Adjusting to the Country

Salam! Labas ("Are you good?" or "Are you doing well?" in Darija)?

Salsabila and her mom, Aouatif, have been so welcoming and helpful as I learn to live among the Moroccans. After getting some rest from feeling jet lagged, Aouatif quickly made me my first home-cooked meal — It was a dish full of roasted and generously-seasoned root vegetables, including sliced carrots, potatoes, turnips, zucchini, and more! It was so colorful. Aouatif asked her youngest son, Loukman, to go out and bring back to me two pieces of khobz, a Moroccan flatbread served at nearly every meal. The absence of hesitancy in his response invoked my realization of the respectfulness the young had for the elders and the hospitality expressed to guests in the country. Even though Loukman couldn’t communicate with me due to language barriers, the small action brought forth a thousand words of kindness.

As soon as I was finished, Salsa invited me to go on a stroll around Sala Al Jadida, the place in which I will be staying for the next few months. She showed me cafes that I could complete my work at, hole-in-the-wall stores that I will want to get my meals at, and all the necessary stops that I will need to get myself familiarized with for my time living here. I also got to visit the souks, open-air markets where the locals sold fruit, candy, clothing, and more! It was incredible to see how many people were out with their families and friends, chit-chatting away and enjoying the night time ambience.

Moving into my own apartment was a little lonely since my time with Salsa and Aouatif have been so warm and comfortable. They hosted me as my lease did not start until June 1st. This move was a change of pace as I had to learn quite a few things quickly. I became familiar with the area around my new place and got a feel for all the public transportation methods — Grand and petite taxis, trains, trams, and buses. With no WiFi at home and since data is not an option for my phone from America, I am unable to use my phone unless I am in a place of WiFi, such as a cafe. By learning to purchase recharges at the hanut, the corner store that provides convenient purchases, I am able to utilize my Moroccan phone using data. In addition, I was taught how to use the gas tanks at home to heat water if necessary.

Since my time here, I have met a few people and have been exposed to many new cities! Maroua Essiter was the first person I met here. On my second day, I got lost in Sala Al Jadida without data on either of my phones. With the fear of talking to the locals as a result of the language barrier, I found it hard to initiate a conversation. Mustering up my courage, I saw these two ladies that seemed nice to approach. It turned out that Maroua could speak English as well as Darija, French, and a little bit of Spanish! Maroua and her mom stayed with me until I found a place I recognized. They also invited me home that weekend and taught me how to make couscous, a traditional North African dish of small steamed granules of rolled semolina served with a stew spooned on top. It was so tasty!

I met Nada Harmouz at Cappuccino7, a cafe that I find myself working at often. She and I have taken trips to Rabat Agdal and Hay Riad. Agdal is actually quite populated with foreigners as there are many English-speakers in the area. In addition, there is a huge, modern shopping complex that Agdal is known for. Hay Riad is bustling with major governmental buildings and offices. The city also has many delicious restaurants and cafes.

Muhammad Abounahr showed me a great place in Rabat to play outdoor basketball! The court was round to my surprise and there were three baskets around the circle! Nearby was an outdoor fitness gym and a football (Soccer) field — Football is the country's most-played sport. I was finally able to meet Taoufik Allam! Taoufik was a previous intern for Resilient Communities and I have so much gratitude towards him for all the assistance he has provided to me when I was preparing to come to the country. Recently, I joined him and his friends, Hicham and Houda, in Plage des Nations near Prestigia where we challenged each other in volleyball, played Cambio, and ran in the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean to cool off from the summer heat.

My time here has been busy but, most of all, very thrilling. I am so grateful to all the warm encounters and I am looking forward to seeing more of Morocco!