Warmth

This last weekend was really good for me, because I figured out that I am able to navigate successfully on my own.

Perhaps more importantly though, I figured out that I have plenty of time to do that once I am finished here in Rabat. So, I kind of doubt I'll head out for big weekend trips over the next couple of weeks. Instead I'm settling into Rabat and my placement at the hospital. My roommate, Maria, has kindly shown me how to add pictures to my blogspot. (She is the one in the green shirt in the Volubilis photos). Be sure to check out some of my earlier posts because it's gotten a little livelier. Unfortunately though, my spelling and grammar remain poor so you're stuck with extremely short or runon sentences.

Part of what Cross Cultural Solutions offers its volunteers are cultural activities in the afternoons. On Mondays we have arabic lessons and Wednesdays it's generally a lecture about the government, economy, or other current issues. This past week we had a handicapped gentleman come and speak to us about disabled persons in Morocco. Hakeem is part of an advocacy group which raises awareness about handicap issues such as curbs which provide better access to sidewalks. The general impression I received is that it's a frustrating process, because there are no accepted zoning codes. But, their group has received recognition from the government, because new construction in public areas like the promenade along the waterfront are now accessible. To me it seems like a lot of Morocco is getting ready to become much more prominant as a tourist destination. The new King is putting a lot into infrastructure, tourism, and safety. When I was in Ifrane there was a lot of new construction happening.

The lunch bell rang. Be back Later!!!

The food is good here at the house. The first two weeks the regular cook, Aicha, was on vacation and the meals were all right, but they all tasted the same. Now, Aicha is back and things have greatly improved. She is from Meknes and evidently Meknes is known for its good cooks. I would agree because the best meal that I have had dining out was in Meknes. Also, the best wine I have had here was from Meknes. On a scale of 1 to 10 of all the best wines I have tasted, I would rate the Meknes wine a solid 9. Very tastey.

Other things I've done this past week are tour the archeology museum, hence the photo of the marble head. That head in particular came from Chellah, one of the first Roman ruins I visited in Morocco. The entire museum though is full of spectacular artifacts from Chellah and Volubilis. One ruin at Volubilis was called the house of the dog, after a bronze dog which was found at the site. I imagined a little 2" figurine. To my surprise the dog is at the museum and is actually about 2'x2' and was a spout for water into a fountain. I was humbled at the quality and number of artifacts.

The other pictures are of Ismail and a little boy who danced for us this week. Ismail greets us warmly in the mornings and drives us to our placements, but for the music and dance this week he turned into an enthusiastic drummer. Danielle and I are in front of the lighthouse on the beach in Rabat. I guess it makes sense that there is a lighthouse here, but it did catch me by surprise. Fatima is the little girl in the other photo. I would take her home in a minute, but she has this really great mom who wouldn't appreciate that much. Fatima is the reason I titled this post warmth. Because as I sit here on the cold tile I am missing the heat she puts off when she sits plastered next to me at the hospital. As a general warning to everyone, the amount of personal space I require is gone. So, when I get home and sit right next to you please be understanding. Fatima is the one that I am thinking may be a good penpal for Jay. You'll have to let me know Jill, if Jay would mind corresponding with a little girl. Her languages are French and Arabic, but she'll be learning English in school soon. Plus it can be fun trying to translate letters.