I have the traveling bug right now, and I have Morocco to thank for that. Week one was a week of firsts. It was my first time getting on a plane, going to New York, leaving the country, exchanging money, going through customs, riding in a taxi, going to the Sahara, riding a camel, etc. By the time, I leave Morocco I will probably have a list of fifty things I've done for the first time, and I feel blessed to have a chance to experience Morocco to its fullest potential.
One thing I must mention about Morocco is how the people are willing to teach you the language. I am not afraid to speak Arabic here because people enjoy helping me. My favorite thing to do is visit a restaurant and try to order food. The waiter does a great job helping me figure out both what's in my food and what I want to order. I believe this is going to help me become fluent in the language because I will learn how to carry conversations in Arabic. Also, the food here is amazing. Everything tastes so fresh! I've never had food taste so sweet and juicy! I post food pictures every day because I'm amazed at both the presentation and taste of the food. Between the beauty of Morocco, the friendly people, and the amazing food, I might not leave this country. (Don't tell my mom I said that.) I can't wait to see what happens next week.
There are times where I still cannot believe that I am in Morocco. This past week has been amazing and busy. It started with waking up at 2:30am so Chase could pick me up and his parents could drive us down to Savannah for our flight to New York. Once in New York we had a few hours to kill. I caught up with an old Au Pair from Germany and it was great seeing her. Then it was time for the big flight, the flight to take us to Morocco. It was so exciting and didn’t feel real that I was going on a plane to go to Morocco. Once we landed we headed straight to Rabat, the city we’re staying in. We were greeted warmly by the staff at Qalam wa Lawh. Then we went to our apartments. After that we had a little down time. If I had known we would have so little free time I probably would have cherished it more, but that’s ok. Then we met up with our teacher Youssef and had a great first meal in Morocco at a café called La Deliciouso. This is definitely a place I would like to go back to before I leave. Since our first day we have been busy non-stop. Which for me is a bitter sweet thing, I love visiting different cities in Morocco and really exploring the country but I also enjoy some down time. One of my favorite parts about this trip is getting to know the people on it with me. I believe that the people around you can really change your life for better or for worse and I am just happy to get a chance to know these people who have decided to join me on this adventure in Morocco. Another thing I really have enjoyed in being surrounded by a different culture. Leading up to this study abroad trip I was really looking forward to seeing the Moroccan culture and everything that morocco has to offer. So far it has not let me down. This past week has truly been amazing filled with many stories, adventures and lifelong memories. I can’t wait for what’s to come next!
Ahlan! First week down in Morocco and it's been nothing but great! Since Saturday we have literally been traveling non stop! However i will not complain because every second has been worth it. I do not believe any study abroad has as much fun as we do. Being in Morocco is definitely an experience you can never forget, and its only week one! Qalam wa Lawh is an AMAZING school, i already can notice my arabic improving.
Everyday it is something new. New places and new trips, museums to the Sahara desert. This past week has already felt like a month with the incredible things we have done! Im tired yet excited and can not wait for more of Morocco! Update you guys on what's next !
My first week in Morocco has been amazing! We have explored the city and seen so many beautiful places like L'oudia, Medina Kadeema, the local library, and the souks. Everyone is very nice here! We have been going somewhere everyday! It is exhausting but it is worth it! I love learning Arabic and everyone at the school is very helpful and want us to learn. The food here is so good and healthy and cheap! We also went to the Sahara this past weekend! We rode camels!!! And we also got to stop and pet monkeys on the way =) This have been the start of an amazing summer and I really want to come back here to Morocco someday!
