State of flux

The noun flux describes something that constantly changes. 

On the spur of the moment, two weeks ago, our daughter decided she wanted to visit from Australia. She arrived on Sunday, not having been back since she left on a gap year in 2010. She'd always intended to return, but it seems this was not in store for her.

Finding your passion?

Finding your passion.

What does that mean? Do any of us have an idea?

I know I don't. Or rather...I think I do, but it changes and what used to inspire me, suddenly doesn't.

Chinese Whispers

There has been problem with lack of communication at work for many months now.

It bothers the Human Me, as "executive" decisions are made and the bulk of the technicians are not advised. We have an assistant who gets stuck in the middle, implements the decisions, assuming that the rest of us know. The rest of us bumble along wondering what the hell is going on.

Kasbah - Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, Morocco

Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou - the ksar, a group of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls, is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat. The houses crowd together within the defensive walls, which are reinforced by corner towers. Ait-Ben-Haddou, in Ouarzazate province, is a striking example of the architecture of southern Morocco.

Telouet Kasbah, Morocco

Telouet is a Kasbah along the former route of the caravans from the Sahara over the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. It lies at an elevation of 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) and was the seat of the El Glaoui family's power. The palace can still be visited but it is steadily becoming more damaged and is slowly collapsing. In 2010, work was underway to restore the property.^[1]

Flirting with Life

The song Lovefool by the Cardigans has been buzzing around in my head for days.

Cos I've been busy at work, I've not had much time to wonder why. This morning I did a search on YouTube to find the lyrics.

As I was listening and reading, it hit me that this is a message to me from me. The 'old' me talking to the 'new' me.

Energetics of the mind and body

I find myself fascinated by people's minds and their energy. It has always been so.

I am constantly interacting with people day and night, on a 1:1 basis, finding out about their fears, hopes and dreams as I either wire them up for a sleep study, treat them or follow them up in clinic/on the phone. Therefore spending a great deal of time in their presence.

Kasbah - el Glaoui palace, the Taourirt Kasbah - Ouarzazate, Morocco

Ouarzazate (Berber: Warzazat ⵡⴰⵔⵣⴰⵣⴰⵝ; Arabic: ورزازات‎), nicknamed The door of the desert, is a city and capital of Ouarzazate Province in the Souss-Massa-Drâa of southern-central Morocco. Ouarzazate is at an elevation of 1,160 metres (3,810 ft) in the middle of a bare plateau south of the High Atlas Mountains. To the south of the town is the desert.

The town is chiefly inhabited by Berber-speakers, who constructed many of the prominent kasbahs (locally known as: iɣeṛman) and buildings for which the area is known. Ouarzazate is an important holiday destination in Morocco, as a base for excursions across the Draa Valley and into the desert. The fortified village (ksar) of Ait Benhaddou west of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Ouarzazate area is a noted film-making location, with Morocco's biggest studios inviting many international companies to work here. Films such as Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Living Daylights (1987), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Kundun (1997), Legionnaire (1998), Hanna (2011), and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011) were shot here, as was part of the TV series Game of Thrones.

Atlas Mountains, Morocco

One day whilst in Marrakech in February this year, we decided to take a guided tour of the Atlas Mountains. Stunningly beautiful scenery. But oh so very cold...and yes that is snow on the mountains.

Our driver was excellent and our tour guide very knowledgeable. Both were very kind caring and generous. We had an excellent time. Nothing was too much trouble.

Out and about in Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech, Morocco: Riad Dar Meryem

We stayed in the ancient walled city of Marrakech (medina) at a Riad called Dar Meryem.
Riad - "a large traditional house built around a central courtyard, often converted into a hotel."

Our hosts were heartwarmingly kind and generous, nothing was too much trouble...and the food was excellent.