Two large, arched, symmetrical doors greeted us as we stepped out of the van. Looming high above, they were once adorned majestically in the finest Moroccan gold, yet only faded fragments of the decorations remained clutching onto the doors, revealing the tattered wood beneath. Though time had stolen its beauty, it certainly did not take away its charm; for that echoed through the complex, disordered alleyways mapped out like honeycombs in a beehive. But rather than planned meticulously, the bazaar had branched out organically, establishing a monument in the city. Clusters upon clusters of tightly-packed, archaic, clay buildings, no taller than the towering palm trees which lined the market walls, burst with vendors and tourists from all walks of life. The locals called it the Souk: a centuries-old term that still remained synonymous to the essence of Marrakesh.

Even before entering the market, the howls of the merchants rung far beyond the walls, combining to sound like an orchestra of voices, where individuality was lost over their yearn for money. It awaited my arrival. They awaited my arrival. I could almost hear them call out my name.

The initial juncture we encountered consisted of a myriad of alleyways, all leading in different directions. Barely even minutes beyond the cooling shelter of the van, the scorching heat struck my body. It soon became clear that no amount of sun cream, that I had slathered over my face beforehand, could prevent my skin from being painted sun-burnt red. With sweat beginning to creep down my body, our guide swiftly maneuvered his way through

the swarms of people, heading towards the passage furthest from the left. I tensed my body and grasped my brand-new, khaki backpack, maintaining a strong stance in fear of getting swallowed up by the crowd, and attempted to emulate every one of his brisk moves. From afar, the path appeared more subdued and plain compared to the others. Yet we still followed him, with strained smiles of curiosity and trepidation, into the labyrinth. No questions asked.

The alleyway we entered was a chest of treasures: ordinary from the outside but brimming with life from within. Peering down below, I observed the sandy, cobbled floors now cast with fascinating shadows that emerged through the straw-thatched roofs above, warding off the heat. Antique lamps of intricate shapes haphazardly dangled from the ceilings, guiding us along the narrow alleyway. The clinks of rusty brass and copper tapping each other often joined the existing chatter amongst the crowd. With its tinted glass and geometric patterns, pockets of light of all colours shone through the walkway. Hand-woven, silk carpets hung in front of each stall, welcoming their customers and inviting them in. Each design was different to the next, yet still retained the same motifs: floral patterns symbolising the resplendent, lush nature of the city, washed in a rich, vibrant red. This shade of red was the same as the one that blanketed Marrakesh, coating all the exteriors of the Souk. It added uniformity and cohesion to a place that lacked these attributes, as if the walls were goods sold by the merchants and its colour the label indicating the origin.

Towering over the fabric stall, providing some shade, was a lofty minaret attached

to a dome. In deviance to the rest of the city, the minaret was coloured in rose-golds and cerulean-blues, paired with intrinsically decorated mosaic tiles that lined the edges. It was built to receive centuries worth of gawking eyes and captivated looks, but still remained unfazed by the attention. The disparity between the warm tones I was accustomed to and the newfound burst of colour provoked my eyes to twitch. Squinting, I could almost distinguish a figure perched on the balcony as he announced a sermon in a foreign tongue. The voice that reverberated from the sky traced through the streets. A momentary pause drifted over the Souk and soon there was a loud rummaging where all the vendors scurried to the dome, leaving their goods behind. No longer any merchants pestering tourists. No motorcycles darting through the narrow streets. Not a single soul in sight. A moment of solitude and peace had

landed upon the market and with wide eyes, I looked on to witness the scene that was about to unfold.Within a few minutes, the same soothing voice repeated another declaration, with the only word I recognised being “Salaam” (peace): a common farewell used after every interaction in Marrakesh. This phrase was identical to the one expressed by the waiters who served my meals, the merchants who sold me goods, and now, the man in the mosque. Before I could even begin to relish this lapse of time, footsteps already started to echo between the alleyways.

It seemed ironic to me that as soon as peace was wished upon the market, life returned to the Souk. And as if the quiet never came, the chaos resumed.

