Trusting Temperatures...

So after some careful consideration and obvious inconsistencies, I have decided that yahoo weather is not a good resource for temperatures here in Fes. Yesterday they were reporting that the high of the day was 88'F with a low of 58'F. At the same time, the current temperature in the afternoon was listed as 105'F. How you can have a high of 88 with a current temp of 105 is absolutely beyond me! Additionally, at 10pm we had just cooled off to 88'F and I would be shocked if it actually dropped as low as 58'F at any point during the night seeing as I was awake sweating through most of it.

Even more amusing though is the weather reports the list the actual temperature and then the 'feels like' temperature. When humidity and wind chill are factors then I would agree there is frequently a difference. HOWEVER, here in Fes when the thermometer is reading 105 it FEELS like 105, not like a cheerful 102 as some sites were gleefully reporting! Besides how do they even determine what temperature it feels like? Weather.com lists today's forcast as partly cloudy. I would like to know where they are looking, because where I am standing the skies are completely blue, the sun is blazing brilliantly and its hot! If there were A cloud in the sky it wouldn't make a difference; ONE cloud does not mean that it is partly cloudy!

Living in a Zoo

Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh no! Instead we have lizards and spiders and cockroaches, be-ware! The longer we stay at this cozy little apartment, the longer we realize that this home is not our own. There are numerous other residents who have decided to make their presence known. First it was Fred the cockroach and then a few members of his family (some of which have recently been presumed dead). Then it was Frida and Lyon, our working ants. Next Savanna the spider. But the greatest discovery of all came tonight, with Ralph the lizard. We seem to be collecting quite the Zoo and word only seems to be spreading as our little house guests have begun to multiply.

A Most Successful Day!

We arrived home from Turkey well after two this morning and my roommates immediately engaged in a cockroach smashing party (yes, I believe Fred is dead!). Shortly thereafter we had also passed out from an exhausting day of travel. Regaining consciousness this morning I made my way downstairs to check out the pitiful contents of our frig. With nothing to eat and no dirhams (local currency) in my wallet, I set out to run some errands.

The first stop was the bank, which thankfully worked! Then I decided to go for a walk before stopping at the bread shop. My walk became more of a trek as I decided to meander in and out of streets simply enjoying the freedom of being outside. Without intending it, I found myself near the grocery store by Emily's house so I stopped in mainly for the air-conditioning and picked up a water from there. After that it was a nice leisurely stroll down part of Hussan II Blvd, where I happened to notice the temperature. Walking down Hussan II it was a mere 36'C about fifteen minutes later it was a blistering 37'C. However, I am happy to report that I think I am starting to get used to this weather, I didn't sweat nearly as much as I would have before Turkey! Anyways, once I had wound my way through a good portion of unnecessary streets on purpose, I finally decided it was time to go to the bread store.

I greeted and order in Arabic and the cashier understood me!!! I purchased my round of bread and two petit pans (little breads - similar to croissants), simply lovely! Next it was off to the fruit market where I saw our produce guy (yes, we have a produce guy!) who was fingering a beautiful selection of grapes. With incredible horrid Arabic grammar on my part and a very gracious spirit on his I was able to purchase a small bunch of green grapes and 3 nectarines! Beginning to swelter in the heat, I decided that one other stop was in order... popsicles from the hanute. Hanutes are little corner stores that carry a seemingly random assortment of anything you could need on a daily basis. Generally visited for attaining water and candy, it has now become a local popsicle hotspot. With a mix of Arabic, French and English I was successful and now get to relax and enjoy the fruits of my labor!

Straight from a Magazine

Traveling throughout the Middle East and Africa you see it all, but once in a while a scene unfolds before you that is truly beautiful. This happened of all places in the Istanbul airport while waiting to board our final flight home. There they were, covered from head to toe, a bit weary from travel and looking like they had just stepped off the cover of National Geographic.

