This first week in Morocco has been amazing. It's awesome getting to see the difference and similarities in the cultures. People are just as nice, if not nicer, than in the South. One huge difference though is walking around as a foreigner. The reactions we receive are a new concept to me as I've never been abroad. It's something to easily cope with though. Typically you just ignore people and they'll leave you alone. Getting to eat different foods and eating at the same resaurants but in a different country has been a tasty experience. McDonald's is way better here than in the US. Chawarma is everything you thought it was. And the ice cream is literally the best thing on this planet. I can't wait for week 2 and to see what it brings!
I can’t believe it’s been a week since we got to Morocco. I also can’t believe I’m actually back! And this year it’s even better because I have my two best friends with me. It’s amazing the little things you remember about a place when you return, even if it’s been two years. It was great being here for Eid this year. Even though I didn’t participate in any way it was interesting to hear about and see everyone else’s excitement and preparation. Also, it was great arriving during the end of Ramadan because that was one less day of classes! My class is great though. I love my teacher and my little class.
The desert was sooo much fun! Just as good if not better than last year. It was also nice having extra time at the hotel to go swimming and hang out. I’m very surprised that I actually liked the Couscous since last year I was not a fan. And as usual, I can’t get enough of the fruit here! My camel on the way into the desert was a real trooper, however on the way back I had a different camel and he went rogue once or twice. But if you don’t have a rogue camel did you really experience the desert? I’m excited for this coming week, and the next three! <3
Angel Perry So it's the end of the first week of the program here in Morocco but I've been here for five weeks because I came a month early in order to take extra darija classes. Darija was pretty fun to learn because you obviously are going to use it more in the streets in Morocco. It's been a little hard readjusting to fusha but it's been nice. I like my class. I placed into B3 and I've actually been learning a lot of new things which is good. I'm nervous for the test this Thursday because although I want to pass to get a good grade, I'm also really nervous about going to I1 if I do pass. But we will see how it turns out!
We spent our first weekend in the desert and everything was just as I remembered. It's interesting experiencing this for the second time because although I have some expectations and thoughts about how things will be, it still is different from last year. I've been enjoying my time, though I am a little homesick.
This coming weekend we will be going to Chefchaouen and I'm looking forward to it because I haven't bought any gifts for my family yet and Chefchaouen has some really good shopping. I'm excited for the next three weeks!
This week has taught me a lot. I have learned things such as how to traverse international airports, interact with people who's native tongue it not my own, how to order off a menu in French, and of course, how to celebrate in authentic Moroccan style. I wont say that every minute has been easy, I have missed my family and my home a great deal, I have spent sleepless nights worrying over homework I couldn't comprehend, and I have shed a tear or two even, from the pains of adjusting to a country that is unlike my own. But everyday, the students I am sharing this experience, and the people I have come to know here have shone through that darkness like stars above the desert sky.
As this first week comes to a close, and I reflect over the lessons I have learned, and the memories I have made, I would like to share few of my favorites...
I have danced around a fire, under the light of the Sahara stars to the beat of the drums. I have bonded with a camel that I have named Balthazar, and learned that not all camels are mean. I was graced by a giant desert beetle, who nestled himself under a pillow meant for me, something many would consider to be good luck. And I have shook sand from my hair that only God knows how many ancient, important figures have shook from their own tresses.
The friendships I have made in this first week have exceeded my expectations, and have nurtured my ability to grow and celebrate life in new and fantastic ways. I can only imagine the perspective altering experiences that await us in the coming weeks and I intend to embrace them in the lighthearted and laid back style of Morocco.
After this first week I have learned many new things that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Morocco is far and beyond the expectations i had prior to getting off the plane in Rabat. The weather here is absolutely amazing and the people I get to share these experiences with are even better. One of the great things about being in a foreign country is attempting to navigate your way through the city while conversing with people who cannot understand you. It makes you realize that the world does not function the way you would like or want it to. Language can be confusing and complicated. However, this allows me to appreciate the small things in life and celebrate things that question my sense of comfort. That is exactly what makes life worth living and exploring.
