It's really hard for me to believe that my trip is already ending. I remember my first awkward day here, when I walked into our hotel as one of the last people to arrive and introduced myself to everyone. It's amazing how in six weeks, I have transformed as a person and my group has become so tight knit. At the PDO in DC, I could hardly remember a basic greeting in Arabic (Salam Alaykum) and now I'm able to have simple conversations. My past week has been packed full of adventures, and let's be honest - who needs sleep when you've got coffee? I'll try to recall my past week, but it's all a blur to me because it's flying by and I'm trying to make the most of my final days in Africa.
We had a lecture on Moroccan carpets, visited an authentic carpet souk, have had a million hours of Arabic class, worked on our final project, finished our garden (it actually ended up looking quite nice, despite our complaints that we weren't getting anything done.) We also had one of two re-entry orientations, which was a huge bummer for everyone. Nobody wanted to hear that we would be leaving so soon, or that coming back is a million times harder than leaving. I think everyone knew it, but nobody was ready to talk about it. It's time to face reality I guess, and it's better to accept that you're leaving than hit a wall of culture shock upon return, though it's inevitable. Okay though, let's see what else is new since I last updated..
On Saturday we went to Fes. It's an incredible city, with a beautiful old medina that has winding, hilly streets and shop vendors prepared to bargain on every corner. Multiply the factors of claustrophobia, 100 degree weather, conservative and uncomfortable clothing, a beating sun, and a lack of sleep by ten though, and you'll realize..Not the most pleasant experience. Our dance party in the bus to C'est La Vie plus blasting the air conditioning made it an awesome ride home, though.
I don't really have time to blog, because I need to be either studying Arabic or making the most of my last few nights of Ramadan festivities in Morocco.
So, see you soon America!
Love from Morocco,
Marg
We had a lecture on Moroccan carpets, visited an authentic carpet souk, have had a million hours of Arabic class, worked on our final project, finished our garden (it actually ended up looking quite nice, despite our complaints that we weren't getting anything done.) We also had one of two re-entry orientations, which was a huge bummer for everyone. Nobody wanted to hear that we would be leaving so soon, or that coming back is a million times harder than leaving. I think everyone knew it, but nobody was ready to talk about it. It's time to face reality I guess, and it's better to accept that you're leaving than hit a wall of culture shock upon return, though it's inevitable. Okay though, let's see what else is new since I last updated..
On Saturday we went to Fes. It's an incredible city, with a beautiful old medina that has winding, hilly streets and shop vendors prepared to bargain on every corner. Multiply the factors of claustrophobia, 100 degree weather, conservative and uncomfortable clothing, a beating sun, and a lack of sleep by ten though, and you'll realize..Not the most pleasant experience. Our dance party in the bus to C'est La Vie plus blasting the air conditioning made it an awesome ride home, though.
I don't really have time to blog, because I need to be either studying Arabic or making the most of my last few nights of Ramadan festivities in Morocco.
So, see you soon America!
Love from Morocco,
Marg
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