My fourth week in Morocco was pretty stressful, due to the final exam along with our oral presentation. Most of my week went into studying and preparing for the presentation.Though the final was pretty tough I believe I passed. Friday after our oral presentation we had a great celebration for the hard work that all the students and teachers put into our classes throughout the month. The celebration made all the stress of exam worth it. I had a great time Saturday going to Casablanca being able to see the third largest mosque in the world. There's not a lot of people that are able to actually say that. After visiting the mosque we continued our trip to Marrakesh. Marrakesh was very interesting sellers were more aggressive with trying to get customers to buy their products. I didn't actually mind this, I actually enjoyed my time trying to bargain with the overly aggressive merchants. Anyways I woke up today to find out my flight has been cancelled so I've been focusing most of my time trying to figure out my flight problems. Hopefully I get everything handle and be able to get back home to my family soon! insha'Allah
My fourth and final week in Morocco was probably my favorite. I got to Casablanca twice. One day, Youssef took a group of us to the mall where we got to shop and look at the beach. The second day, Austin and I spent the whole day laying on the beach and had dinner there before we left. I liked riding the train because it was nicer than any train I had ridden in America. We got to spend the weekend in Marrakech, which was very touristy. I was intimidated by all of the snake charmers, henna tattoo artists, and souk shop owners who were all trying to get us to buy their products/services. It was fun to see those things but the city was too busy for my preference. I like Casablanca the best. Visiting the Hassan II Mosque was my favorite part of the week because we got to tour the inside, which was just as beautiful as the outside. I am sad to be leaving Morocco. I have had the time of my life here.
My fourth week in Morocco was busy as we had final exams and presentations to worry about. I didn't really go out much during the week because of that. The final test was pretty hard and I was terrified of the presentation, but I passed! So, that's what matters. Over the weekend we went on our last excursion, to Marrakesh. The riad we stayed in was nice, but Marrakesh was probably my least favorite out of all the trips. However, the Bahia Palace was really nice. We took a guided tour through it before having lunch back at the hotel. The palace was beautiful and I'm glad I got to see it. I've enjoyed this month in Morocco so much. I look forward to spending more time here over the next month.
The fourth week here was a very bitter sweet one. The program is ending and although I'm ready to go home I also want to stay here. This week was really busy with 2 day trips to Casablanca and studying for the finals. The day trips were a blast and I wish I could've gotten to visit Casa more. When we finally got to the days of the finals I was really nervous and didn't want to take it. The final itself ended up being pretty hard and the oral presentation was fairly easy when I look back on it. This weekend we headed to Casa again to tour the massive Hassan II mosque. After that we hopped back on the bus for Marrakech. It was a really interesting place and the shopping was a lot different. This month in Morocco has been one of the best of my life and I can't wait to return.
My fourth week in Morocco was stressful. Between exams and presentation I was very stressed out and was having a hard time focusing on the culture. Although We had a very packed week and we did a lot of fun things exams were all most of us could focus on. On Monday after classes a group of us went to Casablanca, we went to the mall and we ate ice cream. As usual I spent too much money at the mall. In the middle of the week we met our friends, that we met in Rabat, at a coffee shop and we hung out with them, it was really fun. We went to the souk with them also and finished our souvenir shopping. This weekend we went to Casablanca and Marrakech. We got to go to a mosque, it was very beautiful. After, we went to McDonald's for lunch and I ate Croquettes and they were the best things I've ever had. We also got to see the souk in Marrakech that same day. A young man put a monkey on Sarah's shoulder and he forced her to hold it and then it looked like we were taking a picture and so he got angry and tried to make us pay. Once Sarah wouldn't pay him, he looked like he was about to punch her. We pissed off many people in the Souk. Overall it was a very fun weekend and I'm very sad to leave Morocco. Caitlin Sarah and I fly out tomorrow morning and were hoping that we can soak up the rest of the city in the morning before we leave. It is been a long and very enjoyable month but I am happy to go home to my summer camp! Isabel
My fourth week in Morocco was a little more stressful than the others. I was very nervous about my presentation and my final exam. I did well on both of them though, so the time that I spent practicing really worked in my advantage. I finished all of my souvenir shopping, and I even bought a few things for myself that I definitely didn't need. Friday night, I felt so relaxed and happy that I was finished with the coursework here. The party we had with the school was very fun, and it was very sad to say farewell to some of the amazing people that we met. This weekend's trip was to Casablanca and Marrakech. While in Casablanca we only visited a mosque and McDonalds. The mosque was absolutely beautiful, and the McDonalds was pretty nice too! I liked that we stayed very close to the Suq in Marrakech; it was very different from some of our other hotels. Now, I'm caught in a moment that can't be described. I'm very happy to be going home, but I'm also going to miss the relationships that I've made here in Morocco. This has truly been an amazing experience.