One big surprise to me is how many people speak the French language, but after learning about the history of Morocco and its' French influence it makes sense.
This past weekend was quite a highlight of my life. The trip to the Sahara was very long but was so worth it. Riding the camels into the desert with the sun setting was quite a scene. The great pictures I took there will always remind me how grateful I am of this opportunity to explore another side of the world.
I'm also convinced that tajine will never get old haha. Looking forward to making many more memories for the next 5 weeks here with some amazing people.
This past week in Morocco has already been the best trip of my life. Since we got here at the end of Ramadan we were able to experience that side of the culture, as well as Eid. I'm so happy that I was able to study abroad this year in this amazing country. I've gotten to try different types of food, see people from a different culture, and see beautiful landscapes and buildings. The trip to the Sahara Desert was definitely one that I'll never forget. We were able to ride camels, walk in the desert sand, and see all the stars when the sun went down. I've also really enjoyed the food here because it's very different from American food, and I love trying new things. I think that everyone should be able to have his or her own study abroad experience, mostly because it can be very life changing.
From the food to the people to the architecture, I have loved almost every moment during my time here in Morocco. After to traveling to the desert this past weekend, I was impressed by the level of diversity along our journey. Even after getting a stomach bug, I still managed to make the most of my time the last four days. As time goes on here, I have learned to communicate better in more ways than just speaking Arabic and to appreciate and celebrate the differences rather than criticize them.
Being in Morocco has been really challenging for me. Every single time I see a child it makes me think about Aminah. However, I've really been trying to keep myself busy so these thoughts don't get to me. It's been really hard being away from my husband and daughter but it's definitely been pretty fun so far. I feel like I've been here for much longer than a week. I've really enjoyed myself so far. It's really been an eye opening experience, especially driving to the desert. We drove by, and visited, many places throughout Morocco and it was very interesting seeing the vast differences of living conditions of the different regions. I knew these places existed and people lived like this, but it wasn't a part of my reality. I really loved going to the desert. I loved the sand (which was way better then wet beach sand that sticks to you). My favorite part of the Sahara trip was sleeping under the stars with my two best friends ❤. We actually stayed up a little while and just watched the stars and eventually saw the Milky Way which was really cool. I wasn't a big fan of the desert soup, but I also didn't have much of an appetite this weekend. I can't say that I'll ever go out of my way to ride a camel into the Sahara, but I wouldn't mind riding an ATV into the Sahara and camping out again.
My first week of Morocco has officially come to an end, and I couldn’t have imagined it any other way. The city of Rabat is full of life even into the late hours of the night. I have been able to enjoy coffee at a coffee shop or even a late dinner in restaurants packed with families enjoying the same delicious and inexpensive meal at 11 at night. The people I have met so far have been so kind and helpful. They are bearable with me once they discover I do not know any French and can speak a little Arabic. They are happy to converse with me to the best of my abilities. I love being in a city where everything is close by and I don’t have to venture too far to find a hot cup of coffee or tea.
The two most surprising things I have found while in Morocco is that the weather and temperature in Rabat is much more mild than I had expected. I had been prepared for blazing hot temperatures, but in reality there is a cool breeze that fills the air. Plus there are hardly any bugs so having the windows open is usually more than enough to keep comfortable. The other surprising thing has been the amount of French that is used in Morocco. I find that a little challenging because I don’t know any French, but many of the waiters/waitresses are fluent in both French and Arabic and I can usually get through the ordering process by getting the Arabic equivalent. This helps with limiting the amount of surprises when the food comes, but there is always at least one surprise, which makes the experience even more fun!
Upon packing for Morocco, I was very excited to get to study abroad again and experience life in an Arab country. Although the culture is different than in America, it's very easy to get around. I can say that Moroccans are some of the most hospitable and nicest people I have ever met. One of my favorite things so far is the diversity here. While the majority of people here speak Darija, it's very common to hear French. I'm super suprised that I can use a little of my Spanish here too! My class is hard and very challenging, but I'm slowly learning. The school is a bit overwhelming because there are a lot of students here, but it's nice to talk to students from different parts of the world. What I love about the program is how we go on a lot of excursions and how there's a lot of places to go to in the city. I'm excited to see what the next few weeks hold!
