"Moments in Morocco"

Dear Reader,

I have put off writing my first post about life and study in the capital of Morocco because frankly, I don't know that I possess the skills as a writer to do my experiences here any justice. My moments in Morocco have been truly amazing. The dramatic experiences really leave an impression. I loved going to the Sahara, riding camels over the dunes, and spending the night under the stars. Those grand experiences are great, but they're only a small part of the bigger picture. The simple moments really matter to me the most. Laughing with the taxi driver on the way to school, complimenting my host mother's cooking correctly, driving down the coast at midnight. These simple and short lived experiences can be easily forgotten, but they are the threads that make up the colorful fabric of life. Throughout my time here, I have had so many good times that I could not possibly capture them all and wrestle them into a blog post. I could take the time to tell you all about life here, but really, I'd rather that you would go and experience things for yourself. Above all, please remember to take the time to treasure life's fleeting moments.

They are beautiful.

Also, here's a selfie of me with a camel, just because.

Rock on. NM

"An Accident and Arabic"

Dear Reader,

As soon as I climbed into the car, we were hit.

The other driver was worried about getting her kid to school on time, not about avoiding our parked car. She tried to pull into a spot in front of us, but she cut it way too close and her mirror carved a big black streak into the side of our car. I took pictures, and our flustered friend apologized before quickly ushering her child into the school. While she was inside, my mom told me to call the police.

I called, excited to finally use my Arabic to say things other than "I want to eat shawarma today." The first man I spoke with didn't seem very happy to take my call. He got our basic information, muttered something, and hung up. My mom and I weren't sure what to do after that. Soon, though, the phone rang and I answered, greeting the caller in Arabic right off the bat.

"Peace upon you." 

"............And upon you peace. How are you?"

"Good, thank God. And you?"

"Thanks and praise to God. Where are you?"

"Next to the American School in Khalidiya."

"Near the Ambassador's house?"

"Yes."

"We will be there in 10 minutes, God willing."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

The man on the phone seemed to be very happy that I had talked with him in Arabic. Sure enough, when the officers showed up and got out of their vehicle, they had big smiles on their faces. We all walked up to greet the officers and as I shook hands with both of them, we spoke again in Arabic. With all of the pleasantries taken care of, the two men got down to business and wrapped everything up quickly. "With peace!" I called out to the officers as they walked back to their car. "With peace." They replied.


Wow...


I've said it before and I'll say it again. And again. And again and again and again. I love to converse with people in their native language. It makes me want to high five everyone on earth. Twice.

And in just a few short days, I'll begin six weeks of intensive Arabic study and immersion in Rabat, Morocco.


NM