be in Morocco. I’ve never been to morocco. I know very little about the people, culture, or climate. Most of my friends aren’t even familiar about where it is. For the record, it’s in North Africa.

What I do know is that it is very different from Montana, and that’s what I need. Not for very long, but for a week. I left yesterday (the 17 ^th) and I’ll be back shortly after Christmas. My parents have been pretty great about postponing it until I get back.

I planned this trip to be totally adventure-packed. There’s not going to be much luxury as a result, but I am planning on having some unusual experiences. This also means I’m totally unreachable this coming week. I’ll be riding camels and hanging out with people who live differently than I do. I hope that explains my extra-minimal makeup look that went up yesterday. I’ve been told not to expect hot water or a toilet at a few of my stops. I didn’t want it to be a vacation as much as an overall experience. Because I’m traveling through some more rural areas, my packing has been a lot different than normal because Morocco is more than 95% muslim. I had to really think about what I was brining in terms of things that are both practical and will be culturally appropriate.

In getting ready for this trip, I took everything off my phone except Instagram and Podcasts (seriously) so that I had more room for photos and videos. I also have a ton of extra memory cards, chargers, and, not one, but two fanny packs. Yes.

So I’ll see you all soon. Hopefully recharged, refreshed, and ready for the new year.