Sarah Keith checking in from Rabat - and I must say, I absolutely LOVE it here!! Every city that we've visited so far has been beautiful and full of so history. One thing that I appreciate about Morocco is the preservation of their history: exploring Medina Kadeema (the Old City) and the Oudayas, we were able to see the same structures and fortresses that stood thousands of years ago. One of the most exciting excursions to date was our weekend trip to the Sahara Desert. We left immediately after lunch Friday afternoon, and began our very long journey to the desert. We slept at a beautiful hotel (seriously, if you're in need a of honeymoon spot, the hotels in Morocco are IMMACULATE), and in the morning, after breakfast, left and made it to the edge of the Sahara where we rode camels, through a sandstorm, to our destination: a few tents with amazing food and really hospitable people. Sleeping in the desert at night is extremely cold and windy, very dark, but you it's as if you can see every star in the sky. So awesome. Two of the most uncomfortable/strange things: riding a camel for 2+hrs and using the restroom near a tree in the desert. I'll leave it at that! Another thing about Morocco that I've really enjoyed is the food. The food is amazing, and with every place that we've been able to visit, there's been something to eat or snack on - and it was all delicious! Oh, and no matter where you are - even in the middle of the desert, there is always time for tea! People literally take breaks from their day to get together, talk, and drink hot tea with mint. It's really yummy, and an awesome way to get to know people. Another excursion that I thoroughly enjoyed was our trip to the souks in Medina Kadeema. The souks are almost like street markets that have everything you could ever think of - purses, shoes, food, clothes...and they're all for really good prices. Speaking of prices, $1=8dirham, your dollar goes a LONG way...still love Morocco. By far the craziest thing about this country has to be the driving. Literally, everywhere you look it seems like there's an accident waiting to happen, and yet, there are none. It's a interesting phenomenon that I've yet to understand. Today was pretty great - it was my third ride in a taxicab, and our driver found out we were American, and was so sweet and helped me with my Arabic and tried to communicate with me as best he could. He spoke English very well, and was very awesome teaching me Arabic in my short cab ride. The wonderful thing is that most people like this - they are so nice, and so willing to help. It goes against every negative stereotype that the media portrays, and I love it. Even though our many trips throughout the country have been exhausting, I've had so much fun, and I'm trying to soak up every bit of it. If for some reason I don't return to the United States, you'll see why!
P.s. - Check out my Facebook photos, they're amazing!
I love Morocco! I've been saying that I wouldn't want to go home since before I left, and it's still true. My "never go home" plan is to find a job teaching English and continue taking classes at Qalam center and maybe volunteer some, on the side. Life here is different, and people seem more relaxed for it. Tea happens twice a day, which I love, and being a few minutes late is la mushkeelah. We have a lot of homework, and we work really hard in class, but we have a lot of fun, too. This weekend we went to the Sahara. We rode camels to a camp where we stayed overnight. The stars seemed so close that you could reach up and pluck them out of the air (once the sandstorm had died down). The night was windy and a little cold, and we rode back out while it was still dark to greet the sun and head home. I'm really glad I got to come on this trip, and connot wait to have more adventures!
This past week has gone by so fast and it seems as though it's just a dream. Morocco is treating us all very well and continues to shock me with new surprises and experiences everyday. When I took my first step off of the plane in Morocco, I was immediately welcomed by the country's openness and friendly people. My first encounter happened to be with a young man who spoke only French, which came to a slight surprise to me since I had already switch my mind to Arabic speaking mode.
After 25+ hours of traveling from Atlanta, Georgia, I was finally in Rabat, Morocco taking my first steps into our school, Qalam Wa Lawh. The building and its grounds are so beautiful and it provides a breath taking view every morning I arrive there. The instructors here are super friendly and are always more than willing to help answer your questions and test you on your new knowledge throughout the day and after excursions throughout the country. The classes here are a lot of fun and move at a very quick pace which can make it sometimes feel overwhelming, but nothing that can't be handled.
I would have to say that my favorite part of this week has been arriving in the country and meeting so many new people who I get to call friends from all around the world. It has been a great pleasure getting to meet everyone and see how a common goal of learning Arabic has brought us all together.