They were a pleasant and happy family of 6 traveling from Israel to Morocco on what appeared to be a pilgrimage of sorts.  Their clothing and style suggested a more rural homeland and the distinctive markings of Jewish tradition covered them.  From tassels on the corners of their clothing, to a box with scripture around their fathers head they were like nothing I had ever seen before.  They appeared timeless, representing an era I had only ever read about in history books and Biblical texts.  Clutched in their hands was a Torah scroll and as I found out later, filling their bags were stacks of books!  

On the plane they sat in the row behind us and I was able to engage the mother in small conversations scattered throughout the flight.  She was breathtakingly gorgeous despite the years of wear and hard work that showed upon her face.  Patient and kind she lovingly cared for her family, producing home cooked meals and fresh fruit from within her belongings.  I wish I could have spent more time with them, listening to their stories, interacting with their children and learning about the journey they were on.  Unfortunately though neither language or time would allow, perhaps our paths will cross again somewhere in the heart of Morocco.

A Taste of Home

That's right! You may be able to the girl out of Seattle, but you will never be able to take Seattle out of the girl! Traveling in and out of distant unfamiliar lands is certainly exotic and exciting, but it can also be exhausting and draining. Surrounded by people who stare and point at you, speak to you with unfamiliar words and seem to judge your every move loses its charm fairly quickly. Therefore it is necessary every once in a while to escape to the familiar, the warm and comforting.

It never ceases to amaze me that restaurants I rarely visit and foods I detest to eat in the States suddenly become little treasures here. Places like McDonalds with their Daim McFlurries and an assortment of American style food products from the grocery store.

And then there is the crowning jewel of American exports, the cool refreshing king of iced beverages and tasty snacks (ok, I am exaggerating a bit). Off in the distance through the hustle and bustle of the International sector of the Istanbul the green circle glows from the end of the terminal calling you to come. Yes, the beautiful green white and black blur is none other than STARBUCKS!!!! What joy, what happiness, what bliss! Taking in the sight I was all smiles and overwhelmed with excitement. I really didn't even care what I got, just that it was Starbucks. Ordering quickly I instantly gave way to my unusual background, as they didn't understand what I said and then inquired to where I was from. The reply of USA and Seattle received the all knowing nod of understanding as we locals are known the world over for our insanely rapid fire complex orders. Once the conversation was straightened out I then became a point of amusement for the employees, punctuated by my numerous trips back to the counter for several cups of ice! Sipping down a cool frappachino (something I haven't had in well over a year) all of life was simple and good, positively refreshing!

The Art that is the Iced Coffee!

Leaving the States and specifically Seattle, which is by all accounts Starbucks Country, can be a challenge at times. Therefore I have learned, as many who reside overseas to cherish and seek out those little reminders of home. Here in Antalya, Turkey the reminent of choice is none other than The Iced Latte! This irony of choice is truly a conundrum to many locals here where coffee only comes hot, ice is always cold and never the two shall meet.

On the walk back from lunch to my bungalo (which is QUITE a walk!) I stopped off at the outdoor café for a cool and refreshing resbit from the heat. Thus ensued the mildly entertaining tale that is my iced coffee!

Walking up to the counter the exchange went something like this…
Hello, do you speak English?
    No. Speaken di deutche?
No. Espanol?
    No. (blank sympathic stare – seemingly saying: poor American girl, she only speaks one language)
Can I have a cup of ice?
      You want a coke. (starts to walk to the coke machine)
No. I would like a cup (points to cup) of ice (points to ice machine)
      A cup of ice? (obviously thinking I am crazy!)
Yes please, lots of ice (pointing to rim of the cup)
      Ok. (fills glass and returns) A cup of ice.
And can I have an espresso?
      Espresso. (thankfully this word is understood here)
(he goes to put it in a fancy cup with saucer) Oh, no thank you, just in the cup.
      (Insane Americans! – the look of shock & amusement radiates from his face) hahahahaha – (yes, you read that right, he just laughed at me)
Cold milk? (I ask pointing to the frig.)
      Cold milk?!? (he repeats as he walks over – this has now moved to beyond strange)
To the top. Iced Latte. (pointing to the cup) Iced Latte.
      (He just smiled and laughed at me)

Walking away I am sure he was in shock at such an odd concoction of temperatures and flavors. However, for a multi-lingual exchange the drink was half decent. Incidently, I rarely (if ever) drink iced lattes in the States, but somehow here, it just works. Its no Starbucks and it certainly could use a splash of carmel flavoring, but for a few minutes it’s a small luxurious reminder of home.

