A 2-month update!

Well, a lot has certainly happened in the last 2 months since I moved into my house! For one thing, I do everything myself!!! Cooking, shopping, cleaning, collecting water and personal hygiene alone seem to take up over half of each day! Then if I try to fit in things like exercise, email and language learning, it's hard to find time to work! So, with the travel I've been doing, BEGINing to find this balance has been the basis for everyday life. Then, there are times when one struggle seems to take over several days... for example: I have lost water in my house almost entirely now, so I have to go outside to the tap to gather it... well, this tap is also shared by three other families, so some days, the line of filling jugs doesn't make it to me before the water gets cut off! So, once I went three days before I was able to fill my buckets... Another struggle has been to get internet working in my house. It was no problem to get the connection (about a month and a half ago) but getting that connection to be recognized by my macintosh has consumed the better part of weeks... (and still to no avail) but even so, comparing these struggles to the things I imagined I would face as a Peace Corps Volunteer... they seem so trivial.. I mean I can have an internet connection in my house!!! Can I really complain? Yes, I can (and do at times), but I shouldn't.

Now, on from everyday life and onto the big events! In February, my host mother had her baby! They don't name babies right away. They have a baby naming ceremony a week after the birth where the Imam (religious leader) comes and gives the baby it's name. The day after she was back from the hospital (the day after birth), I visited and they asked me what I thought would be a nice name... I told them I liked the name Aya. Then, came the baby naming... they told the Imam my suggestion and so it was!!! I named my new baby sister! Aya, I found out, is a modern Muslim name and is what they call the verses in the Koran.


A couple of weeks after the baby was born and I was mostly settled in my house, I decided to have people over. I had my tutor over with her friends one evening and then my host family over the next evening. Around 5:00 pm each day, Moroccan families have "casqrout" or snack. Sometimes it's just tea and bread. Sometimes it gets quite elaborate. My tutor's are always pretty elaborate... So, I went all out! We had 10 herb tea, bread/butter/cheese, olives, figs, strawberries, oatmeal raisin cookies (oatmeal is a novelty in Morocco... haven't met a Moroccan yet that was familiar with it), and brownies (they were more like cake though because I used Moroccan chocolate, which isn't very chocolately). I also had my wood burning furnace going, so it was very cozy. Everything was great and all were impressed! It gave everyone an opportunity to see my house and it gave me an opportunity to show a little hospitality back to them.

So, from the above, Yes, I bought a stove! My sister Angela's gift of an oven thermometer made me excited to get one! This has a little story too... The ovens here are interesting. They are basically metal boxes with holes in the back and gas burners through the middle under the shelf. So, the first time I light the burners, I smell paint fumes. This happened with my furnace too, so I assumed I just had to let the paint burn off... I opened all the windows and waited about a half hour. The smell wasn't fading, so I took another look.... oops! Turns out I was burning the wall this whole time!!! The gas was on too high and flames were shooting out the back of the oven and burning the wall! After that, I began moving the oven away from the wall when I bake! Aside from the wall though, I haven't burnt anything! Big thanks for the thermometer! Other volunteers are always having problems with their ovens... Aside, from the brownies and cookies, I've also baked cornbread and scones (twice!). Yum!

I also commissioned one of the women of the Association to make me a rug of scrap material (you know how I'm all about recycling!) and it turned out quite nice (and warm!) Here she is with it half made on her loom.





I've been on some big trips too! For the four day weekend last month (celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed), I went to Marrakech to meet up with Mahri (my best friend from training). To our delight two other friends came as well. It was a long trip (about 11 hours for me), but well worth it! It was so wonderful to be roommates again ~ relaxing, and just talking. Marrakech is such a tourist destination that we didn't even feel like we were in Morocco anymore. It was a lot of fun to explore leisurely and to eat ice cream!!! We went to the Yves Saint Lauren Garden, which was lovely, taking in some amazing vegetation and lots of pictures! We ate in the intense and overcrowded Djema al fna one night although we were very money conscious, we accidently drank some coffee that cost over $3! I know this sounds fine, but it was 5 times the most expensive coffee would have been in our sites and still 3 times what it cost elsewhere in Marrakech. Oh well, at least it was just coffee. The trip was really relaxing and overall delightful! Next, we are hoping to take a camel journey to the dunes together!