Struck by the beauty of Morocco, I forgot all about my unexchanged currency and lost luggage. The reality that we were definitely not in Kansas anymore was immediate, as Moroccan culture invited us with warm smiling faces that greeted our study abroad group everywhere we went. Being in Morocco has given me a feeling that I had never known before, as I was surprised I feel at home in a place I had never even been before. At every restaurant, convenience store, and even on the street I was greeted with kindly gestures and "Asalaamu wa Alaykum's", and Moroccans went as far to even give me gifts for nothing in return, invite me into their homes to drink tea and teach me Arabic, and help with directions if I simply just looked lost.
The first few days in Morocco were filled with sleep, more tea than I had ever drank in my life, and exploration. During our adventurous hours, I learned that every store had its own specialization from butcher shops, to markets and pharmacies. Without fail, there was a cafe where Moroccans smoke and talk shop for hours on ever corner (my personal favorite). Every building is built individually and artistically, with intricate and painstaking designs, and although I have only been here for a week, I try not to think about the day we have to leave Rabat. The bus rides were captivating, as scenery would change constantly before our eyes as we beheld mountains, deserts, cities and villages demarcated by signs written in Arabic and French.
Being in Morocco has allowed me to speak more Arabic than ever before, assimilate to and learn about a culture different than my own, and most importantly, ride a camel. With the beginning of classes, our teacher, Majuba, was more than encouraging in class, and only spoke in Arabic. Being able to use the what I had learned in the streets has been helping me to retain words at a faster rate than ever before, and locals are more than excited to practice their English with you in return for Arabic. I have thoroughly enjoyed every second I have spent in Morocco, and look forward to the continual growth I have been experiencing in a country where pictures cannot do justice.
My first week in Morocco has gone well. The city of Rabat is good and the people are nice. What I have found interesting is the percentage of those who can speak both Darija and French. Our first excursion was to the Sahara. A trip there reminded me of my earlier travels across the U.S. The mountains of east Morocco were like the ones behind San Diego and northern Arizona. While the desert near the mountains was like southern California and the dunes of the Sahara of those around Yuma, Arizona. Even though it was my first time there, it felt like i had been to it before.
On Jul 4, 2017, at 11:51 PM, Madison Stewart wrote: Today marks week 1 in Morocco and, just like it did when I was here two years ago, time is flying by! I'm trying to pack as much activity as possible into my days here because the only regret I had when I left Morocco last time was that I didn't explore more. I had plenty of fantastic memories and adventures from my first study abroad and, now that I know my way around the city, language, and culture more, I am sure I'll be able to explore and make even more memories during study abroad round two! I arrived in Morocco a few days after my classmates due to a commitment with ROTC, so the day after I arrived in Morocco we were already geared up to go on our Sahara weekend trip! We left that morning and traveled to our halfway point to the desert and stayed in the same hotel we had before. The group hung out by the pool and ate dinner at the hotel's restaurant. In the morning we started the remainder of the drive to the Sahara and arrived late afternoon. From there we traded the bus for some camels and caravaned to our campsite in the desert! At the site we ate a traditional Saharan dinner, ran up and down sand dunes, laid beneath the stars, and listened to music around the campfire. It was a very cool experience. Last time I was in the Sahara a sand storm hit us in the middle of dinner, cutting our evening activities short. The sand storm was an interesting experience in itself, but I'm glad I was able to have the full Sahara experience this time around! After our trip to the Sahara, we returned to Qalam wa Lawh and classes. I was assigned to the Beginner 2 class with many of my classmates from Georgia Southern. With the two classes I've had so far, I haven't seen any new material per se, but it has been beneficial to refresh my memory on the grammar and vocabulary I learned a year ago. I am so grateful and excited to be back in Morocco. I know the coming days and weeks have great things in store!