This past weekend we had the chance to go to the Sahara desert. It was a long ride there cramped in a small bus and then on to 4x4s but it was absolutely worth it. When we arrived we were quickly put onto camels and had to travel 2 hours through a SAND STORM! It was crazy! When we finally arrived at our camp site we were all tired and rested for a couple of hours and then had an amazing meal together. The food in the country that we have had is amazing and always fresh. After the meal, we were able to gather around and play music under the star filled sky which, by the way, is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Also getting to see the sun rise over the duns as we traveled back via camels was unbelievable. It was a long trip but it was worth it in the end.
Keep checking in for updates on our adventures through Facebook and here on the blog! Week 2, here we come!
Hello from Morocco!! It is amazing over here the sights are awesome the first week was amazing the flight was not that bad and it has been surprisingly cool hear the first week. The school is awesome and my teacher is great. The first week was packed with exciting trips through the city we got to go the beach the medina and various other great sights. The food has been awesome and very cheap compared to America. I’ve met a lot of great new people from Japan, Pakistan, Italy, etc. It’s amazing how easy this city is to travel around but cab rides are not for the faint hearted! Our first excursion was to the desert and it was amazing and beautiful. Camel riding was awesome although we did get caught in a sandstorm on the way to the campsite but it didn’t dampen our mood. The stars at night we’re so clear and the sunrise over the dunes was beautiful!! Austin Branham
Going to Morocco do far is one if the best choices I have ever made. From the plane ride in to arriving to the school is such an exhilarating feeling. The first day we arrived already set the ground for what we are going to be experiencing here. One thing that astounded me was the use of French here. Most of the restaurants we have eaten at where completely in finch and some of the people didn't even know arabic. The idea that learning mOre than one language is so important here because it can really get one through different social boundaries. Taxi drivers also either speak in arabic or French so that is another thing I had to be mindful for too. The trip to the Sahara desert was an amazinge excursion. Song the Moroccan landscapes and how the land eventually transforms into desert is phenomenal. facing with the gnouua people was a good experience too.
Ahlan. It's me Chase Kerrins. Going to talk about my Morocco study abroad trip and how it ha been so far.
The plane trip was alright. Didn't really get to sit close to anyone so really it was just a time to sleep. Not much to talk about besides how groggy and dirty I felt after such a long flight.
We started classes on Tuesday I believe and so far it has been amazing. I have an amazing professor and it can be difficult at times because he uses some words that I don't know and sometimes we have to try and get over a language barrier. Still learning a lot however, I warn anyone who does not work well under pressure. The school is hard you are in class for about 4 hours with one break every day and you have excursions and events happening every day and your weekend trips are already planned so you don't get to choose your weekend and you also have homework everyday really. It takes a lot of dedication but the reward from it is totally worth it. The trip we just went on was the Sahara trip and it was just so beautiful and amazing. It was a true adventure because on the first camel ride out into the dunes we got stuck in a sand storm and it was insane. Could hardly see anything in the sand storm. But seeing the stars and playing music with everyone was so much fun and just climbing the dunes some was awesome.
I have met so many international friends here. I really want to get better at Arabic because I find myself flustered and upset at times that I can't full understand everyone here and also I can't express myself fully with the language. I want to get to know some of the instructors and staff but I just find it to be hard. However, I have met a lot of friends from other parts of the world who do speak English. I have made friends with people from Korea, Italy, Ukraine, Thailand, Japan, England, and some friends who live in other parts of the USA. Meeting these people has really impacted my life so far and made me want to further my Arabic studies and possible even return to Qalam wa Lawh. It has also made me want to travel more and more. I am so excited to see what the rest of the trip will be like.