My fourth week in Morocco was a nice way to end the program. I was able to witness how the city was during Ramadan and I also graduated. The graduation ceremony was the most relaxed one I've ever been apart of but it was also the most fun. With the henna designs, the music, and friendly atmosphere. We also went on our last excursion to Casablanca to see the 3rd largest mosque in the world, and also to Marrakech and toured all through the city. This has been a wonderful experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Goodbye Morocco, see you soon!!!
My very last week here is finally here and I am no where ready to say goodbye to everyone. I will definitely miss this amazing country and all the amazing people I've met along the way. This final week was a bit stressful with the exams and projects and everything but it was amazing none the less. I loved being able to go to casablanca and see everything. The souks in Marrakech were more than I could have ever imagined. I didn't particularly enjoy seeing the monkeys chained up but it was fun to experience the souk at night and see all of it as its craziest. Perhaps having my flight cancelled a day is a good thing after all because I now get another entire day to do whatever I want that I haven't yet done. I have loved every moment of this trip and hope to come back one day on my own.
My last week in Morocco was hard to be honest. It was hard to me because it was finals week and since I am in Beginner 3 I had to study a lot to make sure I did well. I also gave a presentation in Arabic about American politics. It wasn't for very long but still required a lot of effort. At the end I am proud of what I was able to accomplish at Qalam wa Lawh and I'm going to miss my teacher Mariam a lot. I wish I could have stayed and improved my Arabic even further but I'm honestly ready to start my life back in America. My times in Morocco have been life changing and I will always carry them close in my heart. I will truly miss studying here and really getting to know the language and the culture. And one day, inshallah I will come back. So it's not goodbye but see yah later.
The last week of the program has been a lot of fun and also a lot of work. I got to spend a little more time with the new friends I've made here and explore the medina a bit more. The final exam on Thursday and then the presentation on Friday arrived so quickly. They were both very stressful, but the professors made the presentation as comfortable as they could for us. They were very kind and willing to repeat their questions if necessary. They were also very attentive listeners and were very encouraging while we presented. Friday evening we had our graduation ceremony and it was great to visit with everyone that we've met throughout the program. The food was great and we were able to get henna again. This weekend went to Casablanca and Marrakesh. I loved visiting Casa again, the mosque was beautiful and the weather was perfect. Marrakesh was interesting to see. It was not my favorite city, but I'm glad we had the opportunity to explore the city a little bit. The riad we stayed in was great. It was really nice to be able to walk outside and be right in the middle of everything. Overall, it was another great week in Morocco. I'm sad that everyone is leaving, but I am looking forward to having another month of adventures and experiences here.
The fourth week has ended and I'm very excited to be staying for two more weeks. I was really nervous this week with the final on Thursday and the presentation on Friday, but I think I did well on both of them. Studying here has been one of the best experiences of my life, not to mention being able to explore Morocco on the weekends and Rabat during the week. I will forever remember this as one of the best summers of my life.
This week, however, has been full of studying and stressing out. I also have been trying to find presents for my family, even though I have two more weeks I feel like time is running out too quickly. I'm excited to see my family when I leave, but not excited to leave. Hopefully I will have a chance to return.
Ramadan started this week and I've been fasting. It's been a struggle but definitely a learning experience. I've learned a lot in just one week about not only myself, but other people. The longer I stay in this country, the more I love it and the more I admire Muslims and their religion. I don't look forward to the conversations I will have with some people about my time here, because a lot of people don't understand Islam and already have such a negative stereotype or prejudices. But for now, I will enjoy my time among the nicest and happiest people I have ever met.
This weekend, we went to Casablanca and Marrakech. Everyone was talking about how hot it would be and I wasn't looking forward to that, but it wasn't that bad. We got to see the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca before going to Marrakech. It was a pretty epic thing to be able to see and walk through. It definitely made me feel things I've never felt, including a deeper appreciation for worshipers.
