We met our language partners today! Well kind of. The students in Morocco are still on break, and the weather was bad so not everyone showed up. But we had a great time! We played an icebreaker for like an hour, and it was so much fun! It seems like we have a great group of students to hang out with while we are here! Mackenzie and I were paired up with Miriam, but it seems like we will be spending a lot of time with everyone in the group. Some of the guys in the group live in Ocean so they can walk us home if we are all hanging out after dark. "It's my life" is the nickname of one of the guys in the group...still geeking out on that one. I can't wait to hang out with everyone, they are going to help so much with learning the language and learning all fun things to do while we are here!
I had my first day at my internship today, I met with the director and we (Rebecca and I work at the same office) went to the office today to set our schedules. I will be working there Tuesday and Thursday from 10AM-2PM. We have our ESL training next Wednesday, I will be teaching English at a community development center Tuesday and Thursday nights and on Wednesday nights I will be teaching English to adults at the centre la democracia. The office is SUPER close to AMIDEAST, which is great since I will need to get back to school for class after work.
Amelia and I browsed through some of the stores in Agdal today. We will need to head back for a shopping day soon, the stores were a little too overwhelming for window shopping lol.
We are working on a Super Bowl party at AMIDEAST! We are 6 hours ahead so we can't watch the game Sunday :( But it'll still be fun! We usually don't have anything "planned" Monday afternoons because it is reserved for program activities, and Doha said it would be a good cultural activity so we are inviting our conversation partners. I think we are going to make some food as well. Now we just need to figure out how to screen the game!
We had a lecture today about Amazigh/Berber history today. Our professor was hilarious and super friendly. He is taking us to Meknes and Fez next month; it should be a fun trip, it sounds like he has some exciting things planned for us.
First Darija quiz Wednesday, AGHHH!!!!! I need to practice with Fatima tomorrow for sure!! Well I have fusha homework as always so it's back to the books.
Allah Yhnnik
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
week one=complete
1st week of school=completed....wow
So I have finalized my courses, and we just finished our first week of school. I am taking Contemporary Moroccan Culture, the Islamic World and the West, and Community Based Learning (my internship). All of the courses seem very interesting, I just finished reading Zohra's Latter for CMC, it was one of those books that makes you want be a drifter and a novelist for your whole life. I am currently reading Year of the Elephant translated from Arabic into English, and it is heart-breaking right now!
On Wednesday a group of us met at Upstairs and then took a trek to the Kasbah. Sitting on the fort walls and watching the ocean was so peaceful. I feel so close to home still, which is somewhat disconcerting considering I'm more than an ocean away from my family and friends. I suppose I should just accept my acceptance and not rush the culture shock which I've been expecting to feel. I suppose I take a lot of comfort in the knowledge that anywhere I want to be is a simple plane ride away.
We went to the Mega Mall on Friday to go ice-skating. It was like walking right into an American mall, complete with giggly high fashion pre-teens and over-priced coffee (the mall walkers were noticeably absent). My first time on ice skates in about 8 years went surprisingly well, I guess I'm finally growing out of my in coordination. Some of the girls and I went to Upstairs after the mall, I'm always craving their fries and a beer (the Wisconsin in me); it's a nice change of pace from the endless tea and bread we get here at home (definitely not complaining, I love our host family!). That low-carb diet I was dying to try is pretty much impossible here, and now that school is starting to take off I find myself struggling with the family life. I think this is because I moved away from home when I started college and I rarely returned, so I am used to the solitude of my studies, and late night social and study sessions. No 4 AM homework nights split up by trips to Wonderland and Mario-marathons here. Also when I was at home(my parent's house) I had claimed the entire basement for myself at an early age (I'm thinking around 12 years old) and I was rarely disturbed in my cozy cave after the droves of teenagers were forced back to their own homes (generally by their parents, not mine). The massive amounts of freedom I have had from an early age on make assimilating to restrictions here interesting, although I wouldn't say necessarily harder or easier. I am struck with the realization that regardless of the society I am entrenched in part of me is always living up to my father's accusation that I am a hermit (a little hypocritical considering he is always firmly rooted to the same spot in his dimly lit man-cave of a living room, while my mother needs to be pried out of bed if she is engrossed in a book). Good thing I have a great group here to keep me social, and a roommate who loves to be out and about.