Shortly after returning from that fantastic trip, I set out to the most north eastern part of the country - Oujda, to assist with a Moroccan Spring Camp for teenagers. I assisted an intermediate English class as well as leading a "Media Club." Now, media was not my first (or second or third) choice of clubs to lead, but it was what the Director requested and turned out to be the most popular club of the camp. We made a short film in 4 days! It was great to see the kids take it on as their own project, after helping them establish roles of director, screenwriters, actors, etc. In the end, the film could've used some more time and focus, but I was proud of everyone for pulling together and getting it finished. Other interesting notes about camp: I met a kid who talked to me about vampires and gothic music (in Arabic!) Another boy threw a "love airplane" at me during English class (which said "You are beautiful") and spurred a full on paper wad throwing frenzy... We had kids crab walking, wheel barreling, tug of warring (which turned out to be unmanageable, but fun) and Boom ShakaRaka-ing! Moroccan staff REALLY love music and singing a lot - they have amazing energy! But, we (the 8 PCVs involved) were exhausted everyday, with only about an hour and a half off during the day (in which we usually were planning lessons over coffee), getting up at 7:30 am and working until 11:30 pm. I also learned... I don't really like working with kids or with youth programming... especially when tired.

However, one day, we took a field trip to Saidia, which is a beach town on the Mediterranean. It was gorgeous (although very windy and a little cold); it was so nice to see the sea! We could see Algeria from the beach!

On my way home from Spring Camp, I met up with some friends and we took a gorgeous 5 hour hike through some of the lovliest land I've seen yet in Morocco!

















And then, returning from 2 weeks away, I was greeted at the post office by two amazing boxes from my family! Everything from Easter Candy and Molasses to a fitted flannel sheet and new slippers! My family is SO AWESOME! I Love You!!! Thanks for being so supportive and loving. You're the best!

This past weekend, I visited a friend for her birthday (about an hour and half hike from Azrou - lovely!) and did a little exploring around Azrou (which means "rock") - so climbed the Big Rock there and encountered a lion...






















AND!!! picked up my new KITTEN! 2 months ago, the nicest cat in Morocco (owned by a rug shop owner in Azrou) had kittens. She had three and the 3rd one was for me... sadly, that kitten died the day after it was born. So, I thought I was on my own to find another, until (also unfortunately) one of the other "to-be owners" was a PCV who had to be medically separated and a kitten was again available for me! So, Sunday, Taniya (tan-ee-ya) returned home with me. *Name explanation: Taniya means "second" in dialect. She is "Laila Taniya" Laila, which is my Moroccan name, means "night." She is black, so you can see how this is fitting... She was also the second kitten born. I held her all night and morning... she is so tiny and frightened, but she seems to be adjusting now. Soon she'll be gnawing chicken heads and using the turkish toilet - like a well-adapted cat!

And Finally - let me tell you about how exciting work is!! First of all - we have 3 more exhibitions scheduled this month! One in Rabat, one in Konitra (city outside Rabat) and one in Meknes. Next month, possibilities include an exhibition in Ifrane, an agriculture workshop in Khenifra, and the beginning of the grant writing for the REALLY BIG PROJECT - "TDART." Tdart means "house" in Tamazight (the Berber dialect of this area). This is an amazing project that I can hardly believe is even possible, but it does seem to be materializing! Land has been contracted to the Association for this project in a small town 5 kilometers from my site (on the main road). The "Berber House" will include a showroom, areas for artisans to work (weavers, knitters, painters, potters..), an office, kitchen, lodging, showers, a garden with plants for natural dyes and medicinal herbs, animals for work and sales, AND this will be solar powered, water will be well drawn and recycled/filtered through the property. (That's scraping the surface of the project). The hope is that this is completed before my 2 years is up... So, by December 2009!

And to make happy happier ~ SPRING has SPRUNG! Wildflowers are spreading. Warmth is returning. Life is bright!













More photos uploaded at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12973534@N04/

Finally - Dari Zweena!!! (My Beautiful House!)

So, I moved into my new house Feb 4 and have since then gotten most everything in order :) It's a lot of fun decorating it and making use of things on a limited budget. I have priority mail boxes for a dresser, mosquito nets for curtains, my heater box for a bookcase and a apple crate for a nightstandwell. I love it. It's the one I had described before as being much bigger than I needed, but it fit all my requests (, actually, no the water in the tap didn't happen, but I'm making due.) and it was under budget, so all is well and it's pretty fantastic!