Most everyone is leaving tomorrow, or sometime early this week, and I will begin a new class. I'm very excited to be able to continue my studies, although I wish it could be longer, I am grateful for this opportunity.
Faatimah here! This final week was quite, quite busy. Our preparations for finals was a hectic one, we had a written final and an oral final so I was busy studying for those. It seemed our teacher was giving us new topics to learn very quickly and they were hard to grasp in such a short period of time but I think it worked out well in the end. Some of us in groups went to Casablanca to do shopping at the Morocco Mall and we went back a second time all together this past weekend to visit the third biggest mosque in the world, I was fortunate enough to make prayer in this mosque which was the highlight of my week, We did some more shopping in the souks of Marrakesh where I was able to finish my gift shopping. After people broke their fast for the day the souk became a lot more lively, it was even more fun for me walking through at that time of the night. We went on a guided tour around Marrakesh and visited some royal tombs, it seemed like a very peaceful area and it made me wonder who these people used to be I really enjoyed my time in Morocco, it was the best time of my life and it’s only open doors for new and interesting things to happen. I do plan on coming back one day soon and I hope to bring all of my friends and family with me. Asalaamu alakum!
My fourth week in Morocco was kind of a bittersweet one because I have had so many great experiences in Morocco. My flight was originally tomorrow but due to unforeseen circumstances I get to spend two extra days in Rabat. This last week was somewhat difficult because I was slightly struggling with grammar and my final was approaching. Luckily I was able to pass and make it to the Intermediate level. Our first sop this weekend was in Casablanca, a city that I wish to explore one day but have not had much of an opportunity because the city is so vast. We visited the Hassan II mosque which honestly stunned me. I have never been in a religious building that large and beautifully built. I cannot really wrap my head around the fact that tens of thousands of people pray each night of Ramadan. The next stop was Marrakesh which I actually enjoyed unlike most of my classmates, but for different reasons. They hated the fact that the merchants were so aggressive but I responded pretty well to it. I just did not like the fact that a city so rich in Moroccan history has been relegated to a tourist hot spot clearly focused on selling souvenirs. I am sad to leave Morocco in the coming days but will have these memories made here for the rest of my life. Without a doubt I will come back to this place. Whether it be for business or pleasure.
On Monday a small group of us went to a mall in Casablanca. There was an aquarium inside the mall that had an elevator that you could ride and take pics from inside the tank. They had sharks, eels, blue tang, yellow tang, and lots more. Later we sat outside and ate ice cream while the water show was happening. This week was our finals week. The written part was difficult. I don’t thing I did very well on it. For the oral part of the final we had to give a presentation in Arabic by memory. We could use pictures on a power point to help us out. I did mine on my family and did much better during the presentation itself than I did in practice. Having the pictures in the power point really did help. In the evening we had our graduation ceremony. The girls got henna done on our hands. We received a certificate and a wooden lawh certificate. They had musicians come out in traditional attire and play for us. This weekend we went to the mosques in Casablanca which is the 3rd largest mosques in the world. I was surprised to hear that it was only built in six years. The architecture was absolutely amazing. Everything from the stairs, to the celling was beautiful. Since its Ramadan the only place that was open for lunch was McDonalds. I was surprise to see all the technology they had in there. The McDonalds here is much better than the ones back home. I thought back home would be the nice ones since America is where it started. After lunch we went to Marrakech. At night I was taking pictures of the mosques when the Call to Prayer started so I got a short recording of it. When we were in the souk we past a woodshop. The guy showed us how he worked the lathe. My dad had one for a little while so this interested me. He used a bow much like in fire making. He would work the bow with his right hand and hold the metal tool down with his foot. He would then angle the tool with his left hand to make it do whatever was needed. When he finished he put it on a string and gave it to me as a gift. This is something I will remember forever.