This first week in Morocco has been amazing. It's awesome getting to see the difference and similarities in the cultures. People are just as nice, if not nicer, than in the South. One huge difference though is walking around as a foreigner. The reactions we receive are a new concept to me as I've never been abroad. It's something to easily cope with though. Typically you just ignore people and they'll leave you alone. Getting to eat different foods and eating at the same resaurants but in a different country has been a tasty experience. McDonald's is way better here than in the US. Chawarma is everything you thought it was. And the ice cream is literally the best thing on this planet. I can't wait for week 2 and to see what it brings!
ReplyDeleteI can’t believe it’s been a week since we got to Morocco. I also can’t believe I’m actually back! And this year it’s even better because I have my two best friends with me. It’s amazing the little things you remember about a place when you return, even if it’s been two years. It was great being here for Eid this year. Even though I didn’t participate in any way it was interesting to hear about and see everyone else’s excitement and preparation. Also, it was great arriving during the end of Ramadan because that was one less day of classes! My class is great though. I love my teacher and my little class.
ReplyDeleteThe desert was sooo much fun! Just as good if not better than last year. It was also nice having extra time at the hotel to go swimming and hang out. I’m very surprised that I actually liked the Couscous since last year I was not a fan. And as usual, I can’t get enough of the fruit here! My camel on the way into the desert was a real trooper, however on the way back I had a different camel and he went rogue once or twice. But if you don’t have a rogue camel did you really experience the desert? I’m excited for this coming week, and the next three! <3
Angel Perry
ReplyDeleteSo it's the end of the first week of the program here in Morocco but I've been here for five weeks because I came a month early in order to take extra darija classes. Darija was pretty fun to learn because you obviously are going to use it more in the streets in Morocco. It's been a little hard readjusting to fusha but it's been nice. I like my class. I placed into B3 and I've actually been learning a lot of new things which is good. I'm nervous for the test this Thursday because although I want to pass to get a good grade, I'm also really nervous about going to I1 if I do pass. But we will see how it turns out!
We spent our first weekend in the desert and everything was just as I remembered. It's interesting experiencing this for the second time because although I have some expectations and thoughts about how things will be, it still is different from last year. I've been enjoying my time, though I am a little homesick.
This coming weekend we will be going to Chefchaouen and I'm looking forward to it because I haven't bought any gifts for my family yet and Chefchaouen has some really good shopping. I'm excited for the next three weeks!
Hannah Johnston
ReplyDeleteThis week has taught me a lot. I have learned things such as how to traverse international airports, interact with people who's native tongue it not my own, how to order off a menu in French, and of course, how to celebrate in authentic Moroccan style. I wont say that every minute has been easy, I have missed my family and my home a great deal, I have spent sleepless nights worrying over homework I couldn't comprehend, and I have shed a tear or two even, from the pains of adjusting to a country that is unlike my own. But everyday, the students I am sharing this experience, and the people I have come to know here have shone through that darkness like stars above the desert sky.
As this first week comes to a close, and I reflect over the lessons I have learned, and the memories I have made, I would like to share few of my favorites...
I have danced around a fire, under the light of the Sahara stars to the beat of the drums. I have bonded with a camel that I have named Balthazar, and learned that not all camels are mean. I was graced by a giant desert beetle, who nestled himself under a pillow meant for me, something many would consider to be good luck. And I have shook sand from my hair that only God knows how many ancient, important figures have shook from their own tresses.
The friendships I have made in this first week have exceeded my expectations, and have nurtured my ability to grow and celebrate life in new and fantastic ways. I can only imagine the perspective altering experiences that await us in the coming weeks and I intend to embrace them in the lighthearted and laid back style of Morocco.
Hunter Wiersma
ReplyDeleteAfter this first week I have learned many new things that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Morocco is far and beyond the expectations i had prior to getting off the plane in Rabat. The weather here is absolutely amazing and the people I get to share these experiences with are even better. One of the great things about being in a foreign country is attempting to navigate your way through the city while conversing with people who cannot understand you. It makes you realize that the world does not function the way you would like or want it to. Language can be confusing and complicated. However, this allows me to appreciate the small things in life and celebrate things that question my sense of comfort. That is exactly what makes life worth living and exploring.
One big surprise to me is how many people speak the French language, but after learning about the history of Morocco and its' French influence it makes sense.
