And So It Begins...
The trip we have all been waiting for is finally underway! After anxiously awaiting the day, on May 20th, 2018 I boarded a plane to Fez Morocco. My emotions are overwhelming ranging from excitement, curiosity and even fear. I have heard both positive and negative experiences and memories from those that have gone on the trip prior that it made me anxious to create experiences of my own. I had expectations that there would be many familiar mannerisms and traditions as I have previously experienced in Egypt, but I still had a lot to learn. Traveling during the holy month of Ramadan also is a unique experience that will enhance my first trip to Morocco. I always loved seeing all Muslims come together during this month to break fast and give thanks.
The first day after arriving in Casablanca, my group endured an additional four hour trip to Fez Morocco where we will be staying. My first impressions of the city were the fact it was bustling with hundreds of people, but despite that it was extremely clean, cleaner than many cities in the states. The institution named Alif, which I'm sure will be referenced countless times in the making of this blog, will be where I take my Arabic class twice a day. It is a beautiful building surrounded by a high wall that encloses a large garden and fountain. While anxiously awaiting our host families, we got comfortable, stretched our legs and attempted to connect to any and all Wifi the surrounding area had to offer.
I had the opportunity to house with my roommate at Bloomsburg Univeristy and we were both relieved to be greeted with a nice ENGLISH "hello". Although our host family's English is limited, so is my Arabic so it was a good start! They have a 6 year old daughter that we played with for the majority of the night before Iftar. The encouragement from the family is what I needed to really begin forming sentences, asking questions and telling stories in Arabic. They tell me words I do not know and fix words I may have mispronounced in the nicest and most respectful way. The nerves are calmed and I am feeling extremely confident that the next 33 days are going to be filled with lots of timeless memories, lessons learned and good times.
The first day after arriving in Casablanca, my group endured an additional four hour trip to Fez Morocco where we will be staying. My first impressions of the city were the fact it was bustling with hundreds of people, but despite that it was extremely clean, cleaner than many cities in the states. The institution named Alif, which I'm sure will be referenced countless times in the making of this blog, will be where I take my Arabic class twice a day. It is a beautiful building surrounded by a high wall that encloses a large garden and fountain. While anxiously awaiting our host families, we got comfortable, stretched our legs and attempted to connect to any and all Wifi the surrounding area had to offer.
I had the opportunity to house with my roommate at Bloomsburg Univeristy and we were both relieved to be greeted with a nice ENGLISH "hello". Although our host family's English is limited, so is my Arabic so it was a good start! They have a 6 year old daughter that we played with for the majority of the night before Iftar. The encouragement from the family is what I needed to really begin forming sentences, asking questions and telling stories in Arabic. They tell me words I do not know and fix words I may have mispronounced in the nicest and most respectful way. The nerves are calmed and I am feeling extremely confident that the next 33 days are going to be filled with lots of timeless memories, lessons learned and good times.
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