Hey it is Savannah here. Well it is the end of the fourth week here, and almost everyone is going home tomorrow. There are only a few of us that are staying extra time here in Morocco, and I think we are all excited to stay here, enjoy the time, and learn some more Arabic. For our last weekend trip as a group, we went to Marakesh. I thought it was so beautiful (but ungodly hot). Sarah and Angel kindly got the whole group little souvenirs to remind of us our trip. They were very thoughtful and adorable. This past week we took oral and written exams for our classes, and we had a “graduation” ceremony on Friday. The party was fun. We had live music, food, and got to enjoy time with all the different students and teachers. We even ended up on the news! I thought that was pretty cool. I have really enjoyed being here for the four weeks. I have learned a lot by being here, not just Arabic, but the different culture, and about people. Not only did I learn about the Moroccan people and how they interact with each other, I also learned about people on this trip with me and a little about people from Europe and how they interact with each other through other students. I thought it was interesting how similar, but so different, people from different parts of the world can, in a sense, walk, talk, and breath. I can not wait to see what the next two weeks have in store for me while I am here. I hope that these two weeks continue to be a good learning experience and a safe two weeks.
Sarah Sharp Ahlan! Week 4 opened my eyes to all the different aspects of a Moroccans lifestyle. Experiencing Ramadan in an arab country opened my eyes a little to the United States' stance on freedom of religion. It was crazy to see how streets were completely empty at certain prayer times. On Monday Angel, Mandi and I went to the souk to do some last minute souvenir shopping. Tuesday I went to the mall to do the rest of my souvenir shopping, because I had put it off for all three weeks. Thursday was our final, it seemed to stress everyone out and I was positive by the end of it I did not pass, the next day we had our presentations in front of teachers and peers about our choice of what to present on. After, the school held A graduation party. The news even did a film on it! The party was awesome, even though I was completely exhausted from studying for my presentation all day I had a lot of fun. As for our weekend excursion we first went to Casablanca and to word the third largest mosque in the world. It was beautiful and made me remember that I'm Catholic and that I should visit the Vatican sometime in my life. We then went to a hotel in merkesh. Merkesh was interesting. I thought I would be happy it was a tourist town, but it actually made me a little upset. The vendors were rude and did not have good spirits while haggling. I'll definitely miss Morocco, and I think I'll come back to visit some time Insha'allah
My fourth week in Morocco was pretty stressful, due to the final exam along with our oral presentation. Most of my week went into studying and preparing for the presentation.Though the final was pretty tough I believe I passed. Friday after our oral presentation we had a great celebration for the hard work that all the students and teachers put into our classes throughout the month. The celebration made all the stress of exam worth it. I had a great time Saturday going to Casablanca being able to see the third largest mosque in the world. There's not a lot of people that are able to actually say that. After visiting the mosque we continued our trip to Marrakesh.
ReplyDeleteMarrakesh was very interesting sellers were more aggressive with trying to get customers to buy their products. I didn't actually mind this, I actually enjoyed my time trying to bargain with the overly aggressive merchants. Anyways I woke up today to find out my flight has been cancelled so I've been focusing most of my time trying to figure out my flight problems. Hopefully I get everything handle and be able to get back home to my family soon! insha'Allah
My fourth and final week in Morocco was probably my favorite. I got to Casablanca twice. One day, Youssef took a group of us to the mall where we got to shop and look at the beach. The second day, Austin and I spent the whole day laying on the beach and had dinner there before we left. I liked riding the train because it was nicer than any train I had ridden in America. We got to spend the weekend in Marrakech, which was very touristy. I was intimidated by all of the snake charmers, henna tattoo artists, and souk shop owners who were all trying to get us to buy their products/services. It was fun to see those things but the city was too busy for my preference. I like Casablanca the best. Visiting the Hassan II Mosque was my favorite part of the week because we got to tour the inside, which was just as beautiful as the outside. I am sad to be leaving Morocco. I have had the time of my life here.
ReplyDeleteMy fourth week in Morocco was busy as we had final exams and presentations to worry about. I didn't really go out much during the week because of that. The final test was pretty hard and I was terrified of the presentation, but I passed! So, that's what matters. Over the weekend we went on our last excursion, to Marrakesh. The riad we stayed in was nice, but Marrakesh was probably my least favorite out of all the trips. However, the Bahia Palace was really nice. We took a guided tour through it before having lunch back at the hotel. The palace was beautiful and I'm glad I got to see it. I've enjoyed this month in Morocco so much. I look forward to spending more time here over the next month.