I am eager to receive our library cards this week! I have been craving a quite place since our visit to the Kasbah (which was quite deserted during our brief stay and virtually silent). That was truly a magical night that I will remember forever, I am glad we went during our first week here before I become accustomed to the beauty of this ocean city.
We went shopping in the Medina with Doha yesterday, it was a lot of fun but I likely won't return until I have some more Arabic. It was quite frustrating because nobody speaks English, which is my favorite part about Morocco. I feel like an outsider because I can't communicate, and as I jealously watch everyone communicate in Arabic I feel a strong desire to be sitting at home with my Arabic textbook. Which reminds me, homework is calling.
So I have finalized my courses, and we just finished our first week of school. I am taking Contemporary Moroccan Culture, the Islamic World and the West, and Community Based Learning (my internship). All of the courses seem very interesting, I just finished reading Zohra's Latter for CMC, it was one of those books that makes you want be a drifter and a novelist for your whole life. I am currently reading Year of the Elephant translated from Arabic into English, and it is heart-breaking right now!
On Wednesday a group of us met at Upstairs and then took a trek to the Kasbah. Sitting on the fort walls and watching the ocean was so peaceful. I feel so close to home still, which is somewhat disconcerting considering I'm more than an ocean away from my family and friends. I suppose I should just accept my acceptance and not rush the culture shock which I've been expecting to feel. I suppose I take a lot of comfort in the knowledge that anywhere I want to be is a simple plane ride away.
We went to the Mega Mall on Friday to go ice-skating. It was like walking right into an American mall, complete with giggly high fashion pre-teens and over-priced coffee (the mall walkers were noticeably absent). My first time on ice skates in about 8 years went surprisingly well, I guess I'm finally growing out of my in coordination. Some of the girls and I went to Upstairs after the mall, I'm always craving their fries and a beer (the Wisconsin in me); it's a nice change of pace from the endless tea and bread we get here at home (definitely not complaining, I love our host family!). That low-carb diet I was dying to try is pretty much impossible here, and now that school is starting to take off I find myself struggling with the family life. I think this is because I moved away from home when I started college and I rarely returned, so I am used to the solitude of my studies, and late night social and study sessions. No 4 AM homework nights split up by trips to Wonderland and Mario-marathons here. Also when I was at home(my parent's house) I had claimed the entire basement for myself at an early age (I'm thinking around 12 years old) and I was rarely disturbed in my cozy cave after the droves of teenagers were forced back to their own homes (generally by their parents, not mine). The massive amounts of freedom I have had from an early age on make assimilating to restrictions here interesting, although I wouldn't say necessarily harder or easier. I am struck with the realization that regardless of the society I am entrenched in part of me is always living up to my father's accusation that I am a hermit (a little hypocritical considering he is always firmly rooted to the same spot in his dimly lit man-cave of a living room, while my mother needs to be pried out of bed if she is engrossed in a book). Good thing I have a great group here to keep me social, and a roommate who loves to be out and about.
I am eager to receive our library cards this week! I have been craving a quite place since our visit to the Kasbah (which was quite deserted during our brief stay and virtually silent). That was truly a magical night that I will remember forever, I am glad we went during our first week here before I become accustomed to the beauty of this ocean city.
We went shopping in the Medina with Doha yesterday, it was a lot of fun but I likely won't return until I have some more Arabic. It was quite frustrating because nobody speaks English, which is my favorite part about Morocco. I feel like an outsider because I can't communicate, and as I jealously watch everyone communicate in Arabic I feel a strong desire to be sitting at home with my Arabic textbook. Which reminds me, homework is calling.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Love at first sight
Wajida stayed with us for lunch, and then we walked to Sarah and Robin's house. Robin got sick last night and has been sleeping all day so Sarah came out with us to get some human interaction. Fatima came with us as well :)
We walked to the medina and Fatima yelled at some boys who were harassing us. It was hilarious, mostly because we get "harassed" a lot so I think they were bothering her more than us. These boys were for sure being extra annoying. I can never stop laughing when we are walking around because so many of the guys try to flirt with us, even if they only know a few words in English; it seems like "I Love You" is the same as hello here. Men, always wearing their hearts on their sleeves.