Losing A Friend

We've trekked up mountains, through feet of snow, slid down hillsides, racing through mud puddles, and been on countless adventures - it has been a great ride.

Crushingly, my shoes vanished on the voyage from Morocco to Turkey.  Whether they were accidently left in the hotel room or unwillingly removed from my luggage along the way, the fact remains that they are gone!  Yes, I realize they are technically 'just a pair of shoes,' possessing no eternal or lasting value, but to me, they were so much more.  

They were my bright green-mud stained-glorious running shoes.  We had logged hundreds of miles and had just set off on a global adventure, we had so many more countries to conquer!  I was distraught when I discovered they were gone, searching my hotel room in Antalya for hours, checking and re-checking to make sure they hadn't merely been misplaced.  Alas, they were gone.

I realize this may all sound a bit dramatic and I myself was shocked by my initial reaction, but the following morning when I was confiding this unfortunate event to my mentor she said that if it were her she would have cried!  While I had almost come to tears the night before, reason prevented me from doing so.  Instead I prayed that whoever had my shoes now would be blessed and wear them well.  

So what is the big deal about a stinky pair of old worn and well used running shoes?!?!  They were a piece of home.  Something familiar and loved.  At a time when I had given up so much, left so many loved ones behind, having another piece of my life ripped away was just too much!  If I had been back at home, the event would have been unfortunate, but manageable.  Here, in a country that I was already struggling to find my place, it was crippling.  

Flying In

Turkey, the city of lights! I don’t actually know if anyone calls it that, but flying in over the city tonight, it was all ones eye could see. A friend of mine remarked, “it looks like Christmas lights,” and I had to agree. Sparkling, twinkling, shimmering all around were thousands upon thousands of little lights winding themselves around small towns and sections of cities. It was truly a beautiful sight. I only hope Turkey is as beautiful during the day. (please note, this is not my photo)

Walking Through Time

The Medina

Was andek Lma?

Pronounced (wash an-deck l’ma), it means: Do you have water? It is Friday morning, school starts in a half an hour and we are completely out of water. Knowing that there is no way I can sit through 4 hours of school without proper hydration, I muster up enough courage to walk to our local hanute.
Tired, nervous and sick, I fumble through the Arabic phrases I learned while walking out the front door. The kind child behind the counter looks at me questioningly. Instantly becoming insecure I decide to bag the proper Arabic I had been rehearsing on the walk over, instead reverting to pointing, gestures and single word statements. By some miracle the message gets across and the little clerk scampers up the ladder, gingerly makes his way across the refrigeration cabinets, returning with a six pack of large water bottles. I somehow manage to ask the cost, but don’t understand the answer. Rummaging through my wallet I retrieve a bill which I pray will cover it, all the while trusting that they will give me proper change.
When all is said and done (much of which I didn’t actually comprehend) I emerged triumphant from the hanute with my 'bucket' of water and a new sense of accomplishment.

A Course in Couscous Etiquette

Eating couscous, much like preparing traditional couscous, is a process, a learned skill and in many ways a true art form.  I, being quite naive, was unaware of the delicate art form that is eating couscous.  I unknowing committed several faux pas, thankfully among friends and was thus corrected gently with little offense.  

So that you may avoid any similar incidents, I feel it necessary to pass along this crucial information to you all.  

- couscous is pasta that has been ground very small into a bead like consistency

- unless you are skilled in the art of couscous formation (generally being rounded into a small ball), a spoon should be used

- personal plates are unnecessary, as everyone shares from the same serving bowl

- you are only to eat the couscous, vegetables and meat that are DIRECTLY in front of you. Deviating from your section will cause Couscous Conflict!!! (I may or may not have learned this the hard way...)

