Couscous Friday

Many Moroccans make homemade couscous on Fridays. It is a tradition here and one that I will miss. In these pictures, I was invited to Rihab's teacher's house one Friday for Couscous with her family. In the first picture, she is preparing the couscous. Then, it is put in a very large dish. Finally, she adds meat and vegetables to it. (The pictures came out in reverse order) Everyone then shares the HUGE couscous meal. Couscous is an occasion for everyone to share the meal together and so often times, it is also the time when others are invited. I want to thank Rihab's teacher for sharing.

This is my last day in Morocco. After I finish this blog, I will go and pack my bags and very early tomorrow morning, I will take the plane from Casablanca to NYC, then NYC to Denver. I would say that overall my time here has been successful and I have learned a lot. I have enjoyed working with Abdellatif and his classes. The teachers were very nice and gave me a going away tea party last night. There were fresh pastries and chocolate cake and tea. There is one teacher in particular that wants to me tell you that their working conditions are bad. She told me on a number to occasions, "Tell them. Maybe they will hear. Tell them!" Most teachers have 45-50 students in a classroom. There is graphitti on the walls, and often times, no where for a student to sit. Because class schedules are from 8 to noon and then 2 to 6PM, by the time evening classes roll around, sometimes it is difficult to see because there are only a few lights working or none at all. There are no outlets to do listening practices with cassettes. Chalk and a textbook are a teacher's only resource. I told her that I wanted to concentrate on the positive aspects of the Moroccoan culture but she insisted that I tell you. So...I am telling you.

In every culture, we have misunderstandings. Though we try to fix them in our own ways, sometimes it only makes it worse. I have found that we are all set in our cultures and although for the most part, things have been very enjoyable in Morocco, the cultural mistunderstandings have been a set back in better understanding each other. I do not want to go into more specifics than that.

Every time I travel, I enjoy my experience and Morocco has been a very unique experience for me--one that I will never forget. But like all of the other times, in the end, I am always ready to go home to my own family and friends. There is no place like home. I have especially missed my little boy. I can't wait to see him!!!

Many thanks to all of my Moroccan friends and students here for your hospitality. I hope to be able to show Abdellatif our hospitality as well, though perhaps not as rich in traditions but unique in and of itself.