I know it’s been a long time since I’ve updated but there’s
been a lot going on. I have decided to use this 12ish hour bus ride to write a
post – there’s only so much sleeping and playing the Bejeweled app that I can
do. J
Class has been interesting because there are now just two of
us in class for this second semester of the program. If one of us doesn’t go to
class, the other is all alone! This has happened a couple times. It’s hard to
know how much we have learned because we are past the steep learning curve but
we have gotten used to class and become closer to our professors.
I forgot to mention in my last post, but when we were in
Erfoud, on the way to Merzouga, I bargained for the first time. It was in
English so I don’t know if it counts but it still happened. I figured out that
it works well to tell them that you only have so much (even if you have more)
and you can often get them down to your price. Just a little tip. J I was surprised
though, sellers tend to be pretty annoyed when you start to bargain and are
stubborn and won’t change their prices. For some this seems to be part of the
game and for others they literally won’t budge. It’s always helpful to have
locals with you too so that they can help you determine the real value of what
you’re buying.
I traveled to Rabat and Marrakech during the Eid holiday. We
had three days off school and most people traveled. Rabat was more modern (probably
because it’s the capital) and kind of reminded me of Lebanon. We ate at
McDonald’s on Eid because it was the only place open! Our Airbnb host was the
best and was super accommodating and helpful. After two days in Rabat, we
trekked back to school and then on to Marrakech. Most people traveled before
and met us in Marrakech so the bus was nice and empty. Marrakech is a very
touristy city and I really liked the souk/market there. I bought a lot of
things. AND THERE WAS A STARBUCKS! To be honest, that was the first place I
went and it was great. I think the drink sizes were biggest and I think it was
cheaper, but then again, everything is cheaper here. We visited a palace and a
couple other sites. I really love Moroccan architecture and designs. The tile
work is always beautiful and the ceilings are incredibly decorated.
It has been crazy here since Ramadan is over. Everyone is
happy and the streets and restaurants are lively during the day. It’s totally
different and I don’t really remember how it was before.
This week, things were changed up, in two ways. First, we
traveled to a different city for a whole week where classes were held and
adventures were had. (I know that’s passive, sorry to my high school English
teachers…) Second, we traveled to a different city than what was on the original
schedule. Let me explain…
So, we were supposed to go to Tangier which is in the north
and really nice, breezy, and close to other cool cities. AUI’s contract was
breached with the corresponding school in Tangier that we would stay at. This
was two days before we were supposed to leave. Somehow, they found a new school
quickly and we were informed that we were going to Agadir which is the deep
south. Not only would it be a lot longer drive, but it’s not as nice as Tangier
and we were all looking forward to Tangier. However, there is nothing we could
do. Agadir is a beach city so that was nice and the coast was quite pretty. The
humidity was unreal though and I think that the heat was one of the causes to my
several headaches. We visited the beach, the Kasbah, the souk (because I really
needed to buy more things..… but it was very cheap! It’s also the largest souk
in Morocco, I believe) and a relative of the director’s house for dinner. Other
people went on more adventures but I was lazy and stayed at the university a
lot.
However, I bargained again at the souk in Agadir (all by
myself) and in Arabic also! It wasn’t a huge drop in price but it was a win in
my book regardless. What I was bargaining for was a gift for my brother but,
knowing him, he’ll think it’s stupid and he won’t want it so I might end up
keeping it for myself.
This week, it felt like we were all living in a lot closer
proximity because we were all basically in one building. I talked more with
other professors and I think I became a little more comfortable talking. Two of
the women professors here are the cutest ever and beautiful and so nice. They
are also both single so we have been trying to be good matchmakers. J
So, I have a confession… The Arabic title of this blog was
generated from google translate. Pure copy and paste. I opened up my blog
yesterday, you know, as you do… Just to check to make sure it’s still there…?
And I look at the title and I understood what it says! I don’t know why it was
so exciting for me but I don’t think I’ve tried to read it since I started the
program so it showed that I have progressed somewhat!
I can’t believe we only have one week left… It feels like I
have been here forever but it also feels like it’s flown by. Currently
stressing over if everything will fit in my suitcase and how I will get to the
airport. It is crazy that we have to think about that already. I think I’m
ready to be home though. Looking forward to food that isn’t tajine, being able
to drink tap water, knowing there will always be toilet paper, having strong
wifi and being able to sync my fitbit, and being able to eat healthily and go
to a normal gym.
Fun fact: There was a disastrous earthquake in Agadir in 1960 and the new city is located about two miles away from the old one.
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