This past weekend was quite a highlight of my life. The trip to the Sahara was very long but was so worth it. Riding the camels into the desert with the sun setting was quite a scene. The great pictures I took there will always remind me how grateful I am of this opportunity to explore another side of the world.
I'm also convinced that tajine will never get old haha. Looking forward to making many more memories for the next 5 weeks here with some amazing people.
This past week in Morocco has already been the best trip of my life. Since we got here at the end of Ramadan we were able to experience that side of the culture, as well as Eid. I'm so happy that I was able to study abroad this year in this amazing country. I've gotten to try different types of food, see people from a different culture, and see beautiful landscapes and buildings. The trip to the Sahara Desert was definitely one that I'll never forget. We were able to ride camels, walk in the desert sand, and see all the stars when the sun went down. I've also really enjoyed the food here because it's very different from American food, and I love trying new things. I think that everyone should be able to have his or her own study abroad experience, mostly because it can be very life changing.
ReplyDeleteFrom the food to the people to the architecture, I have loved almost every moment during my time here in Morocco. After to traveling to the desert this past weekend, I was impressed by the level of diversity along our journey.
ReplyDeleteEven after getting a stomach bug, I still managed to make the most of my time the last four days. As time goes on here, I have learned to communicate better in more ways than just speaking Arabic and to appreciate and celebrate the differences rather than criticize them.
Being in Morocco has been really challenging for me. Every single time I see a child it makes me think about Aminah. However, I've really been trying to keep myself busy so these thoughts don't get to me. It's been really hard being away from my husband and daughter but it's definitely been pretty fun so far. I feel like I've been here for much longer than a week. I've really enjoyed myself so far. It's really been an eye opening experience, especially driving to the desert. We drove by, and visited, many places throughout Morocco and it was very interesting seeing the vast differences of living conditions of the different regions. I knew these places existed and people lived like this, but it wasn't a part of my reality. I really loved going to the desert. I loved the sand (which was way better then wet beach sand that sticks to you). My favorite part of the Sahara trip was sleeping under the stars with my two best friends ❤. We actually stayed up a little while and just watched the stars and eventually saw the Milky Way which was really cool. I wasn't a big fan of the desert soup, but I also didn't have much of an appetite this weekend. I can't say that I'll ever go out of my way to ride a camel into the Sahara, but I wouldn't mind riding an ATV into the Sahara and camping out again.
ReplyDeleteMy first week of Morocco has officially come to an end, and I couldn’t have imagined it any other way. The city of Rabat is full of life even into the late hours of the night. I have been able to enjoy coffee at a coffee shop or even a late dinner in restaurants packed with families enjoying the same delicious and inexpensive meal at 11 at night. The people I have met so far have been so kind and helpful. They are bearable with me once they discover I do not know any French and can speak a little Arabic. They are happy to converse with me to the best of my abilities. I love being in a city where everything is close by and I don’t have to venture too far to find a hot cup of coffee or tea.
ReplyDeleteThe two most surprising things I have found while in Morocco is that the weather and temperature in Rabat is much more mild than I had expected. I had been prepared for blazing hot temperatures, but in reality there is a cool breeze that fills the air. Plus there are hardly any bugs so having the windows open is usually more than enough to keep comfortable. The other surprising thing has been the amount of French that is used in Morocco. I find that a little challenging because I don’t know any French, but many of the waiters/waitresses are fluent in both French and Arabic and I can usually get through the ordering process by getting the Arabic equivalent. This helps with limiting the amount of surprises when the food comes, but there is always at least one surprise, which makes the experience even more fun!
Upon packing for Morocco, I was very excited to get to study abroad again and experience life in an Arab country. Although the culture is different than in America, it's very easy to get around. I can say that Moroccans are some of the most hospitable and nicest people I have ever met. One of my favorite things so far is the diversity here. While the majority of people here speak Darija, it's very common to hear French. I'm super suprised that I can use a little of my Spanish here too! My class is hard and very challenging, but I'm slowly learning. The school is a bit overwhelming because there are a lot of students here, but it's nice to talk to students from different parts of the world. What I love about the program is how we go on a lot of excursions and how there's a lot of places to go to in the city. I'm excited to see what the next few weeks hold!
