Blog 8: Nicole

Janet and I started the day as usual at 8 AM, except not because we both snoozed our two separate alarms until 8:30am. The day started much hotter than most, and by the time we got breakfast, we were already sweating. Our host mom is amazing and prepared for us square flatbread, similar to a crêpe with many layers, and with something sweet, like honey. At 10:00am we left for the Souk (or market) as the village we are staying at hosts its market on Sundays. We were given a scavenger hunt and we had to complete it and groups of three or four. I was in a group with Katie and William. Each group needs a guy as it’s tradition here for a man to walk with you while walking about if you’re a woman, and also for safety reasons. Each roommate was given 50 dirhams and our goal was to buy fruit for our families. For Janet and my family, we purchased three melons and 1 kg of peaches, and then, because we had extra time, our group went to the clothing section of the market to purchase nicer clothes for when we celebrate Eid. Ed is the most important holiday of the year in Islam and it will be celebrated Thursday. I purchased a purple dress and a belt for 130 Dirhams, and a blue and purple scarf for 30 Dirhams. Everyone in our group purchased clothes for Eid. Katie reserved a scarf as a gift, which is custom with Moroccan vendors, if they feel that you have been a good customer.

The next activity planned was cooking with our host families, because so far, we had only helped wash the dishes, or set the table. At around 4:30pm Janet and I began helping prep for dinner. We cut carrots, skinned potatoes, and cut green beans as well and cucumber at the end. At 6:30pm, we had a check in again and then we went on our daily walk, a great source of comfort for me as it’s really a time to get to know the local kids and I spent the time asking them questions in Darija and teaching them in French and English while they taught me Darija. Around 10 minutes before sunset around 9:00pm, we returned back to our homes. There Janet and I helped bring a large platter of the vegetables we cut as well as tuna and rice in the middle, beautifully arranged. After dinner, Janet and I always play a game with the family and that night we played Uno. At around 10:30pm, Jaouad, one of our Moroccan trip leaders, surprised our family with two huge 2 Liter bottles of Fanta, and we drank and laughed until around 11:30pm when we retired to bed.


















Popular posts from this blog

Blog 9: Natalie

Image
Flowing out of our neighborhood of homestay houses in a desert trail leading into more rural country and farm houses. It passes by cascading sandy hills and groupings of cacti and shrubs. Almost every day we have spent here, our GSL group has trekked this trail right before sunset. Our group is never alone, as we are always accompanied by village kids of all age ranges for our 1-2 hour excursion. These are kids we all teach during the day, however I feel we are able to make the most impact during these daily walks. On numerous occasions, I have walked and talked with different kids, trying to use phrases taught in English class or learn more Darija through the timeless game of pointing around at things. As I hold hands with these kids, sharing my huge sunglasses or sips of my sun-boiled water, I have been able to learn the immense patience these kids have when speaking to us. The walks are a safe space where we can form bonds that are difficult in a classroom setting, and they are also...
Read more

Blog 34: Ellie

Image
Dear Souk al Hed (or at least our little L-shaped corner of it), Thank you for having us– it feels like just yesterday when we first stepped off the bus, but already we will soon be saying our goodbyes and getting back on the bus for Rabat– and then Seattle. Getting to know you has taken a lot less time than I expected, for you welcomed us immediately into your home, but still, even on T-minus 1 day until our departure– I am still meeting new people and learning new things about you: the most effective way to cat whisper (pspsps), how Moroccan pizza is made, how to weave palm leaves into the shape of a flip flop… It’s really true that the more you know, the more you don’t know– I am definitely coming out of this experience with more questions than answers. I will miss your warm smiles, abundance of cats, and beautiful sunsets…our evening walks together, soccer on the roof, and listening to you at all times of the day– your crickets chirping at night, your pigeons cooing in the morning,...
Read more

Blog 33: Syndiely

Image
Dear Future GSL Student, Now that I have completed (almost) a full GSL trip, I wanted to write this letter so that anyone preparing to go on a GSL trip would be ready for anything. Preparing to leave your home for a month can be scary. With or without preparation you may still feel scared, nervous, or homesick. But, going on this trip is something I will never regret and I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did.  Tip #1: Be open. The thing scaring you the most right now might be the fact that you don’t speak the native language there. Guess what? That’s okay! As long as you are open to trying new things you will build such a powerful and strong connection. I was lucky enough to find connection primarily in joy and laughter. Our family loves Uno, so playing and laughing with them is how I have best gotten to know them. Tip #2: Be aware. While this trip will and should be fun, that’s not necessarily the primary goal. As you wake up every morning and head out to do service, remember ...
Read more