- proper couscous form should result in the creation of a couscous tunnel in front of each participant

- items you do not desire should be tactfully moved toward a neighboring couscous tunnel

Moroccan Sunset

Walking home from the kids performance this evening we were privileged to watch the sun setting behind us. The breathtaking yellow, oranges and reds that began to fill the sky presented the perfect backdrop for the clear flowing fountains and the city itself.

Swimmin'

Today is Wednesday, and you all know what that mean! It’s Faith’s birthday! Ah yes, my dear friend Faith, whom I am known for all of 4 days and first encountered at her family birthday last Saturday. All I have to say is that it’s a good thing people in foreign countries are so quick to welcome you into their homes and lives!
Even though they celebrated her birthday on Saturday, her actual birthday is today (I think), so we were all invited to join her and her family and a close friend (perhaps boyfriend?) for a day at the pool. Having no idea of what I was getting myself into and not exactly being thrilled at the idea of wearing a bathingsuit in a country where a large majority of people remain completely covered from head to toe, I cautiously embarked on this latest adventure.
Pulling into the dirt lot and parking under one of the only trees in the vicinity, I was less then impressed by the building before us. Actually, I must admit that I paid little attention to the structure itself, instead focusing more on the good sized group of teens gathered around the front entrance. As we made are way to the front, the group stepped back and we entered easily into what quickly revealed itself as more than a pool. It was indeed a waterpark of sorts with two large pool areas, pool tables (billiards), a playground, snack stands and what seemed to be much more. It was certainly a pleasant surprise. Additionally, the two pool areas carried with them two distinctions. There was one pool for the teenage boys, which first annoyed me that the girls were seemingly being segregated against, and another pool for families. My quick, and albeit harsh, judgment rapidly resided as I realized the benefits of being removed from the pesky group. Without all the interruptions, stares and rowdiness, we were able to enjoy a fun and pleasant afternoon at the pool and lounging in the sun.
However, being separated did not completely save us from the spotlight. While sitting on our towels by the pool, my roommate and I were approached by two Moroccan girls who asked if they could take their picture with us. Shocked and slightly confused we agreed to their request. Feeling a bit like a celebrity we posed with the girls for a series of pictures (which I refuse to post due to my extreme whiteness!). I have a serious feeling that the main reason they wanted pictures with us was because we were so white, but nonetheless it made for an interesting day and stories all around.
I am slowly working on my tan.

A Royal Encounter

This morning our assignment was to get out and walk. Having been outlined on a map in our living we set out with a series of vague street names and well-known landmarks to ensure that we stayed the course. The goal was essentially to observe life, perhaps most commonly known as people watching.
We walked slow. I am NOT a slow walker. In fact, I am a very very fast walker. Therefore this also became an exercise in self-control. However, as we began to walk, my attention began to shift from the pace of our travel to the small and intricate details of life unfolding all around us. For most people the workday had just begun. Several houses on our street were being worked on, two guys were taking a nap on a patch of grass and the garbage pile down the road was softly smoking away (I guess I should explain that they burn the garbage here). Store fronts were opening, friends greeted each other with kisses and conversation, the city was awaking from its slumber and dusting itself off for yet another day.
Life is beautiful. The small intricate details that make up every motion, interaction, and step. The drama of our lives that seems to play out as a movie before us, where the script is recorded moment by moment, just as they come. In all the rush to get on with life, it can be easy to miss the details. This walk through town from our humble apartment up to the gates of the King’s splendid Palace in Fes was a gentle reminder to stop and enjoy the small details of life. To encounter each moment as it comes and not be to eager to race on to what lies ahead. For if we spend all our time trying to get to the next big event, then eventually we will get to the end and look back and regret all of the opportunities we missed.
The details of daily living are what make life worth living.

Finding Fred

Some enjoy the companionship of soft, furry creatures that play fetch, come when they are called, and follow you endearingly around the house. Then there are those who prefer another variety. Those of the Blattaria family, who vary in size, are relatively smooth and scatter when illuminated. We, needing to be different, obviously chose the latter. Thereby welcoming into our humble abode Fred, our resident cockroach.

