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Published: February 7th 2013
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February 2-6, 2013:
*** Note: We spent the 3rd in a very special location, doing something completely AWESOME!!! We were privilaged enough to see something most travelers and visitors do not get to see or enjoy. We thought that this day deserved its own entry and we will be finishing it up today. You will throughly enjoy the story, video and numerous and fablous photos that will accompany the entry. It should be posted tomorrow. Now on with today's show...
It is honestly hard to believe that we have only been in country for three weeks… and eight days of that time were spent in Rabat!!! We are told that we are in the “honeymoon” period and that we will have many ups and downs during our journey. Just so you know, we thought that honeymoons had better toilet facilities.
Please see our photos from the first time we were able to spend time with the children at the dar chebab. Just look at the smiling and enthusiastic faces of the children and that tells it all. Basically, we had planned one each of a drawing, dancing and Frisbee activity and luckily for us,
some kids showed up. We based the drawing activity on “What makes us happy.” It was a real hit, as were the other two activities. Although we had no idea if anyone would even show up, we had 16 participants ranging all ages. The boys just LOVE Clay (whom they call Kareem) so you will see many pictures drawn with him in it. After all was said and done, our group really felt like the event was a big success. Considering it was a first run and last minute collaboration, all went well.
Tuesday, we went to have another session with the PC in Fes. Our “teacher” did not accompany us this time and were left to our own devices to get from Ain Cheggag to Fes. Actually, that the part of the trip is quite simple, one bus (fighting to get on of course) and viola! However, we did not really know where we were going and had no address by which to navigate or enlist the help of a taxi. But, we are a resourceful lot, and after a nice 45 minute stroll through downtown Fes, we arrived (right on time) to the hub.
The majority
of our luggage is being stored at the hub in Fes (we have only what we “need” in Ain Cheggag) so we picked up our Velveeta cheese while we were there. We decided to make our famous macaroni and cheese with tomatoes for our family sometime soon.
Our PC information/class session ended before lunch, so our group went to lunch at a nice looking restaurant for pasta and pizza. We ordered a caprese salad (tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil) but what we got was a salad with rice, corn and chicken. You might want to blame this on a language barrier, but Clay pointed to the salad on the menu!!!!! When we questioned the server, he said it WAS a caprese salad, to which Clay replied, “Whatever you say dude.” Later he came back and said it was a caprese salad WITH chicken. Yea… OK. It was actually very good, but too big since we also ordered a small pizza and spaghetti. We really enjoyed our time at lunch with the group and ate our fill of the dishes which we have not had since arriving at our temporary “home.”
After lunch, we decided to find an office
supply store. One of our group members, Edwin, asked the server for directions (in French) to the stationary store. However, there seemed to be some issues with the directions and hilarity ensued. When our cause seemed lost, the owner of the restaurant, who had been watching from inside, came out to rescue us! What a nice man! After giving us detailed directions in French and English, he wished us well and sent us on our way. However, we must not have looked as confident as we felt, because after approximately 45 seconds of watching us walk down the sidewalk, he chased after us and volunteered to lead us all the way to the store. This walk took about 15 minutes. After traversing crazy traffic and giant holes randomly located on the sidewalks, we finally arrived at the stationary store only to find it closed. Our new guide was not daunted in the least, he simply said, “There is another one.” So, off we went in search of another store. After a few minutes, we found ourselves in front of a wonderful shop that was exactly what we were looking for. When we went in to shop, the man followed us.
After a few minutes, he asked if we were ok to shop alone. Of course we said, “Yes.” He looked as if he wasn’t sure he believed us and when we explained that we were fine and could find our way to the bus when we were finished, he asked if he should come back to check on us and to take us to the bus stop. We assured him that we were fine and that we would be able to locate the bus on our own. He hesitantly left the shop after many good-byes and good lucks. However, after about 20 minutes, he returned to the shop to check on us. How awesome is that?!?!? Seriously, can you imagine such a thing happening in the United States? It was truly a wonderful feeling to have a complete stranger take such an interest in our wellbeing. It is a memory that we will treasure. When we told our “teacher” about this experience, she said “that sounds right.” This experience is just example of Morocco warmth that is so prevalent in this beautiful country.
By the time we got back, it was about 3 p.m. and we had to go
to language a lesson. UGH!!! said Ann. After that, we had a meeting with the manager of the dar chebab to talk about future plans. We did not eat dinner until about 10:15 p.m. so the day was really full and long.
As adults, although we are very grateful for our host family, we are always thinking about how nice it will be when we are making our own meal and bedtime decisions. Inshallah!
Sorry it has taken so long to get this blog out… life (and really long days) sometimes gets in the way! 😊 We hope you enjoy the photos and we will write again soon!
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Sharon Johnson
non-member comment
RE: Loving the detailed stories and the great photos!
It seems as if you two are doing very well with this dramatic change in lifestyle. Not sure how dinner at 10:15 pm would do for me! The food sounds so yummy for the most part. I would weigh 200 lbs in no time. Take care, Sharon