This weekend has been an experience. We went through a few towns until we arrived at a nice green forest, that contained monkeys and horses. We then went through some mountains and hills to stop at a nice hotel close to the Atlas Mountains. We were welcomed with full rainbow in the sky. The next day, which was somewhat long and full of activity, found us in the town of Merzouga, where we got to watch a musical performance and eat a pizza cooked in the sand. We then headed to a cliff that overlooked the Oasis of Ziz and then took 4x4's to the Sahara. From there, we headed into the depths of the desert, by camel, only to be hindered by a sand storm. We braved the strong winds and stinging sand with 60% visibility to finally arrive to our destination in the middle of nowhere. We were welcomed into the safe haven with Moroccan tea and then dinner. That night was a peaceful one that culminated into a musical jam with the Azurian people. The next morning, we awakened early to start our convoy back to home base, outside the desert. We finished with a stop in the town of Mishliphin, then back to school. Was tiring but worth it. Kenneth
Week 2 is over and that means that our time in Morocco is halfway over! Can you believe it?! This past week has been full of adventures for us. Just when I thought that the country couldn't get even better, I was completely put in my place. At the beginning of the week, we traveled to Casablanca for a nice afternoon exploring the city. I loved the city and the people there. They were so nice and open to talking to us. Especially when I tried to communicate with them using my growing Arabic skills, they were so patient and willing to help. Later that week, we went to an after school program for kids and gave them books. They read to us and we read to them. Afterwards, we all got a chance to talk and dance with them. It was the greatest experience to watch the smiles on their faces and to see them run around and laugh. Throughout this week, I have met some more amazing people. I have been able to meet and hangout with some of the locals which has been amazing. On Friday, I went out with some of them to the Mawazine Festival to see Justin Timberlake.It was great! This past weekend we went to Meknes and Fez. In Meknes we saw ancient Roman ruins and it seemed as if we were stepping back into time. It was amazing getting the chance to see all of the history left behind from that time period. In Fez, we traveled through each part of the city from the oldest part to the newest. We even saw the oldest university in the world!! It was great! While shopping in the souk, I was able to buy leather bags and a jacket from a tanner there. It was great! This past week has been such an adventure. I am falling even more in love with the country. I can't wait to see what week 3 brings!
Hello everyone!
ReplyDeleteI have the traveling bug right now, and I have Morocco to thank for that. Week one was a week of firsts. It was my first time getting on a plane, going to New York, leaving the country, exchanging money, going through customs, riding in a taxi, going to the Sahara, riding a camel, etc. By the time, I leave Morocco I will probably have a list of fifty things I've done for the first time, and I feel blessed to have a chance to experience Morocco to its fullest potential.
One thing I must mention about Morocco is how the people are willing to teach you the language. I am not afraid to speak Arabic here because people enjoy helping me. My favorite thing to do is visit a restaurant and try to order food. The waiter does a great job helping me figure out both what's in my food and what I want to order. I believe this is going to help me become fluent in the language because I will learn how to carry conversations in Arabic. Also, the food here is amazing. Everything tastes so fresh! I've never had food taste so sweet and juicy! I post food pictures every day because I'm amazed at both the presentation and taste of the food. Between the beauty of Morocco, the friendly people, and the amazing food, I might not leave this country. (Don't tell my mom I said that.) I can't wait to see what happens next week.
With love,
Yavaria Ryan
There are times where I still cannot believe that I am in Morocco. This past week has been amazing and busy. It started with waking up at 2:30am so Chase could pick me up and his parents could drive us down to Savannah for our flight to New York. Once in New York we had a few hours to kill. I caught up with an old Au Pair from Germany and it was great seeing her. Then it was time for the big flight, the flight to take us to Morocco. It was so exciting and didn’t feel real that I was going on a plane to go to Morocco. Once we landed we headed straight to Rabat, the city we’re staying in. We were greeted warmly by the staff at Qalam wa Lawh. Then we went to our apartments. After that we had a little down time. If I had known we would have so little free time I probably would have cherished it more, but that’s ok. Then we met up with our teacher Youssef and had a great first meal in Morocco at a café called La Deliciouso. This is definitely a place I would like to go back to before I leave.
