Really just a semblance

Where haaave I been?! I ask myself the same question from time to time. Or, rather, where am I.

I have been traveling about for work and otherwise. I find it more and more difficult to give a proper sociological report on life here as the strangeness has normalized. Freshly slaughtered chickens and horse draw carriages are a part of my daily life. I couldn’t picture it any other way at this point. Work at the Dar Chabab has been slow mainly because I haven’t been here. Last week I was working in a beach town called Azemour at a language immersion camp. I learned a lot about my own capacities as well as the dimensions of Moroccan youth. My students were from a beach city and were both extremely progressive and highly motivated. It was a great experience but didn’t always feel like proper Peace Corps work. Nonetheless, I spent some time on the beach with a few PCVs so all’s well that ends well.

The big news, I suppose, is of romance. ‘Tis true. They say it happens when you least expect it. In this case I was completely blind-sided. He showed up in my class at the dar chabab and began challenging my philosophical interpretations of “Hotel California.” Caught off-guard by both his English and his insight, I insisted on further conversations. Eh, voila. He cooks, cleans and is full of fun and interesting ideas. What more could a girl want! It has been a bit of a challenge in my town. Apparently there is a lot of jealousy so we go about justifying ourselves and trying not to act excited about each other in public. I must say, I appreciate American freedom more than ever!

Vanessa and her friend are coming on Saturday and my mom and Pat are coming Tuesday. I am so very very excited to have a little piece of home near. Not to mention the traveling about and visit to Spain!