I took a little video to share... hope you enjoy. Let me know what you think - I wonder how different things are outside the PC perspective... I had two trips to move my things (first trip with my host sister, brother, and cousin, helping move cleaning supplies and blankets... They helped me clean too, so sweet! and second with the donkey cart! I paid him about $2.50, which was overpayment because he helped us carry it all up into my house too!)

Some other work activities (I have had a very busy month. *again* - not thinking that will change anytime soon) We had an organization come to town and do Aids testing for the women here. They tested them in this well equipped van here and in nearby towns. Praise God, everyone here was negative, but not the case in surrounding areas... a Health Volunteer came from a nearby town and helped too. Unfortunately, there is a surprising number of prostitutes in most cities in Morocco and the disease is spreading.
We took a trip into the mountains to visit an association that had come to a training they did for associations prior to my coming. We talked to them about their goals and about roles of officers, etc. It seemed motivational for them and like they will benefit. It was the first time I felt really removed from urbanization and the developing world. Everything was as it was many years ago, living off the land and their livestock in their mud house without electricity, etc. It was great, what I expected of a PC experience - but that's where the flexibility and adaptability come in - no problem. Still, it was beautiful and I had some of the best natural butter ever and I think I'm in love with fig jelly! yum. They made us a great lunch too.







This past weekend, we launched "Eco-Tourism" in town! A group of 25 came from the north to do a 50K hike in the surrounding mountains, including waterfalls, old villages, beautiful trees and stone, etc. They stayed two nights in a tradtional home here, with tradtional (and wonderful) breakfasts and dinners. They hiked Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm and followed with Berber dancing and singing. Each person pays a small fee (about $30 this time) and it helps the women cooking, cleaning, the guides, and the association. We are increasing this experience to include options for donkeys, massages, changing the length of the hike, etc. Very exciting :)




I also attended a 4 day workshop on natural dyes and weaving to better understand carpets and helpful information for artisans currently making them... This weekend I will be attending a 4 day workshop of the "Volunteer Support Network" to have a better understanding and training of how to support other volunteers (these are great life skills as well - active listening and general support).


During all this, I've also heard some excellent news about what is coming up! We will have another exhibition in Rabat in March combined with a conflict resolution/yoga workshop! We will be working with a French group to start an aromatic plant center in town (and they have also promised to later donate a car!), the president of the French association we regularly send carpets to is coming today and will stay for a month to work on projects with us (and me). I had a couple of the other volunteers from the province come and meet with us as well and they are super excited to work with us as well... We will be planning a Natural Dye Workshop for Artisans in the province, so they can learn the traditional techniques for dying their wool (this also increased the value of the carpet, as well as being good for the environment and maintaining traditional techniques). We have a lot ahead!

Artisana Berber Exposition! RABAT

The exhibition was an excellent success!

It was a first for many of our Association, as well as the SIFE team's first time organizing any such event, so putting those two things together with the outcome of our weekend, we should all be entirely and utterly impressed! Ok, I'll just speak for myself - I'm SO impressed! With the exception of a great lack of sleep, the event was fairly seamless and raised a lot of money to support the many women weavers, crocheters, and artist of the Association!



We had visitors from the American Embassy, Peace Corps (including the Country Director), The Institute of Agricultural and Veterinary Studies, the Sports Club, and many others! We sold most of what we brought that was for sale, including carpets, woven pillow cases, woven shoes, crocheted hats, scarves, and tea cozy sets, traditional cous cous and art by the Association's local artist, Mohamed. Overall, the event took in almost $900! This is a fantastic outcome for these women! There was also a lot of opportunity for networking and for learning how to improve things for next time! Very exciting. I hope that this video will give you a sense of what the exhibition and products were like! Wish you could have been there! Everything here is from our Association except for the candles made from seashells (a Cooperative's project). The very first rugs that you see (and can see before the video starts) are made from entirely natural materials in the traditional process. The women shear the sheep, clean the wool, wind it, dye the wool with plants, and weave them! Beautiful.

