First Impressions

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I arrived in the Agdal neighborhood around 4pm (Moroccan time). Agdal is a wealthy part of Rabat btw. Inside of amideast's HQ I met up with Michael. He has been here for a month and really knows his way around and his Arabic is really good - I am impressed. I am living with the host family he had. They came and picked me up and the mom - Fatima, tried to carry my backpack. It was really funny because it was heavy and she was really struggling but wouldnt let me carry it.

We got a cab and I was really shocked because no one bothered with seatbelts, lanes dont matter, and redlights are ignored. Oh and there are traffic circles everywhere. While on foot, Michael says be prepared to play Frogger.

I felt brain dead from all the travel so I could barely get any Arabic out at all. The family didn't care though, they are really nice. I live in a small apartment and share a room with their 16 year old son Rashid, who speaks a little English. His parents don't speak any so he likes to have fun by swearing, making me laugh, and then his parents are puzzled and ask me "what is the funny Jim?"

Michael took me out and we walked through the Medina in the market. I felt like I was on a movie set. Everything was jammed with people and goods and carts and cars. It was so loud and crowded and overwhelming but it was so fun. We went to the ocean and watched the sunset for a bit.

We then went home and had dinner at around 10pm. The family watched what I would describe as "Moroccan Idol" and I passed out around midnight.

I woke up at 6:30 am randomly and had a "prison shower." Soap, water, and a sink basically. They have a regular shower but have asked me to only use it a couple times a week, as water is as expensive as gasoline.

More to come later.

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