Lately, more and more female artists have noticeably utilised their powerful lyrics to subvert gender stereotypes both in the music industry and wider society. Here’s why this long overdue change in morals is so important for young girls out there. For the longest time, lyrical allusions to misogyny – in combination with the cruel objectification of the female body – were the pinnacle of the music industry. Male hip-hop artists ruled the scene, churning out demeaning chart-toppers that often degraded us women to mere objects of sexual desire; lyrics would boast various escapades and recent sexual exploits, as though it was a battle to see who could fit more derogatory terms into one verse. Lyrics that obsessed over superficial assets weaved a scarf of insecurities that would blanket girls across the world. The fact that masculinity equated to physical dominance and complete authority in the relationship meant that the hostility of some songs pushed women further away from their rights – repressing the ability of females to fight for what they deserved. What’s more, the idea that men would emerge from heartbreak with fresh power and freedom, whereas women were left in emotional tatters after even the slightest rejection, built the framework upon which women would continue to be seen as petty seekers of revenge.This dehumanisation and generalised view of girls as the weaker, inferior gender was then exacerbated by the fact that female artists were subjected to lyrical themes such as: heartbreak, humiliation and, worst of all, idyllic romance modules. An overwhelming dependence on men, and the supposed ‘love’ and ‘faithfulness’ they promised, was a recurring motif in almost all of the songs I had grown up listening to. The notion that a woman needed male companionship

as a sort of sick rite of passage during her adolescent years, was one that all songs by young female artists seemed to regress to Not only did this romanticised depiction of relationships conjure an unrealistic expectation of love, but it also left many girls my age dumbfounded when the man of our dreams failed to (as 2010 Taylor Swift would say) make “sparks fly” in our first encounter. Moreover, the distressed shambles women shamelessly admitted themselves to be in after a heartbreak undermined any attempts at feminine independence and so-called girl power.Fortunately, this era of over-reliance and female submission has begun to wane, allowing a refreshing wave of untamed individuality, unapologetic ferocity and bold self-love to wash over. And what’s the best part about this? The ladies fronting this movement are all spewing out hits and snatching up iconic awards while they’re at it. Completely redefining what it means to be a woman in this century, Rihanna –

has changed the game for aspiring artists, business entrepreneurs and feminists across the globe. Driving home the point that dreams and ambitions should always be placed before a man, Rihanna approaches songwriting with nothing but unapologetic assurance and barefaced boldness. Her unique amalgam of R&B and hip-hop, complemented by the occasional splash of reggae, undermines age old stereotypes and embraces the new culture of independence and postponed love. Subverting the industry’s traditional gender conforms, Rihanna ventures into topics that are usually reserved for male artists in songs like Needed Me and Yeah, I Said It. Having launched her own line of cosmetics, supported several charities, spoken out against domestic violence – all while maintaining a tough, uncompromising vibe – Rihanna is the ultimate role model for all girls struggling to choose between fickle love and lasting ambition

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–serena lee

As the spring season comes along strong with sweet berries, crunchy nuts and aromatic seeds on sale everywhere, there truly isn’t a better time to treat yourself to some homemade granola. Perfect as a quick snack, a lavish brunch or even a heartfelt gift, this granola will satisfy all sweet tooths whilst also packing in numerous health benefits.

–serena lee

3 cups rolled oats1 cup slivered almonds1 cup cashews1/4 cup dark brown sugar1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)1/4 cup vegetable oil3/4 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon of vanilla extract1 cup raisins (optional)

3 cups rolled oats1/4 cup shredded coconut

1 cup sunflower seeds (or any seed you fancy!)

1/4 cup dark brown sugar1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)

1/4 cup vegetable oil3/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract1 cup raisins (optional)

Preheat oven to 120 degrees Celsius. In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts (or seeds and coconut) and brown sugar.In a separate bowl, combine maple syrup, oil, vanilla and salt. Combine both mixtures and mix until oats are evenly coated. Pour onto 2 large sheet pans and pat it down to ensure a flat, even surface. Cook for 1 hour, stirring every 15

minutes to achieve an even color. Remove from oven and transfer into

a large bowl. Add raisins and mix until evenly distributed. Allow to cool

before enjoying!