I first met Fred Tuesday morning after accidently disturbing his hiding spot underneath the large red bucket in the squatty, which I needed to use for laundry (the bucket, not the squatty). Upon our first encounter we both froze (possibly shrieked) and then went in for a closer look. Or rather I may have done that before running upstairs to find my camera. Alas, when I returned Fred was gone (Yes, I named him Fred too), apparently having retreated into some corner of the room. I thought about Fred all day and looked for him again that evening, but tragically Fred had vanished!

Wondering if I would ever see my little friend Fred again, I finished out my day and retreated to the balcony for some quiet reflection. (No, Fred was not on the balcony!) However, after some time my parched throat forced me back inside, down the stairs, through the darkness and into the kitchen. Flipping on the light switch I was horrified at what my eyes beheld... dirty dirty dishes were everywhere! Absolutely tragic (especially since I needed a cup). Heading over to select one to wash and reuse, I discovered Fred! There he was peaking out of one of the cups I was just about to grab. Repeating our earlier morning ritual I greeted him once again. Then, not wanting to let the opportunity slip by, I dashed up the stairs to grab my camera and proceeded to follow him paparazzi style across the countertop. Fred was playing coy, but I managed to catch a glimpse of him before he slipped behind the rest of the dishes.

In the morning though Fred was gone again.. he seems to be more of a night creature, taking advantage of the unoccupied living quarters downstairs during the waning hours of the evening and the wee hours of the morning. Hopefully Fred and I will meet again, it's kind of nice to have another roommate, even if he is a tad unusual. Life is all about making unexpected friends, right?

GOOD MORNING FES!!!

Buenos Dias! (yes, I know that is Spanish!) It is my 3rd day here in Morocco and it was off to a running start this morning as I am working to establish a morning routine for myself.  Today began at 6:30 as I jumped (ok, crawled) out of bed and threw on some clothes to hit the street for a run.  My main goal this morning was to avoid the heat, the majority of people & their cars, and to not get lost.  I am happy to report that overall I was fairly successful!  

Having fallen out of my running routine for the past month or so I knew that running in Fes would be a bit of an adjustment, but my first day actually went better than expected.  I made it out of neighborhood and took a bunch of back roads eventually winding up where I ALWAYS seem to wind up when I leave the house (at this dirt field-grassy-not-quite-sure-what-it-really-is area) and from there I know my way pretty much all over the neighborhood, which is nice, but almost comical.  On my run I also passed whom I suspect is the only other crazy runner in this part of Fes, however being the alien white skinned red faced crazy blonde girl, I am sure I draw more looks of shock then he does.  I last for a good 20-30min before heading back into the house for a refreshing cold shower.  

Laundry (I decided it wasn't worth a whole new post)

So this morning after getting all cleaned up, I decided that it was time to do a round of laundry, since my running clothes were certainly not smelling so fresh.  Thanks to TMI and my previous experiences in Africa, I am a bucket washing pro! (I already hung my own clothes line on the balcony the day before! yes, be proud, VERY proud!)  Since no bucket was nearby nor laundry detergent available, I opted for the sink and a little of my shampoo.  It worked quite well and then I hung everything out to dry.  Absolutely Stunning, and quite the sense of accomplishment!

Time To Reflect

Realizing that I have had very little time for reflection these past few days and that I hadn't actually journaled since Frankfurt, I decided that a little quality time on my balcony was needed. I packed up some bread and juice from the kitchen and made myself at home on my extended room with my Bible and journal. I spent some time reading in the Psalms, Proverbs and the book of James. It was so wonderful just to quiet my mind and heart and sit with God. After journaling for a bit I started blogging (hence the sudden rush of pictures stories and the like), which has allowed me to recall even more of my adventures, as my time here certainly has been packed full. I am learning so much about this area, myself and life in general. I find it fascinating to hear so many different perspectives of life and our purpose here, it is quite enriching.

I know life can get busy and there is always somewhere that we need to be, but stop for a moment today to reflect and rest, it will do you a world of good. Love You All!