ReplyDeleteSince our first day we have been busy non-stop. Which for me is a bitter sweet thing, I love visiting different cities in Morocco and really exploring the country but I also enjoy some down time. One of my favorite parts about this trip is getting to know the people on it with me. I believe that the people around you can really change your life for better or for worse and I am just happy to get a chance to know these people who have decided to join me on this adventure in Morocco. Another thing I really have enjoyed in being surrounded by a different culture. Leading up to this study abroad trip I was really looking forward to seeing the Moroccan culture and everything that morocco has to offer. So far it has not let me down. This past week has truly been amazing filled with many stories, adventures and lifelong memories.
I can’t wait for what’s to come next!
Darby Galler
Ahlan!
ReplyDeleteFirst week down in Morocco and it's been nothing but great! Since Saturday we have literally been traveling non stop! However i will not complain because every second has been worth it. I do not believe any study abroad has as much fun as we do. Being in Morocco is definitely an experience you can never forget, and its only week one! Qalam wa Lawh is an AMAZING school, i already can notice my arabic improving.
Everyday it is something new. New places and new trips, museums to the Sahara desert. This past week has already felt like a month with the incredible things we have done! Im tired yet excited and can not wait for more of Morocco! Update you guys on what's next !
My first week in Morocco has been amazing! We have explored the city and seen so many beautiful places like L'oudia, Medina Kadeema, the local library, and the souks. Everyone is very nice here! We have been going somewhere everyday! It is exhausting but it is worth it! I love learning Arabic and everyone at the school is very helpful and want us to learn. The food here is so good and healthy and cheap! We also went to the Sahara this past weekend! We rode camels!!! And we also got to stop and pet monkeys on the way =) This have been the start of an amazing summer and I really want to come back here to Morocco someday!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Gunnels
Hello, hello from Morocco!
ReplyDeleteSarah Keith checking in from Rabat - and I must say, I absolutely LOVE it here!! Every city that we've visited so far has been beautiful and full of so history. One thing that I appreciate about Morocco is the preservation of their history: exploring Medina Kadeema (the Old City) and the Oudayas, we were able to see the same structures and fortresses that stood thousands of years ago. One of the most exciting excursions to date was our weekend trip to the Sahara Desert. We left immediately after lunch Friday afternoon, and began our very long journey to the desert. We slept at a beautiful hotel (seriously, if you're in need a of honeymoon spot, the hotels in Morocco are IMMACULATE), and in the morning, after breakfast, left and made it to the edge of the Sahara where we rode camels, through a sandstorm, to our destination: a few tents with amazing food and really hospitable people.
Sleeping in the desert at night is extremely cold and windy, very dark, but you it's as if you can see every star in the sky. So awesome. Two of the most uncomfortable/strange things: riding a camel for 2+hrs and using the restroom near a tree in the desert. I'll leave it at that!
Another thing about Morocco that I've really enjoyed is the food. The food is amazing, and with every place that we've been able to visit, there's been something to eat or snack on - and it was all delicious! Oh, and no matter where you are - even in the middle of the desert, there is always time for tea! People literally take breaks from their day to get together, talk, and drink hot tea with mint. It's really yummy, and an awesome way to get to know people.
Another excursion that I thoroughly enjoyed was our trip to the souks in Medina Kadeema. The souks are almost like street markets that have everything you could ever think of - purses, shoes, food, clothes...and they're all for really good prices. Speaking of prices, $1=8dirham, your dollar goes a LONG way...still love Morocco.
By far the craziest thing about this country has to be the driving. Literally, everywhere you look it seems like there's an accident waiting to happen, and yet, there are none. It's a interesting phenomenon that I've yet to understand. Today was pretty great - it was my third ride in a taxicab, and our driver found out we were American, and was so sweet and helped me with my Arabic and tried to communicate with me as best he could. He spoke English very well, and was very awesome teaching me Arabic in my short cab ride. The wonderful thing is that most people like this - they are so nice, and so willing to help. It goes against every negative stereotype that the media portrays, and I love it.
Even though our many trips throughout the country have been exhausting, I've had so much fun, and I'm trying to soak up every bit of it. If for some reason I don't return to the United States, you'll see why!
P.s. - Check out my Facebook photos, they're amazing!
