Blog 21: Nathaniel

Marhaba, Borchim a Bayim, Bienvenue, and Welcome to another blog. Today was a great day even though it reached the high 30s, low 40s. I’m just going to give a rundown on the wonderful day’s events, so you can know more about what your kid or family member has been doing down here. Today was a day of amazing adventure, and it started off with a journey to the local co-op.  Last time we were at the co-op, our first morning in the village, we were able to talk to the seasoned craftsmen about their work and their connection to Anou which is the partner organization which helps market and ensure more equitable pay for the artisans. This time at the co-op, in addition to once again talking to the artisans including my host mom Hannan, we had an opportunity to buy their products!

After profusely thanking our host moms and the other artisans, we were on our way to the next stop on our adventurous and unique schedule, the potter’s shop. There, everyone had an opportunity to try their hand at the throw wheel. We even had some very successful bowls made by our own Jeff and William. After washing our hands off, we had the amazing opportunity to buy professionally crafted wheel-made products from our instructor (whom had over 30 years of experience!) After bidding adieu to our first ever Moroccan pottery wheel experience, we marched on back to HQ aka mine and Shepard’s homestay for our daily ANCHOR check-in. After sharing our Appreciations, Concerns, Humors, and Observations, it was time to part ways for lunch. We had a shorter lunch/nap period today because at 3 o’clock, we had a surprise in store. We were going to a pool! After a half hour drive to a place just outside of Azrou, we donned our swimsuits and jumped into the pool. Accompanied by Achraf and Brahim (two 18-year-olds from the village who have been integrated in communication with all the families) we spent around 45 mins in the pool until another abnormality occurred. Rain drops started to fall, felled by umbrella and lawn chair blowing wind. We all rushed inside for showers and/or to escape the dust tearing through everything. The whole experience was quite exciting (I love warm rain!), but as we left the pool, we left the wind and rain behind. On the way back to the village, and after stopping off at a patisserie for a late-afternoon snack, we stopped on the side of the road and observed a family of nine monkeys including three babies! After returning back to the village, we all said goodbye and retired to our houses. As I wrote this blog, I was reminded of the last time I wrote a blog; the first day in the village. To think that I once didn’t know the people here is so unbelievable to me. As I cherish my family here, I also miss my family back home as do all of the GSL students. Parents at home, thank you. And host parents here, thank you for a great start to our last week in Morocco.

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