Missing Freedom

Okay, it has finally hit. After weeks of goodbyes to friends that didn't seem real, the frantic rush of pre-packing shopping, days of endless travel and sitting, and then non-stop action since arriving in Morocco, I have finally begun to experience my first bought of sadness.  Don't get me wrong, I love being here in Morocco, it is beyond incredible, but there are certainly some adjustments.  Tonight as I sit trapped in the house at 9:45pm on a Sunday evening... it is freedom!

I have grown so accustomed to going wherever I want, whenever I want with all my friends.  Here there are a different set of rules and standards that have to be upheld.  I understand why, but it doesn't change the fact that I want to be out, seeing people, going places and experiencing Morocco!  Ah well, it is only the end of my second day here, I am sure I will adjust soon enough. Blessings to you all!

Go Futbol!

It's 4pm on a bright and sunny Sunday afternoon here in Fes, what else is there to do but play ball?!? Futbol that is [soccer to all you Americans :-) ].  To be completely honest, I am not a very good soccer player, in fact, I can't even remember the last real soccer game I participated in.  Nonetheless, they agreed to let me play (Ha, their first mistake!)

Today's game was a re-match between the youth and adults.  Walking in to the match I had no idea just how big of a deal this was to everyone, but people came out ready to play hard, cheer loud and win.  People came with homemade signs, the team lines were clearly drawn between the Lighters and the 'Mature' People.  After checking out the competition I decided to side with my people, the 'mature people,' mainly because the youth appeared to be quite numerous and the adults won last time.  (I figured if anything my lack of skills would hurt the team more than help.)  

I believe we played 4 quarters supposedly 15min each, but I wasn't the one keeping time.  It was an intense game where everything seemed to go quite quickly.  Unfortunately there were a few causalities of war (who now have very cool battle stories, sorry Heather!) and numerous bruises, bumps and scrapes along the way.  

The game was certainly intense with the majority of the points coming early on in playing time. If I am remembering correctly, the adults took the lead first with the youth trailing behind racing to try and get into a rhythm. By the end of the 2nd quarter they had found it and we went into the half time tied up 3 to 3. Returning in the 3rd quarter the adults decided to mix the game up and sent in an all female offense (there weren't enough ladies to cover the whole team). We played hard, but were unable to penetrate the youth's defense (ie, their goalie). However, it was not for lack of talent, for we undoubtedly had plenty. The men took over in the 4th quarter confident that they could bring about the victory, but alas, they failed miserably... and by that I mean that no one scored. The game then shifted into overtime where the teams were paired down to 6 players playing five minute intervals until a goal was made (they had some fancy name for this, but basically it was sudden death!). During the course of play there were scares on both sides of the field, but ultimately the youth's defense waned and the adults headed in for the kill. The game ended in triumphant victory for the 'mature' people who maintained their position of honor as victors of the field!

So Sweet

Day 2: Today is Sunday and after not having slept more than a few occasional hours over the course of the past few days I was finally able to sleep in! I missed church (sorry P. Bill), which I was essentially excused from since I was going non-stop since arriving in Morocco. Took it easy, finally had a shower and began to explore my surroundings. Matt, the dad of the family I am working with, stopped by to show some people around the house (they were looking to buy furniture - more on that later). Shortly after that my roommates and I met up with the rest of the family and some friends for lunch at this amazing little French restaurant just a few blocks from our apartment. In addition to getting so tasty crepes, I also received a quick French lesson since the waiter INSISTED that I either order in French or Arabic! It was my first major meal since arriving in Fes and it was delicious!

During lunch, Faith and Christa, two of the girls who live in the area, invited Nicole (roommate), Heather (mom of family) and Me (Christina!) to play soccer with them that afternoon. After a small amount of debate we all agreed to play, I was SO EXCITED!!!

A quick introduction to the family (and friends) in the picture. Moving from left to right: Matt (dad), Christa, Sedona (kid), Faith, Saralyn (kid), Heather (mom), Philip (kid), Nicole (roommate), Ryan (roommate- married to Nicole)

A Room With A View

Fes is a wonderful city! I feel so blessed to be in such a beautiful place with a kind and warm family and fantastic roommates! If you haven't taken the opportunity yet, you should check out the video of the apartment as it gives a fairly accurate depiction of where I am living here in Fes. However, my room in the video is a bit inaccurate (in my opinion), as it is a fair bit larger than the video would suggest, has two pictures on the wall (so it doesn't quite look like a prison cell), and has the most amazing view! I have a balcony!!!! I don't think my living conditions could have been scripted any better! This is truly a blessing and I am so thankful for my room with a view (it is actually where I am writing from now!)

