Ibis Moussafir Rabat

... per capita GDP, 10 cars per hundred people (compared to 70 for the US). Morocco has limited industry, almost all centered in Casablanca. Their top 4 national products are phosphates, citrus fruits, sardines, and carpets. It’s the carpets that capture allegiance.

Morocco is a constitutional monarchy. That means that the king does whatever he damn well pleases, he has a legislature to kiss up to him for doing it, and a military to ...

... br>Sleeping with a fan on (and without ear plugs)
TV
Me time
Having a bathroom all to myself

I would like to thank everyone who has supported me in this adventure during the months leading up to it, as well as while I've been here. I hope you enjoyed reading this blog as much as I have enjoyed writing it. I feel very fortunate and am happy I decided to take advantage of this opportunity. It's the type of experience ...

School started a week ago today. Amina and I go to school together, and we take the bus, which has a tendency to get a little crowded at times. And let's just say, people in Morocco don't shower as much as we do, so the scents can be a little.....different. We took our placement test Monday morning, and after being up all day Saturday and Sunday and completely overwhelmed on Sunday, the test was a bit ...

... the girl in traction up and down the hall. Then, he parked her outside our window, and played string tricks with her. It was very humbling to see. I wonder where a boy that age gets such sensitivity and maturity? Not sure I want to know what he's been through. Another humbling experience . . . we brought string and yarn for crafts. Someone got hold of a ball of yarn and one thing led to another. Next thing I know, we had a little ...

... CCS volunteers come (with our toys and materials in tow!) so it really means a lot to me to be doing this project. Our power was out most of the day today and I didn't even notice for several hours! It is nice to be unplugged from the every day world, but it is fun to report the day's happenings via this blog. My battery is running low, so I'm going to sign off for now. B'esselama, Patty

17th - Left Chefchaouen to travel to Rabat via Ouezzane where we would try to get our visas for Mauritania and Mali as well as explore the city. On the drive down we were surrounded by lush green countryside and wide open spaces once we'd left the Rift Mountains. Ben put some Irish music on the truck for celebrating St. Patrick's day. Managed to get our Mali visas ...

... shepherds pies, peppers stuffed with spinach, onion, garlic, tomato and rice for the veggies, fresh beans pan fried in butter, garlic and mustard seeds, salad and vanilla wafers for afters. Yummo. I'm going to be so good at cooking on camp fires that I'll have to get one installed in our kitchen! Had a nice hot shower after dinner ...

... of things. We are opposite the central market, in the middle of the Medina. We've just got back from wandering around, having our shwarma (bbq'd meat in bread, with onion, cumin and hot pepper) bought from a little stall in the Medina, it was delicious. Lunch was a great big salad made of avocado, tomato and cucumber we bought at the market. We're both a bit dehydrated today, because the weather was so horrible yesterday we probably didn't drink enough, so we're ...

... lacking from my entries, so I'll give it here. This is the context for my wanderings: Rabat has a reputation as the calm, political city of Morocco. You'll hear this used to explain its faults and charms, but while it may explain the personality of Rabat as compared to (what I've heard is) the bustling craziness of Casablanca, or the vibrant blend of historical and chic in Marrakesh, I think it sells Rabat a little short. Driving through this city you'll find yourself suddenly ...

... We were told in orientation material that it is often the case that the father will be absent or reserved. I have been lucky enough to receive a very, very warm, cheerful, and attentive father. He seems to get great joy from hosting me, for a reason I haven't quite discovered yet, and is vigilant that I am happy and fed. If my translations are correct, he considers it an insult to his honor that someone under his care would be skinny. The two daughters have also been a godsend ...