ReplyDeleteThe fourth week here was a very bitter sweet one. The program is ending and although I'm ready to go home I also want to stay here. This week was really busy with 2 day trips to Casablanca and studying for the finals. The day trips were a blast and I wish I could've gotten to visit Casa more. When we finally got to the days of the finals I was really nervous and didn't want to take it. The final itself ended up being pretty hard and the oral presentation was fairly easy when I look back on it. This weekend we headed to Casa again to tour the massive Hassan II mosque. After that we hopped back on the bus for Marrakech. It was a really interesting place and the shopping was a lot different. This month in Morocco has been one of the best of my life and I can't wait to return.
ReplyDeleteMy fourth week in Morocco was stressful. Between exams and presentation I was very stressed out and was having a hard time focusing on the culture. Although We had a very packed week and we did a lot of fun things exams were all most of us could focus on. On Monday after classes a group of us went to Casablanca, we went to the mall and we ate ice cream. As usual I spent too much money at the mall. In the middle of the week we met our friends, that we met in Rabat, at a coffee shop and we hung out with them, it was really fun. We went to the souk with them also and finished our souvenir shopping.
ReplyDeleteThis weekend we went to Casablanca and Marrakech. We got to go to a mosque, it was very beautiful. After, we went to McDonald's for lunch and I ate Croquettes and they were the best things I've ever had. We also got to see the souk in Marrakech that same day. A young man put a monkey on Sarah's shoulder and he forced her to hold it and then it looked like we were taking a picture and so he got angry and tried to make us pay. Once Sarah wouldn't pay him, he looked like he was about to punch her. We pissed off many people in the Souk.
Overall it was a very fun weekend and I'm very sad to leave Morocco. Caitlin Sarah and I fly out tomorrow morning and were hoping that we can soak up the rest of the city in the morning before we leave. It is been a long and very enjoyable month but I am happy to go home to my summer camp!
Isabel
My fourth week in Morocco was a little more stressful than the others. I was very nervous about my presentation and my final exam. I did well on both of them though, so the time that I spent practicing really worked in my advantage. I finished all of my souvenir shopping, and I even bought a few things for myself that I definitely didn't need. Friday night, I felt so relaxed and happy that I was finished with the coursework here. The party we had with the school was very fun, and it was very sad to say farewell to some of the amazing people that we met.
ReplyDeleteThis weekend's trip was to Casablanca and Marrakech. While in Casablanca we only visited a mosque and McDonalds. The mosque was absolutely beautiful, and the McDonalds was pretty nice too! I liked that we stayed very close to the Suq in Marrakech; it was very different from some of our other hotels.
Now, I'm caught in a moment that can't be described. I'm very happy to be going home, but I'm also going to miss the relationships that I've made here in Morocco. This has truly been an amazing experience.
My fourth week in Morocco was a nice way to end the program. I was able to witness how the city was during Ramadan and I also graduated. The graduation ceremony was the most relaxed one I've ever been apart of but it was also the most fun. With the henna designs, the music, and friendly atmosphere. We also went on our last excursion to Casablanca to see the 3rd largest mosque in the world, and also to Marrakech and toured all through the city.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a wonderful experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Goodbye Morocco, see you soon!!!
My very last week here is finally here and I am no where ready to say goodbye to everyone. I will definitely miss this amazing country and all the amazing people I've met along the way. This final week was a bit stressful with the exams and projects and everything but it was amazing none the less. I loved being able to go to casablanca and see everything. The souks in Marrakech were more than I could have ever imagined. I didn't particularly enjoy seeing the monkeys chained up but it was fun to experience the souk at night and see all of it as its craziest. Perhaps having my flight cancelled a day is a good thing after all because I now get another entire day to do whatever I want that I haven't yet done.
ReplyDeleteI have loved every moment of this trip and hope to come back one day on my own.
My last week in Morocco was hard to be honest. It was hard to me because it was finals week and since I am in Beginner 3 I had to study a lot to make sure I did well. I also gave a presentation in Arabic about American politics. It wasn't for very long but still required a lot of effort. At the end I am proud of what I was able to accomplish at Qalam wa Lawh and I'm going to miss my teacher Mariam a lot. I wish I could have stayed and improved my Arabic even further but I'm honestly ready to start my life back in America. My times in Morocco have been life changing and I will always carry them close in my heart. I will truly miss studying here and really getting to know the language and the culture. And one day, inshallah I will come back. So it's not goodbye but see yah later.