Photos are:
The SIFE Group and Members of our Association
Sohad, my "roommate" for the weekend (from SIFE) with some of the work of Mohamed the Artist... At the Association they just call him "Fnan" or "Artist"
A detail of one of the Beautiful Kilim Carpets of a women in the Association
Me with Mohamed (Vice President) and Mohamed (aka Moumi, President)

Grandma, 1914-2008

She showed her love in another way
Applesauce and Spaghettios
Maybe she never said so
triple axle/double lux
She didn't talk a lot
But we knew she was thrilled to see us
coconut cakes and basement bikes
Maybe she was used to being alone
aluminum cups and perfect rooms
But the cycle of life around her
an unmade gingerbread house
Reminded her of her journey through
Even after forgetting
photo albums and tvs gone
Her love was there in a different way.

"When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy. When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."
-Kahlil Gibran

All that work calls for relaxation...

Having eaten the traditional Muslim New Year cous cous on both the day before I left and again the day I returned, I feel no guilt or remorse for taking the holiday to relax and enjoy some good American fun and company! Unknowing what to expect (as is typical of any adventure), I set out to spend my long weekend a little higher in the mountains, where two other volunteers live. Well, what ensued was another fabulous weekend of hiking (but this time with lots of snow and mud!), snow sliding and jumping (new olympic sport)...
and bum.bum.bum....The first Gingerbreadmen Community of Morocco!!! Oh yes, it was a struggle, but here they are (those whom survived the oven and didn't have their heads bitten off... )

SO MUCH NEWS!!!

I've been wanting to update you all on what I've been doing with the association and the Holidays, and well, on everything, but because all of that has been going on, I have felt not only like I had no free time to do that, but no free time in general (this free time comes from being snowed in!! see later explanation). But, as I'm thinking about how to remedy that, great things have been happening...

A group of from an Agricultural Institute in Rabat came to visit one Saturday (sort of unexpectedly). We had lunch with them after suq, followed by a 4.5 hour meeting and dinner until almost midnight. Not understanding most of what was said was exhausting (to say the least). But I later found out, they work with an organization (and apparently represent Morocco for a worldwide development org called SIFA) and they've chosen the association to be one of the few groups they will be able to develop projects with! So, we are going to work together on some things - probably marketing and exhibitions within Morocco, which after the meeting, they felt would be the best way for them to assist us. They spent the 4.5 hours finding out about everything I'm supposed to be learning in my first 6 months here, of course, it was a lot easier for them - speaking Arabic... But the great thing for me is they also speak ok English and they are going to translate the key points of the meeting for me into English! Whoa! 6 months of work practically done for me... Humdullah! Praise God!

Of course, Moumi (counterpart), already knows what he needs and what he wants me to work on (the organization was also super impressed with his development ideas and understanding of what needs to be done!), so without understanding everything fully, I've already begun some pretty big projects. Here is a little announcement I developed to introduce the new teapot cozy set. They are made by girls out of high school that don't have the fortune of jobs, but are excited to work and make things. I will also be working with them on product development (and I've recently come across a few exporting opportunities that we might pursue). In the background is a beautiful carpet (actually hanging in my host family's salon) that one of the women in the association made... I think the French in this version is a little off and has since been updated...

In addition we had a meeting on that Sunday night (only 1.5 hours this time) to change the officers in the Association and declare new objectives, so that now all of the officers are actively participating in the work of the Association and the work of the association can be productive on many levels. This was really important because now the officers are the most active people there and will be able to take on some responsibilities that Moumi has been having to do himself. Awesome :) This finally became official after a few trips to Judicial Offices in slightly far away towns!

Prior to actually moving to town, I digitized and cleaned up logos for 4 nearby associations that had developed them as a result of a recent workshop for association building that my association put on last year.


I have begun meeting with all of the women weavers (members) in their homes and learning about their lives and their products, starting biographical and information sheets for each of them to assist in grant seeking. I have also had several conversations about development and various needs of the town and the people here. We have discussed environmental issues, exporting costs, pricing, marketing, sustainability, and reputability (to name a few). These conversations are usually hybrids of English, Drija, and French.

Inshallah, we will be having an exhibition in Rabat towards the end of January, so are now doing alot to prepare for that. We plan to take carpets, crocheted items (including hats, scarfs, tea cozy sets, handbags and more), and paintings by Mohamed (a painter at the Association). I will be assisting mostly with marketing materials, product development, and merchandising.