Maa Salaama!
Sarah Keith
I love Morocco! I've been saying that I wouldn't want to go home since before I left, and it's still true. My "never go home" plan is to find a job teaching English and continue taking classes at Qalam center and maybe volunteer some, on the side. Life here is different, and people seem more relaxed for it. Tea happens twice a day, which I love, and being a few minutes late is la mushkeelah. We have a lot of homework, and we work really hard in class, but we have a lot of fun, too. This weekend we went to the Sahara. We rode camels to a camp where we stayed overnight. The stars seemed so close that you could reach up and pluck them out of the air (once the sandstorm had died down). The night was windy and a little cold, and we rode back out while it was still dark to greet the sun and head home.
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad I got to come on this trip, and connot wait to have more adventures!
ReplyDeleteHello everybody!
This past week has gone by so fast and it seems as though it's just a dream. Morocco is treating us all very well and continues to shock me with new surprises and experiences everyday. When I took my first step off of the plane in Morocco, I was immediately welcomed by the country's openness and friendly people. My first encounter happened to be with a young man who spoke only French, which came to a slight surprise to me since I had already switch my mind to Arabic speaking mode.
After 25+ hours of traveling from Atlanta, Georgia, I was finally in Rabat, Morocco taking my first steps into our school, Qalam Wa Lawh. The building and its grounds are so beautiful and it provides a breath taking view every morning I arrive there. The instructors here are super friendly and are always more than willing to help answer your questions and test you on your new knowledge throughout the day and after excursions throughout the country. The classes here are a lot of fun and move at a very quick pace which can make it sometimes feel overwhelming, but nothing that can't be handled.
I would have to say that my favorite part of this week has been arriving in the country and meeting so many new people who I get to call friends from all around the world. It has been a great pleasure getting to meet everyone and see how a common goal of learning Arabic has brought us all together.
This past weekend we had the chance to go to the Sahara desert. It was a long ride there cramped in a small bus and then on to 4x4s but it was absolutely worth it. When we arrived we were quickly put onto camels and had to travel 2 hours through a SAND STORM! It was crazy! When we finally arrived at our camp site we were all tired and rested for a couple of hours and then had an amazing meal together. The food in the country that we have had is amazing and always fresh. After the meal, we were able to gather around and play music under the star filled sky which, by the way, is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Also getting to see the sun rise over the duns as we traveled back via camels was unbelievable. It was a long trip but it was worth it in the end.
Keep checking in for updates on our adventures through Facebook and here on the blog! Week 2, here we come!
-Tony Hudson
Hello from Morocco!!
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing over here the sights are awesome the first week was amazing the flight was not that bad and it has been surprisingly cool hear the first week. The school is awesome and my teacher is great. The first week was packed with exciting trips through the city we got to go the beach the medina and various other great sights. The food has been awesome and very cheap compared to America. I’ve met a lot of great new people from Japan, Pakistan, Italy, etc. It’s amazing how easy this city is to travel around but cab rides are not for the faint hearted!
Our first excursion was to the desert and it was amazing and beautiful. Camel riding was awesome although we did get caught in a sandstorm on the way to the campsite but it didn’t dampen our mood. The stars at night we’re so clear and the sunrise over the dunes was beautiful!!
Austin Branham
Nardja Owens
ReplyDeleteGoing to Morocco do far is one if the best choices I have ever made. From the plane ride in to arriving to the school is such an exhilarating feeling. The first day we arrived already set the ground for what we are going to be experiencing here. One thing that astounded me was the use of French here. Most of the restaurants we have eaten at where completely in finch and some of the people didn't even know arabic. The idea that learning mOre than one language is so important here because it can really get one through different social boundaries. Taxi drivers also either speak in arabic or French so that is another thing I had to be mindful for too.
The trip to the Sahara desert was an amazinge excursion. Song the Moroccan landscapes and how the land eventually transforms into desert is phenomenal. facing with the gnouua people was a good experience too.
