Independent thought

Today was interesting as it gave me the opportunity to experience up front the teaching methods applied in Moroccan education. It all happened when I was in my market town, 5 KM from where I live, in order to meet up with one of my friends. This friend happens to work at the local hospital and helps teach nurses-in-training, a group of which happened to be visiting that day in order learn to test well water and invited me to tag along! So there we were, standing around the huge well in the blistering heat listening to these two doctors go on (in Arabic) about water treatment (I could actually understand the gist of what was being said, which gave me a little smile). Being a bit restless I begin to glance around and notice that no one was asking any questions (nor being solicited for their thoughts either) and decide to give it a shot myslef. My question was about chlorine evaporating from water, which I said it does and the two teachers said it does not, started a constructive little argument. The rest of the students just seemed shocked and were laughing a bit and exchanging smiles as this foreigner was going about arguing with their professors! It was a nice situation which revealed the teaching and learning dynamics in Morocco in which the teacher talks down to the students and they are expected to sit and listen. It was fun for me and I think for them as well, and by the way, I still think I was right about the chlorine thing.

 

 

New addition to the homestead

This past week I warmly received a new addition to my home, a small kitten! She was the pick of the litter from my souq town Had Draa, meaning of course I found her sitting alone on a wall and shoved her in my bike bag! No joke, I actually consider myself to be a bit of a humanitarian (or felinitarian?? Who knows) for rescuing her from her stoop, but a sad fact of life here are the many unwanted stray dogs and cats in Morocco and their progeny fending for themselves on the streets of every city, town, and village. This was a decision I have been pondering for a while now, since before arriving actually, and could not be happier having finally made it. She, Grace, the Kitten, is a nice addition to my home, which she has taken to quite quickly. Why would a PCV want to have a pet while serving? Well, probably the main reason is a companion to get you through those low moments we all face from time to time. Another could be that is it just too difficult seeing a small kitten or puppy all alone on the street and not be so overwhelmed with pity that you quickly pack them away from a new life with you. Personally I was a little from both columns. I haven't really faced a big low moment yet, but when I do she better live up to the task of keeping me company or out the door she goes!

The inhabitants of my wonderful little settlement (I wouldn't go so far to even call it a village) greeted the new member of our town with a bit of surprise, a bit of curiosity, but mostly confusion. I could just imagine what they were thinking: Why is he carrying a cat in his bag? Strange enough that he lives alone and does not want to marry any of our daughters, it is all starting to make sense now, he's nuts! You see, no one really keeps pets here. Dogs and cats do live in their homes, dogs on the roof to scare thieves and cats inside to eat bugs, but never as a "pet" as people in the States understand it. What blew their world even more was when I brought to town a bag of cat from Essaouira, the kids were so curious that I had to keep them from tasting it! (The stuff isn't cheap).

Early the next day I hear a bang on my door accompanied with little chatter (tall-tale sign there is a pack on children outside). I sneak up to the roof to see who is there and as I thought there were the kids but holding two more kittens! Apparently they brought them so I could give them food from the bag I bought the day before. Being somewhat of a pushover hearing the kittens meow I bring a small handful to the door not knowing that it would create my mission for the rest of the day. I handed over the food and the children quickly set down the kittens and set out feeding them, then suddenly something else down the trail catches their attention and they all run off, leaving two kittens sitting out front of my house. Now, my house is somewhat set apart from the rest, sitting on a wonderful little hill with a commanding view of the valley. Unfortunately, this makes it an impossible task for the two kittens to make it back to where ever they came from (I have no idea where that may be). To try and solve this problem (who wants three kittens!), I start to beg the each little girl to remove them, to no avail. Then it came to me! I make the announcement: "First to remove these kittens gets a handful of almonds!" Like a flash of lightening they kittens are gone, just another day in life in Morocco J.

Returning from the Ether

Hello! Sorry for the long delay but I've decided to continue on with these posts and I hope you agree with me that is the right decision.

So, let me just give a quick update to fill you in with what has been going on. For the past four months I have been enjoying integrating with my wonderful town (which unfortunately I cannot give the name for security reasons) right outside the relaxing sea-side city of Essaouira. The first couple weeks were difficult with the adjustment to a town of just three hundred people which can arguably not be called a town but rather an outcropping of houses in the middle of nowhere. This was somewhat to be expected as I came from a city of one million in the States with all of the common convinces one is used to in such an environment. I am not just talking about cafes, restaurants, and other outlets in which one finds entertainment but just the knowledge that if you wanted to go somewhere to hangout there were such places to do so. Here on the other hand, with such a small population that the places one spends time is at others houses. This took a bit getting used to but now I extremely enjoy it and find it quite fulfilling. Besides, if I ever get that urge for a bit more activity Essa is just a short hop, skip, and jump away J

Life here is a slower pace than I am used to but have adapted to it very well. Mornings are fantastic and drawn out which usually includes hours sitting on my roof, taking in the sun with a big cup of coffee and some good reading material. Afterwards I venture out to see how my donkey (running water) is doing and bring him a bucket of hay and oats. Once the little chores are taken care of I like to walk around town and meet with people just to talk and share some cups of tea. This can usually be followed up with a bike ride through the country side or visiting with my tutor who is located 5 KM down the road. The day usually ends with a nice meal cooked up at home and some more reading, work, or a film on the computer. Now this is a generally day but can vary dramatically, such as a day trip to Essa or all meals eaten with families in my community.

As for language, progress has been steady and surprising. It is hard to imagine that after only eight months someone can go from no knowledge of a language to being able to discuss subjects ranging from why the economy is so bad to why "No, I do not want to become a Muslim". That last one is a bit trickier but personally I enjoy it because it gives to opportunity to explain how in the US there are many different religions, which are usually come to through the choice of the person based on personal experience not just born into like they are here (Every Moroccan is born a "Muslim", although most Americans are also "born" into their religion as well, raised into the religion of their family).

I hope that was a good, if not brief, overview of what is going on here. These will continue on a weekly basis continuing to document my experiences here and capture any thoughts on the interesting cultural differences I encounter. Please continue to follow and enjoy!