ReplyDeleteMeg
The last week of the program has been a lot of fun and also a lot of work. I got to spend a little more time with the new friends I've made here and explore the medina a bit more. The final exam on Thursday and then the presentation on Friday arrived so quickly. They were both very stressful, but the professors made the presentation as comfortable as they could for us. They were very kind and willing to repeat their questions if necessary. They were also very attentive listeners and were very encouraging while we presented. Friday evening we had our graduation ceremony and it was great to visit with everyone that we've met throughout the program. The food was great and we were able to get henna again. This weekend went to Casablanca and Marrakesh. I loved visiting Casa again, the mosque was beautiful and the weather was perfect. Marrakesh was interesting to see. It was not my favorite city, but I'm glad we had the opportunity to explore the city a little bit. The riad we stayed in was great. It was really nice to be able to walk outside and be right in the middle of everything. Overall, it was another great week in Morocco. I'm sad that everyone is leaving, but I am looking forward to having another month of adventures and experiences here.
ReplyDeleteAngel Perry
ReplyDeleteThe fourth week has ended and I'm very excited to be staying for two more weeks. I was really nervous this week with the final on Thursday and the presentation on Friday, but I think I did well on both of them. Studying here has been one of the best experiences of my life, not to mention being able to explore Morocco on the weekends and Rabat during the week. I will forever remember this as one of the best summers of my life.
This week, however, has been full of studying and stressing out. I also have been trying to find presents for my family, even though I have two more weeks I feel like time is running out too quickly. I'm excited to see my family when I leave, but not excited to leave. Hopefully I will have a chance to return.
Ramadan started this week and I've been fasting. It's been a struggle but definitely a learning experience. I've learned a lot in just one week about not only myself, but other people. The longer I stay in this country, the more I love it and the more I admire Muslims and their religion. I don't look forward to the conversations I will have with some people about my time here, because a lot of people don't understand Islam and already have such a negative stereotype or prejudices. But for now, I will enjoy my time among the nicest and happiest people I have ever met.
This weekend, we went to Casablanca and Marrakech. Everyone was talking about how hot it would be and I wasn't looking forward to that, but it wasn't that bad. We got to see the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca before going to Marrakech. It was a pretty epic thing to be able to see and walk through. It definitely made me feel things I've never felt, including a deeper appreciation for worshipers.
Most everyone is leaving tomorrow, or sometime early this week, and I will begin a new class. I'm very excited to be able to continue my studies, although I wish it could be longer, I am grateful for this opportunity.
Faatimah here! This final week was quite, quite busy. Our preparations for finals was a hectic one, we had a written final and an oral final so I was busy studying for those. It seemed our teacher was giving us new topics to learn very quickly and they were hard to grasp in such a short period of time but I think it worked out well in the end. Some of us in groups went to Casablanca to do shopping at the Morocco Mall and we went back a second time all together this past weekend to visit the third biggest mosque in the world, I was fortunate enough to make prayer in this mosque which was the highlight of my week, We did some more shopping in the souks of Marrakesh where I was able to finish my gift shopping. After people broke their fast for the day the souk became a lot more lively, it was even more fun for me walking through at that time of the night. We went on a guided tour around Marrakesh and visited some royal tombs, it seemed like a very peaceful area and it made me wonder who these people used to be
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed my time in Morocco, it was the best time of my life and it’s only open doors for new and interesting things to happen. I do plan on coming back one day soon and I hope to bring all of my friends and family with me. Asalaamu alakum!
My fourth week in Morocco was kind of a bittersweet one because I have had so many great experiences in Morocco. My flight was originally tomorrow but due to unforeseen circumstances I get to spend two extra days in Rabat. This last week was somewhat difficult because I was slightly struggling with grammar and my final was approaching. Luckily I was able to pass and make it to the Intermediate level.
ReplyDeleteOur first sop this weekend was in Casablanca, a city that I wish to explore one day but have not had much of an opportunity because the city is so vast. We visited the Hassan II mosque which honestly stunned me. I have never been in a religious building that large and beautifully built. I cannot really wrap my head around the fact that tens of thousands of people pray each night of Ramadan.