Enjoy plain as a snack to munch on OR Spoon a few tablespoons of granola over a dollop of greek yoghurt, top with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey

200g caster sugar 50g soft dark brown sugar280g self raising flour50g chopped pecans (optional)3/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda250g unsalted butter softened4 large free range eggs1 large or 2 small very ripe banana/s2 tbsps whole milk1 tsp vanilla extract

300g unsalted butter, softened675g icing sugar

6 tbsps maple syrup

Beat together sugars and butter until light, fluffy and visibly lighter in colour. Mix in eggs, one at a time, until combined In a large bowl, sift together the flour and bicarbonate of soda.In a separate bowl, mash the bananas into a paste, add the milk and vanilla. Add a third of the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the banana mixtureOptional: fold in chopped pecans for the buttercream, add the softened butter to a mixing bowl and whisk in the icing sugar gradually Drizzle in the maple syrup

On the 5th of May 1957, sisters Joanna and Jacqueline Pollock were killed in a freak car accident. A year later, their parents were blessed with twins, Jennifer and Gillian. Once the twins were born, their parents started to notice some bizarre coincidences - Jennifer had the same white line across her forehead that her dead sister Jacqueline had as well, from a bicycle accident. When the family visited Hexham for the first time since the original twins passed away, both twins started pointing out landmarks that they’d never seen before, but their sisters before them had. And a month or two later, both Jennifer and Gillian were sent into a hysterical frenzy upon seeing a parked car with its engine on, crying out ‘The car! It’s coming to get us!’So, what does this mean? Their parents chose to believe it was a form of reincarnation - a common belief found in many religions such as Hinduism, Sikhism, and others. Reincarnation states that while your body dies, your soul never does, and finds a new body to ‘live’ in. The origins of this theory can be traced back to as far as Greek historical figures such as Plato, Pythagoras, and Socrates. The ideas associated with reincarnation may have arisen independently in different regions, or they might have spread as a result of cultural contact - exposure to different cultures.

Some people may see this as far fetched - surely as soon as we die, we cannot be born again? How do we know that in cases such as the Pollock twins’, their parents didn’t simply feed them the right information about their deceased sisters in order to receive attention from all over the world? Well, to be completely honest - we don’t. There is no proper, scientific way of proving whether or not these memories have actually been preserved and passed from person to person without any other influence. And in most cases, the individual who has the ‘soul’ of deceased person forgets any information that they had about them after the ages of 5-6, instead living their lives as you and I would. Any awe or air of mystery surrounding these ‘reborn’ children falls away, and they’re seen as regular members of society again.Knowing all of this, many people choose to still believe in reincarnation. They still claim to find their loved ones in the bodies of others, despite the harsh criticism forced onto them by other not-so open minded people. They continue to treat these people as if their soul doesn’t match the body they’re in.The Pollock twins’ father believed in reincarnation. Even before the second pair of twins were born, he told his wife that he was certain that they would

be the souls of their deceased daughters. You can choose to interpret this information in two different ways - either that the grief of losing his daughters made him delusional, leading him to feed the twins important aspects of their dead sisters’ lives to make them appear as reincarnations, or that there was a higher being working with the family, hoping to ease their pain by reviving their children in a different form. Grief leads people to many different emotions - sadness, rage, maybe even none at all. But one thing remains - this helped the Pollock twins’ parents find closure. By seeing their late daughters’ souls in the bodies of their current ones, it allowed them to have a ‘complete’ family again, even if it only lasted a short period of time. The couple no longer saw the need to visit the dead girl's’ grave, as now that their souls were in the bodies of the twins, there was no one missing from their family anymore.Reincarnation is a concept believed to be true by over 24% of America, avid followers of religions such as Hinduism and Taoism, and other enthusiasts. Whether or not it really exists - for that we have no concrete proof. But if it brings relief to those have suffered, should we question it? The differences between people are what helps us learn and grow, and without them, there would be no discussion, no education, nothing at all. In the end what’s more important, happiness or fact? Are you willing to accept a lie if it helps alleviate the tension and sadness in someone else?That’s the power of a theory - it opens up a world of hope and possibilities that we wouldn’t have found otherwise.

This isn’t the only problem that these birds have. They tend to only mate when the fruit of the rimu tree is in season, which is once every two to four years. This fruit is the kakapo’s favourite and is an important part of it’s diet. During non-breeding seasons two kakapo will rarely be seen together and if two do come in contact it often ends with a fight over territory. Due to its

solitary nature and odd breeding habits conservation efforts have been difficult. Kakapo Recovery is an organisation dedicated to conserving this species of bird. They keep the kakapo on small islands in New Zealand (e.g. Anchor and Codfish Island). Each Kakapo is given a tracker allowing for behaviour to be inspected and analysed in order to optimise the bird’s lives on the islands. Predators are also monitored, trap networks are put in place around these islands in order to prevent “invasions”. The birds are also given specially formulated food so they can be as healthy as possible for breeding and raising chicks.

cats and stoats. The Kakapo is a typically friendly bird due to not encountering large numbers numbers of predators. A western settler named George Edward Grey described the bird’s behaviour as “more like a dog than a bird.” These birds also have a sweet odor to better find other Kakapo birds in the forest, however it also made it easier for newly introduced predators to find them. Not only this but it’s only defence mechanism is to freeze in place as an attempt to camoflauge.