In addition to working with the association, I plan to work with my counterpart individually with his small business. We have began talking about his objectives and plans for the future. He currently makes and sells sandwiches out of a small metal shack on suq day. In the next year, he plans to open a hanut with proper equipment to make a small fast food restaurant, which he will operate on Fridays and Saturdays (He will be the only food vendor in town!). Currently, he hopes to open the hanut this summer.

Another side project (because I wasn't yet sure if I got a running start...) It seems one of the most visible needs in town is Environmental Education. There is a somewhat active Environment Association in town and my Association has recently adopted new objectives and has included environmental issues as part of it’s future work. I would like to work more extensively with an Environment volunteer nearby to develop a program for Environmental Education. I have spoken about the possibility with environment volunteers and by having trash pick up daily in town, the education factor seems like the next step towards solving the problem! Enough about work....

Onto the Holidays!!! Eid K'Bir was an amazing cultural experience! but, it's been exhausting... On the day of Eid, my host father slaughtered 3 sheep! One for our family, one for his brother (who had broken his arm), and one for a woman neighbor (whose husband isn't around - I believe that is her situation?) Anyway, having never seen anything die before, I was a little overwhelmed by the time I realized there was a third. You can get a little bit of the feelings from the video, but it's pretty hard to describe... I felt like I was in the midst of an entirely unreal experience. There was a sheep dying in front of me, raising it's head after it was almost not connected, making noises as it struggled for air, writhing on the ground in agony... The family was used to this, having done it each year, they didn't take notice of much (you can also observe this in the video). I think this is probably similar to how most of us feel during the holidays... we forget how special what is going on really is (I realized that this Christmas... I didn't miss the crowded malls and the obsession with buying lots of things, but I missed the feeling of Christmas. I missed the excitement of being together with nothing in particular to do, the sounds, and the love -- fortunately for me, I was blessed to find those things here too!) Back to the sheep... I told you my host dad is a butcher... so this whole process was surprisingly fast. I was surprised that there wasn't something more ritualistic when the sheep was first brought out (since this is a remembrance of the sacrifice that Abraham was asked to make)... Then he cut off the head and cut a hole in the skin, then proceeded to blow it up like a balloon! This aided in skinning the sheep. It was then hung and the skin removed, then the insides removed (all of them). I was amazed when he blew out the things that the sheep had not yet digested in order to have clean intestines for later eating (and check out how long they were!) The whole process was startling, but in fact, I think it actually brings one closer to understanding the idea of eating another living thing. I think if we are eating meat, we should be more in touch with all of this. Speaking of eating, that's what we did for the rest of the week (and then some). Some people eat all parts of the sheep, but I'm pretty sure my family removed some things from their menu. I didn't come across any eyeballs or testicles that I know of. Sheep is served twice a day for as long as it lasts, it seems. Dinner is usually sheep and prunes (surprisingly tasty here because there is lots of sugar cooked in). Sheep is a really fatty meat, I've found (but I wonder if they fatten it up on purpose, like people do to make meat more tender)... They BBQ liver wrapped in stomach lining (you'll see the skewers in the video). Today, we had cous cous with stomach and on the side a special delicacy (lungs wrapped in stomach and tied with intestines - they looked like meat sushi!) I wasn't around for the eating of the head, but I hear it is often served straight out and when you are done, there is a skull left. Oh yeah, I should mention, I don't eat any of this. My family is awesome. I told them in the beginning I'm not used to eating much other than meat, so they don't even ask anymore! They don't even mind that I remove the fat, but there are other volunteers that have eaten it all. *Note, it's 2 weeks after Eid now and we are still eating Eid sheep, but not every meal.*

In events of Eid besides sheep, on the morning of Eid (before the sheep), we had a sugary breakfast with lots of cookies and then everyone gets dressed up and goes around town visiting each other. They all offer you to come in and have tea and cookies, but we only did this in a couple of our closest relatives houses. I think that dressing up for Eid used to be wearing traditional dresses and jellabas, but with western wear becoming prevalent, that has changed. I was surprised to see that the new clothes that people got for Eid were sometimes sweat suits or jeans or sweaters or even bath robes... and that is what they wore out. I wore the dress I made and felt rather overdressed. They later gave me a traditional dress to wear and I felt out of place again because I was the only one wearing anything nearly so fancy! But, it was nice to see everyone out in the street, wishing each other a Good Eid (they actually say Congratulations! which seems odd - don't yet know why that is) and they give lots of kisses (this is everyday, but since we visited so many people, there was an exceptionally large amount of cheek kissing!)