I cleared up some plans with my parents for spring break today; it sounds like we are going to Egypt and taking a cruise down the Nile then coming to Morocco for a few days. It should be a great time.
I can't wait for a lazy Sunday tomorrow, Amelia and I both agree we have been drained this week. It must be information overload. Ana aiyanna, layla saida!
We walked to the medina and Fatima yelled at some boys who were harassing us. It was hilarious, mostly because we get "harassed" a lot so I think they were bothering her more than us. These boys were for sure being extra annoying. I can never stop laughing when we are walking around because so many of the guys try to flirt with us, even if they only know a few words in English; it seems like "I Love You" is the same as hello here. Men, always wearing their hearts on their sleeves.
I cleared up some plans with my parents for spring break today; it sounds like we are going to Egypt and taking a cruise down the Nile then coming to Morocco for a few days. It should be a great time.
I can't wait for a lazy Sunday tomorrow, Amelia and I both agree we have been drained this week. It must be information overload. Ana aiyanna, layla saida!
Hammam!
We just got back from the Hammam! I feel super clean! Fatima took us this morning after breakfast, and Wajida joined us, it was a great morning. I don't think my skin has ever been softer.
Wajida is staying for lunch, so we are all just relaxing now. My Visa Travelmoney is so stupid! I called this morning to add more money, and I can only add at a US Bank. Fucking useless, I'm in Morocco where am I supposed to find a US bank! Anyway I think I'm just going to have my parents mail me my debit card from home, I can actually move money onto that! Credit cards = useless! I was going to put my books on my credit card but the machine at our school has been broken for like 6 months. My savings is officially on zero anyway, I had to buy my plane ticket home so that was the last of my money. But we really don't need much money since our host family feeds us, and we walk to school so extra money is just for extra purchases like clothes and gifts. A taxi ride from the school to home is only like 2 dollars and we only take the taxi if it dark out.
I think our host mom is making lunch so I'm going to go help out, and maybe do some laundry.
B'salaam!
Wajida is staying for lunch, so we are all just relaxing now. My Visa Travelmoney is so stupid! I called this morning to add more money, and I can only add at a US Bank. Fucking useless, I'm in Morocco where am I supposed to find a US bank! Anyway I think I'm just going to have my parents mail me my debit card from home, I can actually move money onto that! Credit cards = useless! I was going to put my books on my credit card but the machine at our school has been broken for like 6 months. My savings is officially on zero anyway, I had to buy my plane ticket home so that was the last of my money. But we really don't need much money since our host family feeds us, and we walk to school so extra money is just for extra purchases like clothes and gifts. A taxi ride from the school to home is only like 2 dollars and we only take the taxi if it dark out.
I think our host mom is making lunch so I'm going to go help out, and maybe do some laundry.
B'salaam!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Red means Green
Today was the last day of orientation! Wow am I glad we are done!!! We had 3 hours of Arabic today, it was intense. Our professor taught us a Moroccan song and it was adorable!
The students and staff had a small dinner after class today. It was nice to chit chat with the staff and the other students for an hour or so. The food was amazing, as usual! We met some guys who are teaching English here in Rabat; Trent, Gavin, and John. We grabbed a drink after the dinner at Upstairs, it was a lot of fun! I needed a break from all the craziness of being here. One of the guys from our group, Carson came out with us too. He is super friendly! There are 3 students here from last semester and so far he is the only one who has really spent much time with us. He has been great about answering millions of questions, which is always appreciated.
Amelia and I met our other sister Amina today. She doesn't really talk much, but she is always smiling.
Tomorrow Fatima is taking us to the Hammam, I can't wait!