Ahlan. It's me Chase Kerrins. Going to talk about my Morocco study abroad trip and how it ha been so far.
ReplyDeleteThe plane trip was alright. Didn't really get to sit close to anyone so really it was just a time to sleep. Not much to talk about besides how groggy and dirty I felt after such a long flight.
We started classes on Tuesday I believe and so far it has been amazing. I have an amazing professor and it can be difficult at times because he uses some words that I don't know and sometimes we have to try and get over a language barrier. Still learning a lot however, I warn anyone who does not work well under pressure. The school is hard you are in class for about 4 hours with one break every day and you have excursions and events happening every day and your weekend trips are already planned so you don't get to choose your weekend and you also have homework everyday really. It takes a lot of dedication but the reward from it is totally worth it. The trip we just went on was the Sahara trip and it was just so beautiful and amazing. It was a true adventure because on the first camel ride out into the dunes we got stuck in a sand storm and it was insane. Could hardly see anything in the sand storm. But seeing the stars and playing music with everyone was so much fun and just climbing the dunes some was awesome.
I have met so many international friends here. I really want to get better at Arabic because I find myself flustered and upset at times that I can't full understand everyone here and also I can't express myself fully with the language. I want to get to know some of the instructors and staff but I just find it to be hard. However, I have met a lot of friends from other parts of the world who do speak English. I have made friends with people from Korea, Italy, Ukraine, Thailand, Japan, England, and some friends who live in other parts of the USA. Meeting these people has really impacted my life so far and made me want to further my Arabic studies and possible even return to Qalam wa Lawh. It has also made me want to travel more and more. I am so excited to see what the rest of the trip will be like.
This weekend has been an experience. We went through a few towns until we arrived at a nice green forest, that contained monkeys and horses. We then went through some mountains and hills to stop at a nice hotel close to the Atlas Mountains. We were welcomed with full rainbow in the sky. The next day, which was somewhat long and full of activity, found us in the town of Merzouga, where we got to watch a musical performance and eat a pizza cooked in the sand. We then headed to a cliff that overlooked the Oasis of Ziz and then took 4x4's to the Sahara. From there, we headed into the depths of the desert, by camel, only to be hindered by a sand storm. We braved the strong winds and stinging sand with 60% visibility to finally arrive to our destination in the middle of nowhere. We were welcomed into the safe haven with Moroccan tea and then dinner. That night was a peaceful one that culminated into a musical jam with the Azurian people. The next morning, we awakened early to start our convoy back to home base, outside the desert. We finished with a stop in the town of Mishliphin, then back to school. Was tiring but worth it.
ReplyDeleteKenneth
Week 2 is over and that means that our time in Morocco is halfway over! Can you believe it?! This past week has been full of adventures for us. Just when I thought that the country couldn't get even better, I was completely put in my place. At the beginning of the week, we traveled to Casablanca for a nice afternoon exploring the city. I loved the city and the people there. They were so nice and open to talking to us. Especially when I tried to communicate with them using my growing Arabic skills, they were so patient and willing to help.
ReplyDeleteLater that week, we went to an after school program for kids and gave them books. They read to us and we read to them. Afterwards, we all got a chance to talk and dance with them. It was the greatest experience to watch the smiles on their faces and to see them run around and laugh.
Throughout this week, I have met some more amazing people. I have been able to meet and hangout with some of the locals which has been amazing. On Friday, I went out with some of them to the Mawazine Festival to see Justin Timberlake.It was great!
This past weekend we went to Meknes and Fez. In Meknes we saw ancient Roman ruins and it seemed as if we were stepping back into time. It was amazing getting the chance to see all of the history left behind from that time period. In Fez, we traveled through each part of the city from the oldest part to the newest. We even saw the oldest university in the world!! It was great! While shopping in the souk, I was able to buy leather bags and a jacket from a tanner there. It was great!
This past week has been such an adventure. I am falling even more in love with the country. I can't wait to see what week 3 brings!
-Tony Hudson