Later in the day, it rained (it was my first rain in town!) and then a little later, the blessing of a gorgeous rainbow from the roof! - I could see the entire thing! I really did feel as if it was a blessing over the town, over me, and my start of so much here... The night before Eid, my host sister did henna on our hands. She was the only one in our family doing it, so she got pretty tired. Then, to make it last a long time, they told me to wear it over night before washing off the plant based dye that was still on the surface. That wasn't much fun, since it flakes off sort of like if you had lines of cake icing on your hands. A few nights prior, I helped my host sister make cookies (she made 4 kinds). This was important because cookies are served with tea throughout the day during this time of year. And after that day, practically every dinner is eaten in a different house with tea and cookies first, then dinner later. Each family hosts a dinner (and we have a big family), so this has been going on for two weeks as well... So, yeah, it's all been pretty exhausting... but interesting.

Christmas was fantastic! I climbed a mountain on Christmas day! (felt awesome to get some exercise and to be looking out from the top of the mountain is no small reward!) There was a small Christmas tree, presents, American food, Christmas cookies, real eggnog (without the rum), singing, and presents from home. I felt so blessed! For everything...

Santa Claus even showed up, but not for Christmas... For some reason, Moroccans tend to associate Santa Claus with New Years. I have heard this from every Moroccan that I talked to about it, then it was confirmed when there was a Happy New Year's sign in Marjan (large American-like Walmart-type store) with Santa and his reindeer. Here they call him Papa Noel and he came on New Year's Eve to the Association and gave all of the kids a gift. I was also designated photographer for this event and took a picture of each kid on Santa's lap. I have to admit, this is not something I would ever like to do again! I got kicked in the head at one point. Small children were crying. Some were pushing and many were yelling. But, Santa handled it all very well. I had dinner with another uncle's family and then the adults of the association went to Moumi's house for cookies (that I made! Chocolate Chip - not like home, but not bad either... they loved them) and a dance party! We danced until 1:30 a.m. and this included a countdown and speeches in 4 languages! Dancing was terrific (and Moumi is crazy!). We had so much fun and I was even declared Moroccan when trying to shake my hips like they do... Then, on New Year's day, my family had a small party for me (surprise!) and the people from the association came. We had special tasty "fat bread" (it really is made with fat) and the association gave me a scarf as a gift! It was really sweet and of course, we drank tea... For New Year's, I also sent out this great picture via email to some of the friends of the association :) These are the children that are taught at the association and my host sister (teacher) saying "Happy New Year to Friends, AFC" in French.


Answering a question about my adjustment (socially and culturally): I’ve been really fortunate. My host sister works daily at the association teaching the children and my counterpart is also related to my host family. Between my host family, my counterpart and celebrating Eid, I feel like I’ve met half of the town. I’m able to do most things on my own at this point, but if I want help, there is always someone willing to come or help me. When I walk from town to my home, I always encounter at least one person who knows my name. As far as cultural adaptation goes, I feel like I am very adaptable and haven’t had any struggles that weren’t easily overcome by perspective. The hardest thing has been not being able to spend time by myself and be warm at the same time. There is always someone who wants to come and talk to me and watch what I’m doing. Hopefully, this will change as I'm able to have my own house.

Yes, my own house: I'm pretty sure about the house I will rent, but I have two more left to see... This house is pretty incredible, but it's certainly more than I need. On one side of the house (the side that I'm excited about), there is a bedroom, a sitting room (where the forno will go) another sitting area that is more of an open area in the middle and the kitchen. It's great that the most used rooms are separated because it will be easier to keep this side of the house warm(ish). The kitchen has a skylight and glass tiles on the floor that allow light to come in from above and below. And it also has the few things that I had hoped most for: running water (from time to time, about once a day), a private rooftop terrace (this is SO important for warmth. The sun is strong and during the day, it is often warm outside, but cold in the house), it's clean! (big bonus!), and I would have reasonable privacy (it's on the end corner two residential streets). There is also a separate water room from the bathroom (great for doing laundry and bathing without standing over the toilet). On the way to the roof, there is a place to store fire wood and there are also two other empty rooms on the other side of the house. I would have preferred something smaller, but, this is the only one that really met the requirements... I suppose I'll have plenty of space for company and to store my bike... (oh yeah, and it's under budget!)