The Kakapo is an adorable flightless bird native to New Zealand. The stand at around 23 inches and weigh up to 2 kg. It is the world’s only flightless parrot and it is often nicknamed “owl parrot” because it closely resembles a western owl. The Maori people used to hunt the Kakapo for food and use their feathers to make clothing. The bird was also sometimes kept as a pet, and in folklore it is said that the Kakapo could tell the future. In recent years the population of these birds has reduced drastically and as of today there are only 149 living Kakapo birds. The reason they are critically endangered is mostly due to the western colonizers bringing predators to New Zealand,for example, -

Breeding of Kakapo is a difficult task. Since 1985 40% of all eggs laid by Kakapo have been infertile while another 20% die in early development. This is a much higher infertility rate than other species of parrot and has proved to be one of the hardest challenges to overcome for Kakapo Recovery. This is affected by the Kakapos irregular mating habits as well. To combat this, organisations have developed a food that mimics the nutritional value of the ripe rimu fruit in order to increase the rate of breeding. Like every endangered animal, recovery and conservation is a extremely difficult task. For the Kakapo however, it seems even more difficult due to the birds solitary nature and inconvenient breeding habits. The Kakapo Recovery organisation are doing all they can to protect this unique bird. Kakapo conservations in New Zealand have released several birds back into the wild with a 100% survival rate as of this year. They have even begun using artificial insemination in order to raise the fertility of the Kakapo. Due to new technologies you would think that it would be easy to protect a bird that’s both important to New Zealand’s culture and - history. However, The Kakapo Recovery are still in need of help. They must rely on people’s donations and volunteer work in order to ensure the survival of the Kakapo.

Hawaii. Now, ladies and gentlemen, what pops into your mind when you hear this word? Is it the devastating memory of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbour - the very attack that marked America’s entry into World War 2? Perhaps the monumental date of August 21st, 1959 when Hawaii was finally recognised as the 50th state of the USA? How about the deathly active volcano Kīlauea, the embodiment of every geographer’s nightmare, that threatens to erupt and demolish the entire island of Hawaii?

Ah yes, you would be congratulated for any one of these sage responses, but as a self-proclaimed intellectual, I prefer to spend my leisure hours pondering more pressing Hawaiian issues. You see, ladies and gentlemen, in times where Trump threatens to bring the demise of the USA; where international disputes are reaching daunting heights; where women are still fighting for equal rights, I feel I must address the one burning question that is at the root of some of the world’s most intense hostility.Is it a crime for Hawaiian pizza to have pineapples?

Firstly, I feel it is mandatory for me to point out that the simple composition of this pizza is already far more aesthetically pleasing than any other pizza topping around. Misguided anti-pineapple pizza preachers, before you scoff and turn away to eat your plain old Margherita, I implore you to consider the visual oasis of being greeted by its Hawaiian counterpart. As soon as the piping hot pizza comes - on the quintessential plastic tray all Italian (but at the same time, not really Italian) restaurants serve their pizzas on - your eyes are already engaged in a frenzy of confusion and delight. While some argue that the incompatibility of such awkward colours (pink ham and yellow pineapples) is off putting and unappetising, a study by Dr Alex Mathers, a Harvard graduate psychoanalyst, actually argues that the success of the fast food chain McDonald's is not owed to its deliciously greasy fries or suspiciously inexpensive quarter pounder, but rather its signature golden arches. Mathers explains that when such fun optimistic colours are seen on a plate, a signboard or even a napkin, the visual and mental stimulation is enough to trigger the human cognitive system into releasing hormones, automatically making an individual happier and healthier. Thus, it can be concluded that the arches’ eminent golden gleam, lavishly lounging against a vivid red backdrop, is what truly