ReplyDeleteStruck by the beauty of Morocco, I forgot all about my unexchanged currency and lost luggage. The reality that we were definitely not in Kansas anymore was immediate, as Moroccan culture invited us with warm smiling faces that greeted our study abroad group everywhere we went. Being in Morocco has given me a feeling that I had never known before, as I was surprised I feel at home in a place I had never even been before. At every restaurant, convenience store, and even on the street I was greeted with kindly gestures and "Asalaamu wa Alaykum's", and Moroccans went as far to even give me gifts for nothing in return, invite me into their homes to drink tea and teach me Arabic, and help with directions if I simply just looked lost.
ReplyDeleteThe first few days in Morocco were filled with sleep, more tea than I had ever drank in my life, and exploration. During our adventurous hours, I learned that every store had its own specialization from butcher shops, to markets and pharmacies. Without fail, there was a cafe where Moroccans smoke and talk shop for hours on ever corner (my personal favorite). Every building is built individually and artistically, with intricate and painstaking designs, and although I have only been here for a week, I try not to think about the day we have to leave Rabat. The bus rides were captivating, as scenery would change constantly before our eyes as we beheld mountains, deserts, cities and villages demarcated by signs written in Arabic and French.
Being in Morocco has allowed me to speak more Arabic than ever before, assimilate to and learn about a culture different than my own, and most importantly, ride a camel. With the beginning of classes, our teacher, Majuba, was more than encouraging in class, and only spoke in Arabic. Being able to use the what I had learned in the streets has been helping me to retain words at a faster rate than ever before, and locals are more than excited to practice their English with you in return for Arabic. I have thoroughly enjoyed every second I have spent in Morocco, and look forward to the continual growth I have been experiencing in a country where pictures cannot do justice.
شكراً
Emily Krout
My first week in Morocco has gone well. The city of Rabat is good and the people are nice. What I have found interesting is the percentage of those who can speak both Darija and French. Our first excursion was to the Sahara. A trip there reminded me of my earlier travels across the U.S. The mountains of east Morocco were like the ones behind San Diego and northern Arizona. While the desert near the mountains was like southern California and the dunes of the Sahara of those around Yuma, Arizona. Even though it was my first time there, it felt like i had been to it before.
ReplyDeleteSent from my iPhone
DeleteOn Jul 4, 2017, at 11:51 PM, Madison Stewart wrote:
Today marks week 1 in Morocco and, just like it did when I was here two years ago, time is flying by! I'm trying to pack as much activity as possible into my days here because the only regret I had when I left Morocco last time was that I didn't explore more. I had plenty of fantastic memories and adventures from my first study abroad and, now that I know my way around the city, language, and culture more, I am sure I'll be able to explore and make even more memories during study abroad round two!
I arrived in Morocco a few days after my classmates due to a commitment with ROTC, so the day after I arrived in Morocco we were already geared up to go on our Sahara weekend trip! We left that morning and traveled to our halfway point to the desert and stayed in the same hotel we had before. The group hung out by the pool and ate dinner at the hotel's restaurant. In the morning we started the remainder of the drive to the Sahara and arrived late afternoon. From there we traded the bus for some camels and caravaned to our campsite in the desert! At the site we ate a traditional Saharan dinner, ran up and down sand dunes, laid beneath the stars, and listened to music around the campfire. It was a very cool experience. Last time I was in the Sahara a sand storm hit us in the middle of dinner, cutting our evening activities short. The sand storm was an interesting experience in itself, but I'm glad I was able to have the full Sahara experience this time around!
After our trip to the Sahara, we returned to Qalam wa Lawh and classes. I was assigned to the Beginner 2 class with many of my classmates from Georgia Southern. With the two classes I've had so far, I haven't seen any new material per se, but it has been beneficial to refresh my memory on the grammar and vocabulary I learned a year ago.
I am so grateful and excited to be back in Morocco. I know the coming days and weeks have great things in store!
Madison
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