So, this weekend, I had a trip planned to go to Rabat for a friend's birthday, but the day I was going to leave, a blizzard hit! It snowed and snowed! I didn't realize the extent of this storm and I was trying desperately to leave. The taxis were telling me it wasn't possible, but then someone else would tell me it was, that buses were going north, if I go to the next town. It was hailing at this point and I was soaked. Moumi showed up and told me it wasn't possible. The road was blocked with snow. I finally resigned my attempt and began home (it was so windy, I literally would have fallen over, if Moumi hadn't caught me). But, then the Jendarmes (local officials) felt it was possible, so they tried calling the road authorities, but their cell service was out, so then they tried to find me a different ride (of someone going in that direction) - This man told me it was too dangerous for automobiles to drive and that made it final. I went home, removed my wet clothes and sat by the fire. Electricity went out and the rest of the night was spent quietly by candlelight (not bad, all things considered!) The next morning, I got word, the buses weren't going... Ok, I get it... it's snowing and I can't go. Maybe I'll make cookies again and write my blog! Well, at noon, I get word that the bus is going and my friend south of me is now on the bus to Rabat... Oh! Ok, should I get ready? How are the roads? I just heard less than a half hour north of me there is a foot of snow and it's still going strong (like it is here!)... What to do? An hour later, I get word again - the bus didn't go anywhere. It's not going to. It's over... finally. We aren't going. All the ups and downs nearly killed me AND to top it off, the whole time, my host family thinks I'm crazy. They knew from the beginning no one was going anywhere, but they get a big kick out of telling the story!



Some info that I'm not sure I've told you about the town I live in (for a little perspective and background): The population is about 5,000; running water is available only once a day (for the most part), but is sometimes not everyday and is sometimes twice a day. There are definite sanitation issues; garbage is picked up daily, but it is still discarded on the side of the road and in the fields, etc. There is one hospital in town, with one doctor, and there is one dentist in town, but the doctor has very limited facilities and both practices are reported to not be able to do much. I was told not to use the dentist. Other services include cybers (places to use the internet), teleboutiques (to make phone calls from landlines), post office, photocoping, fax machines, hanuts (little shops where you can buy basic supplies), an electronics/appliances store, and two pharmacies. There are 4 hammams (bath houses) and many cafes (that serve coffee and the like, but no food). There are no restaurants or hotels. There is a large suq (outdoor market) every Saturday, where you can find most things needed for daily life. The school system includes 3 levels, but the middle level and the high school share the same building. Transportation is possible before 5, via taxi, to most places, although, sometimes a 'layover' is necessary. There is more transportation available on suq day and a bus picks up going north early every morning. My town seems to be very safe. My host family has asked me to not be out after dark because there are ‘bad people’ and dogs, but on the few occasions I have been out, I have observed no problems and the only dogs are the ones that are used to people. Still, when I will be arriving home after dark, I try to walk with someone else or someone from my host family will meet me. There doesn't seem to be any harassment problems either. The most serious danger is theft at suq, so I always make sure to be very aware of my cell phone and wallet, but still it's not like in larger cities.

AND To relieve a little anxiety that I've been hearing in emails: the forno at my host family's house has been wonderful. Between it's warmth and the abundance of blankets on my bed - I stay warm. I have also been able to go pretty regularly to the hammam (meaning about every 3 days), so I'm also feeling fine about getting clean :) I love hearing from you all in your comments and emails and real mail! Thanks for the Christmas cards!!! And I'm so happy that you are enjoying my sharing!! If you have any questions, please ask, it's often insightful for me to hear what I'm leaving out and perhaps not thinking about!

I think this is my favorite photo since I arrived in Morocco! I can't take credit for it though... Thanks bzzzzaafff (alot, but the amount changes with how long you hold those middle letters!) to Barry of the Environment Crowd!

Added additional photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12973534@N04/