It's The Small Things; "Shi Haja Sgrira"

I am coming from the taxi stand

Beautiful path on my daily walk

Outside house

Preparing dinner

Typical hamman bathing structure

     

Host families bunnies

Field of flowers on morning walk

View from inside host families house looking out

Sheep enjoying food

Host families dog and cat

African sunset

Rosemary, yumm...

Pretty flowers

Caitlin, my site mate

After travelling 7+ hours we finally got to our site where our family was waiting for us. We had a difficult day sitting on a crowded bus, winding around the Atlas mountains on a bus without shocks moving quickly on a narrow road. Enjoying the beauty of the mountainside trying not to notice the many switch backs and no  ledge with a steep cliff down below, we eventually made it to our first destination, Merrekesh. We then took 3 more taxis to our final destination. We paid triple the cost in travel as we haven't been successful in convincing natives we are not tourists and are living and working in Morocco. Nonetheless, I was happy to finally arrive. I had for gotten how green and beautiful this area is. I am glad to be here now even though the tasks seem more than daunting and unattainable. As we have already been to trainings this week, we are learning a lot but are hot, overwhelmed and worn out using our language skills. We have met many great locals and have unique day to day experiences. The things I love are being outside, talking to natives while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee or both while eating a bit of sweets sitting under an olive tree embracing awkward silences. I love going to the roof of my house and watching the African sunsets while writing in my journal. I've introduced yoga and jump roping which my family thinks is hysterical. I am learning more about cooking and sharing my cookie recipes here. The adjustment period is very challenging and I am creating as much happiness for myself as possible in the process.