So the driving here is crazy! Our taxi driver got impatient at the light and just went around everyone right through the red light! On the way to our homestay on Wednesday the taxi did the same thing! Traffic laws must not be very popular lol.
Well I'm exhausted! Layla Saida!
The students and staff had a small dinner after class today. It was nice to chit chat with the staff and the other students for an hour or so. The food was amazing, as usual! We met some guys who are teaching English here in Rabat; Trent, Gavin, and John. We grabbed a drink after the dinner at Upstairs, it was a lot of fun! I needed a break from all the craziness of being here. One of the guys from our group, Carson came out with us too. He is super friendly! There are 3 students here from last semester and so far he is the only one who has really spent much time with us. He has been great about answering millions of questions, which is always appreciated.
Amelia and I met our other sister Amina today. She doesn't really talk much, but she is always smiling.
Tomorrow Fatima is taking us to the Hammam, I can't wait!
So the driving here is crazy! Our taxi driver got impatient at the light and just went around everyone right through the red light! On the way to our homestay on Wednesday the taxi did the same thing! Traffic laws must not be very popular lol.
Well I'm exhausted! Layla Saida!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
1st post
With the urging of my new roommate Amelia I am beginning a blog. I left the US 16 days ago to begin the adventure of a life time. Kim and I met in Munich and took a 10 day tour through Germany, Amsterdam, and Ireland. It was amazing, and long over due since Kim had been studying abroad since May! We made our 1 week of hanging out count.
Amelia and I are staying with the Baghda family in Rabat, they are beyond friendly. I feel right at home here. Our host parents are Rabia and Ali. Ali runs a store in the medina and Rabia takes care of the home. Their niece Fatima lives here as well (although she is more of a sister than a cousin) along with their two daughters Sara and Amina. We haven't met Amina yet because she was sick yesterday, but Sara and Fatima are super friendly. Fatima speaks English really well so we have mostly been communicating with her, but I can't wait to learn some more Darija so I can talk with the rest of the family.
For those new to Arabic, fusha is classical arabic and darija is spoken arabic. I have taken 3 semesters of Modern Standard Arabic at UWM, but this is not the spoken language here in Morocco and many words are completely different. We will all be taking 2 Arabic classes here, one teaching Moroccan arabic and the other teaching Modern arabic.
Today we went on a scavenger hunt in groups (The Rabat Challenge). Wajida, Hila, Robin, and myself were teamed up. We visited Hila's homestay and it was beautiful! Robin's family wasn't at home when we stopped and Wajida is staying in the student dorms as of right now.
After vi sting families we had lunch on the beach!! Then we went to the medina to buy mystery gifts, and one random item that we didn't understand. It was a lot of fun.
Wow I'm tired, I'll write more later!
Amelia and I are staying with the Baghda family in Rabat, they are beyond friendly. I feel right at home here. Our host parents are Rabia and Ali. Ali runs a store in the medina and Rabia takes care of the home. Their niece Fatima lives here as well (although she is more of a sister than a cousin) along with their two daughters Sara and Amina. We haven't met Amina yet because she was sick yesterday, but Sara and Fatima are super friendly. Fatima speaks English really well so we have mostly been communicating with her, but I can't wait to learn some more Darija so I can talk with the rest of the family.
For those new to Arabic, fusha is classical arabic and darija is spoken arabic. I have taken 3 semesters of Modern Standard Arabic at UWM, but this is not the spoken language here in Morocco and many words are completely different. We will all be taking 2 Arabic classes here, one teaching Moroccan arabic and the other teaching Modern arabic.
Today we went on a scavenger hunt in groups (The Rabat Challenge). Wajida, Hila, Robin, and myself were teamed up. We visited Hila's homestay and it was beautiful! Robin's family wasn't at home when we stopped and Wajida is staying in the student dorms as of right now.
After vi sting families we had lunch on the beach!! Then we went to the medina to buy mystery gifts, and one random item that we didn't understand. It was a lot of fun.
Wow I'm tired, I'll write more later!
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