Madeleine McIlheran

I'm currently in Georgetown. I just had a barista ask for my name, then ask me to repeat it, then create a completely new spelling. "MADILLAN." After YEARS of seeing the most creative efforts of the coffee industry, this 20-something-year-old still managed to impress me. But hey, i get it. My name is quite a handful. MADELEINE MCILHERAN doesn’t exactly sound like the name of a lullaby. Unfortunately, after having recorded this completely original name in sharpie on a plastic cup, he then thought to ask me how it was spelled. Luckily I have this part of the usual exchange down. "That's close enough." (I will miss seeing the correct spelling of my name regularly.)

Each of these cities amazed me in unique way; the sunshine in lively Marrakech, the stunning view of Fes at night, and Casablanca's Mauresque architecture. But Chefchaouen was the city that made the many frustrations, wild taxi rides, and never ending bus voyages worthwhile: Marrakech Marrakech Garden of Yves Saint Laurent Garden of Yves Saint Laurent Breakfast in Fes Chefchaoen When I caught my first glimpse of Chefchaouen against the mountains, I felt like a six year-old on Christmas morning who had spotted a giant box with their name on the tag. Walking down the winding blue streets that imitated streams, I could hear French, Arabic and Spanish spoken. The blue maze-like medina sector was lined with the dichotomous Spanish and Moorish architecture. These bright blue walls symbolize the both the sky and heaven. Now that I have returned to France, I often see grey skies and it seems to be an unspoken rule to wear nothing bu

In Jardin du Mail- I used to walk here to read, but now I find myself going home the long way so I can stop by the fountain and clear my mind. It seems as if this boy of around 9 years old had the same idea, except he brought a toy boat instead of a book.

Bonjour à tous, Much has changed, mostly due to the fact that I am now living in Angers, France.  I will keep this brief- just know that I've had many wonderful conversations with people from an array of backgrounds, and plenty of time to myself. I feel as if I can now picture my future more clearly than ever before.  I am now an aunt, I look forward to meeting my niece Eloise this summer.  This April, I will be a published writer! Two of my pieces have been selected for publication. Be sure to buy a copy of the Sorin Oak Review 2016. ~To all who have prodded me into posting more frequently, thank you. I have decided to take your advice.  -Madeleine xo