40+ hours

If you haven't heard by now, let me reassure you that I have not only arrived in Morocco in onc piece, but I am now settling in to life in Fes and doing very well. So well in fact, that my room is already a mess, its just like home (don't worry mom, I will clean it up).
The Journey over here was fairly intense. Overall the flights weren't too bad, but the long layovers took their toll. The morning of departure was frantic at best as my mom and sister can certainly attest to. Thank you both so much for all of your help and support in getting ready to leave, I couldn't have done it without you! We arrived at Seatac with plenty of time, checked in and managed to successfully make it through security for the first time with a laptop. I made it to the gate and plopped down on the floor as a sense of relief, exhaustion, and reality overtook me. It was finally real, I was actually leaving. I was loaded onto the plane with a bunch of Sonics Cheerleaders (its amazing how they can look perfect even after 10 hours of flying...), found my seat, made friends with the couple next to me and began to settle in. After a very momentary peace I ended up being moved to a different seat in the next section up where I sat in a row with 2 guys who didn't appear to speak english. We took off and I spent the next 10 hours in and out of sleep with a variety of movies in between. (Note to all travelers: Lufthansa Airlines is wonderful for international travel, I highly recommend it!) Towards the end of the flight I finally had enough sense to strike up a conversation with the guy sitting next to me, Alexander, but Sasha for short. He spoke English (among a host of other languages) and was a student from Kazakhstan who had just spent the last 10months in the US. He was a lot of fun to talk with and if I ever make it up to Kazakhstan, it sounds like I would have a place to stay.

I arrived in Frankfurt at 9:30am local time, just minutes before realizing that my short stay there was actually a staggering 13 HOURS!!!! I contemplated trying to get a taxi and heading out into the city, but I didn't want to risk getting lost or being late, even more than that, I didn't want to go through security again! So I toughed it out and looked for a place to settle in. A few observations... there is NO carpeting in the airport, an extreme shortage of chairs and benches, and the bathrooms have GREEN papertowels. (Ok, so I got a bit bored in the airport). I did however seem to attract numerous babies and mothers, as they frequently seemed to settle in wherever I did. I met a lady from Oman and another from Turkey. In addition to two guys from France who were originally from the Congo and Senegal. Being trapped in the airport allowed numerous opportunities to meet people and to eat ice cream... it was Haagen-dazs, the real thing, and the only thing that looked appealing.

When I finally left Frankfurt it was well after 10:30pm local time and I boarded my 3 hour plane to Casablanca. At this point, I don't really remember my flight to Casa, except for the fact that they feed us sometime around midnight and I was awake long enough to take pictures of my two traveling companions, Mushu and Nico. I had also learned from my previous flight to ALWAYS GO WITH THE PASTA! The chicken dinner I ate traveling on the plane from the states was questionable to say the least, but the pasta was wonderful (for airplane food). I arrived safely in Casa an hour later then the tickets indicated I should, thanks to Morocco's sudden (and seemingly random) switch to daylight savings time a few weeks ago. I got off the plane and headed to immigration, which should have been a breeze, except for the fact that the young man held me 4 times as long as any other passengers around me as he seemed to be flirting and then decided that he should try and teach me arabic... oi vei! When all was said and done, I grabbed my bags, slid through customs and was met by my friends in Casa!