The next stop was Marrakesh which I actually enjoyed unlike most of my classmates, but for different reasons. They hated the fact that the merchants were so aggressive but I responded pretty well to it. I just did not like the fact that a city so rich in Moroccan history has been relegated to a tourist hot spot clearly focused on selling souvenirs.
I am sad to leave Morocco in the coming days but will have these memories made here for the rest of my life. Without a doubt I will come back to this place. Whether it be for business or pleasure.
On Monday a small group of us went to a mall in Casablanca. There was an aquarium inside the mall that had an elevator that you could ride and take pics from inside the tank. They had sharks, eels, blue tang, yellow tang, and lots more. Later we sat outside and ate ice cream while the water show was happening.
ReplyDeleteThis week was our finals week. The written part was difficult. I don’t thing I did very well on it. For the oral part of the final we had to give a presentation in Arabic by memory. We could use pictures on a power point to help us out. I did mine on my family and did much better during the presentation itself than I did in practice. Having the pictures in the power point really did help. In the evening we had our graduation ceremony. The girls got henna done on our hands. We received a certificate and a wooden lawh certificate. They had musicians come out in traditional attire and play for us.
This weekend we went to the mosques in Casablanca which is the 3rd largest mosques in the world. I was surprised to hear that it was only built in six years. The architecture was absolutely amazing. Everything from the stairs, to the celling was beautiful.
Since its Ramadan the only place that was open for lunch was McDonalds. I was surprise to see all the technology they had in there. The McDonalds here is much better than the ones back home. I thought back home would be the nice ones since America is where it started.
After lunch we went to Marrakech. At night I was taking pictures of the mosques when the Call to Prayer started so I got a short recording of it. When we were in the souk we past a woodshop. The guy showed us how he worked the lathe. My dad had one for a little while so this interested me. He used a bow much like in fire making. He would work the bow with his right hand and hold the metal tool down with his foot. He would then angle the tool with his left hand to make it do whatever was needed. When he finished he put it on a string and gave it to me as a gift. This is something I will remember forever.
Hey it is Savannah here. Well it is the end of the fourth week here, and almost everyone is going home tomorrow. There are only a few of us that are staying extra time here in Morocco, and I think we are all excited to stay here, enjoy the time, and learn some more Arabic. For our last weekend trip as a group, we went to Marakesh. I thought it was so beautiful (but ungodly hot). Sarah and Angel kindly got the whole group little souvenirs to remind of us our trip. They were very thoughtful and adorable. This past week we took oral and written exams for our classes, and we had a “graduation” ceremony on Friday. The party was fun. We had live music, food, and got to enjoy time with all the different students and teachers. We even ended up on the news! I thought that was pretty cool. I have really enjoyed being here for the four weeks. I have learned a lot by being here, not just Arabic, but the different culture, and about people. Not only did I learn about the Moroccan people and how they interact with each other, I also learned about people on this trip with me and a little about people from Europe and how they interact with each other through other students. I thought it was interesting how similar, but so different, people from different parts of the world can, in a sense, walk, talk, and breath. I can not wait to see what the next two weeks have in store for me while I am here. I hope that these two weeks continue to be a good learning experience and a safe two weeks.
ReplyDeleteSarah Sharp
ReplyDeleteAhlan!
Week 4 opened my eyes to all the different aspects of a Moroccans lifestyle. Experiencing Ramadan in an arab country opened my eyes a little to the United States' stance on freedom of religion. It was crazy to see how streets were completely empty at certain prayer times. On Monday Angel, Mandi and I went to the souk to do some last minute souvenir shopping. Tuesday I went to the mall to do the rest of my souvenir shopping, because I had put it off for all three weeks. Thursday was our final, it seemed to stress everyone out and I was positive by the end of it I did not pass, the next day we had our presentations in front of teachers and peers about our choice of what to present on.
After, the school held A graduation party. The news even did a film on it! The party was awesome, even though I was completely exhausted from studying for my presentation all day I had a lot of fun. As for our weekend excursion we first went to Casablanca and to word the third largest mosque in the world. It was beautiful and made me remember that I'm Catholic and that I should visit the Vatican sometime in my life. We then went to a hotel in merkesh. Merkesh was interesting. I thought I would be happy it was a tourist town, but it actually made me a little upset. The vendors were rude and did not have good spirits while haggling.
I'll definitely miss Morocco, and I think I'll come back to visit some time Insha'allah