constitutes a happy meal. What’s that you say? Those pineapples are a bit too chunky for you? Well, I can assure you that the width of a few pineapples dotted here and there is nothing compared to the mounds of meatball Pizza Hut slaps onto their, quite aptly titled, “Meat Lover Supreme” weeknight special. Simply put, would you rather walk into your neighbourhood pizzeria - weighed down by the stress of an emotionally taxing day - to an unsightly plop of repulsive brown meat, or a ravishing plate of tender marbled ham, harmoniously paired with a handful of soft, golden pineapples? That’s what I thought.And if it must come down to sheer vanity and popularity, Hawaiian pizza is one of the most liked and retweeted pizzas on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter - even Gordon Ramsay, three star Michelin Masterchef, has once retweeted a photo of this pizza. In the culinary world, that’s one solid checkmate.When it is not busy being the food world’s answer to modern art, this pizza also embodies the most holistic eating experience one could imagine - as is always the case when it comes to contemporary culinary creations. Like a perfect algebraic proof, every flavour compound of this pizza cancels out to leave you with something simple, yet so very complex. While the plethora of contrasting flavours may bewilder some and cause them to detest this pizza, this classic pairing of savoury cheese and sweet fruit is actually a traditional serving method, dating back centuries to the Aztecs. Additionally, the sensory overload found in Hawaiian pizza is said to make your brain automatically perceive this food as “delicious” before you even taste it. Cornell, the leading university in the field of food science, issued a report three years ago confirming that smell comprises 30% of what your brain detects as flavour. Armed with that knowledge, I urge you to momentarily shut your eyes and

picture it: a festival of aromas in your nose; bursts of tropical sunshine matched with bold smoky notes from the crust; a hint of spice and a trace of warmth from the tomato sauce. Surely your mouth is already salivating at that thought - or at the very least 30% of your mouth is. And now for the taste. The saltiness from the cured ham, the sweetness from the gently baked pineapple, the fragrant spices present in the sauce. What more could you want? Some argue that the soft cheese and tender pineapples pair disastrously, but what they’re missing is the smooth amalgamation of conflicting flavours these two components bring - which is truly this dish’s pièce de résistance. Sharp, and slightly tart, elements of the pineapple serve as a vessel to cut through the often overly decadent cheese. Bizarrely enough, this wholesome flavour combination dates back to 1931 (Irma and Marion Rombauer’ s national bestseller The Joy of Cooking featured a recipe not too different

from our modern day Hawaiian pizza), and yet we still have 47% of Britain expressing their dislike of this ‘untraditional’ recipe. If we can accept mushy anchovies and bitter spinach on pizza, there really isn’t a valid reason for opposing the perfectly balanced flavours and sensational eating experience pineapple pizza brings.

Moreover, while pizza is (and always will be) a calorie killer, Hawaiian pizza actually brings more physical and mental health benefits per gram than regular pizza. Packed with vitamin C and heart-healthy minerals like manganese, pineapples make Hawaiian pizza what scientists call a ‘psychological feel good’. With a single serving of pineapples reaching 75% of the recommended daily intake of manganese (a mineral needed for the development of strong bones), it’s safe to say that the consumption of Hawaiian pizza is a must for healthy living. And while it is true that the addition of sugar-dense pineapples does increase the total calorie count, let’s just take a step back and think realistically here. When walking into a restaurant with pizza on your mind, are you really counting calories that day? Take a look at other popular toppings: pepperoni, spicy Italian sausage, four cheese. With a mixture of those toppings amounting to a whopping 1,350 calories and 20-30 grams of saturated fat, it’s evident that almost every pizza topping is bursting with empty calories, including your (not so) innocent little cheese pizza. On top of that, the positive psychological impact high pineapple consumption can have on an individual again proves that pineapples are infinitely superior to all other pizza toppings. In her New York Times bestseller The Serotonin Secret, French paediatrician and nutritionist Caroline Longmore remarks that the abundance of naturally present vitamin B and folate in pineapples hyper-triggers the production of tryptophan, a chemical that stimulates the happiness hormone serotonin. So the next time you divulge in pizza - which in turn means breaking your diet, turning a blind eye to the weighing scale and momentarily not worrying about your upcoming beach holiday - you could at the very least try to sneak in a few health benefits too.

I usually detest people who explain themselves by just looking at you and bluntly exclaiming “Science”. But pineapples on pizza? For me, this must be one of the finest works of “Science” known to mankind. From the many health gains, all the way to the invaluable experience of sinking your teeth into a divine creation bestowed upon the world by God Himself, pineapple pizza truly trumps all pizzas in every way possible. The marriage of flavours and cultures makes this pizza pivotal in the modern age of embracing change and innovation.

"And to the man who once tweeted “Pineapple on pizza is a crime against gastronomy”, I would like to now denounce that you are a crime against innovation."

- Serena Lee