My Moroccan friends Yassine, Tarik (and one of their friends), met me at the airport, greeted me warmly, and scooped up all my belongings with ease. They then escorted me out to the car (which ironically enough was named Christina, since the first song that played on the radio after it was purchased was Christina Aguilara). Since my plane was over an hour late, they had to readjust their plans for the morning, but we ended up still being able to stop and grab a quick snack. We stopped at a little cafe place for juice and paninis (sandwiches), which were delicious! The panini was ground beef and cheese and I ate every bite! (No, this doesn't mean I have converted to a beef eater, I was being culturally sensitive and I was also incredibly hungry). From their we stopped by their apartment, where they carried nearly 100lbs of my stuff up 8+ flights of stairs (it was quite impressive). Next we headed out for a walk by the beach which was lovely! I had a wonderful time talking with each of them and even got into a political discussion with some guy on the street, oh, I should mention, it was about the current American Presidential race. After hanging out in the nice cool air we went back to the apartment to hang out and talk. I jumped online for a short bit while the guys had some shisha and shortly there after we all crashed for a few hours. When I got up it was time to head to the train station to go back to the airport so I could take what was supposed to be the shortest and EASIEST flight from Casa to Fes... it was a nightmare!

When I arrived and managed to drag all my stuff up the moving ramp, its like an escalator, only flat and going up hill. (It was actually quite comical as the weight of my bags on the cart actually started to push me back down the ramp and it was an all out battle to keep from sliding down the ramp to where I started). I miraculously made it, and was certainly glad no one was around to witness the weirdness that was the crazy american girl! Upon arrival at check in I was informed that I could only take 20 kilos of stuff. This was a rather big problem as I had just over twice that amount of of personal affects with me. The not so friendly man behind the counter seemed quite annoyed with me, as though I should have known that this was the standard (I didn't see it printed anywhere!), he then informed me that he would have to call and check if it would be allowed. After about 15min of negotations it was reported that I could not. In growing distress I asked what he suggest that I do then. He said my only option was to pay, something I already figured I would have to do. I said ok and asked how much, I was then informed that he would need to write me a receipt, which required someone else walking over to a different station, getting the special paper and bringing it back over so that he could write it out. Long story short I was then sent over to a different station to pay, but their credit machine wasn't working, was then sent to a bank (that wasn't a bank), finally found a bank, waited for what seemed like an eternity, finally got my money exchanged, and then reversed my previous steps. When I finally made it back to the ticket counter the man reluctantly presented me with my boarding pass. I don't exactly remember security and the flight was a mess, but after all the drama and headache, I made it safely to Fes an hour or so later and was thoroughly DONE with airports!

I've Arrived

I am here, exhausted and greatly in need of sleep, but had an overall good journey and a lovely first day in Morocco. I will fill you in with all the details when I am no longer battling my eyes to stay open long enough to read the screen. Love you all!

The Apartment

Hey Everyone, Here is a glimpse of the apartment I will be living in and people I will be staying with. Props to Ryan for giving everyone a tour, I can't wait to meet them both on Saturday! Oh, and I am the "other intern," so that is my room... i think its missing a few things...

Leaving On a Jet Plane...

Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane

Don't know when I'll be back again

For the past few weeks that chorus has been running through my head like a broken record.  I couldn't remember the rest of the words in the song, but it didn't matter.  These two simple lines sum up in very broad terms, the journey I am about to embark on.  For those of you who have not heard yet, I am leaving, really leaving, we are talking 7+ months people!!! and I truly don't know when I will be coming home.

My bags aren't quite packed, but here is the plan as it stands

I will be leaving Seattle Thursday June 5th and beginning my two day journey to Fes, Morocco for a summer internship.  I will be spending just over 10 weeks working with a family in Morocco: learning the language, culture and engaging in conversations to meet TONS of new people.  During this time I will also be attending a conference for a week in Turkey!

From Morocco it is on to a short siesta in the Middle East where I look forward to meeting up with some new friends, hitting up at least three countries and experiencing the heat wave that is August in the desert.  

Traveling south from the Middle East I will cross the equator and settle into East Africa where I will be attending classes as a student with the Go ED program.  I am very excited for this unique opportunity as I will be spending each month in a different country for studies and also for a practicum session where we will be working to help people in a specified field. The four month program wraps up in December, which will be just in time for my next adventure!

I am currently planning on staying overseas for a while longer.  Whether it will be a matter of days, weeks, months or years - only God knows at this point.  I am trying to leave myself completely open to what my future holds and what God has next for me.