Despite the 107 degree weather these past weeks, the locals get out as if it were no problem, I try to stay cool inside or getting an occasional pop-cycle from the hanut filled with sugar or eating watermelon and staying hydrated with electrolytes. It's downright oppressive...I've stayed away from soda, but every now and then a cold cola from a glass bottle with sugar is just the ticket. On a different note, I am getting a lot of personal and awkward questions these days from the locals such as, 'what's it like to have a menstral cycle, what do I think of Obama and my political views, why am I not married yet or have several husbands?' Same sex relationships in America, what am I going to do with all my belongings when I leave Morocco? 'Why don't I wear a jilaba and why do I do things alone? Do woman in America get hit by their husbands like Morocco? What about the children? Why haven't I seen my family from America in over a year?' I want to be honest and my approach has always been to think of the US as a whole and to keep my personal beliefs aside as much as possible. Perhaps these questions are good as it might mean I have reached a new level trust with my community. A recent experience with a co-worker proved to be educational in terms of personal space and freedom. As she leaned over and grabbed my shirt, she got a glimpse of my tattooed arm. With disgust and surprise, she reminded me that this is very shameful in Morocco and against Muslim faith. I proceeded with care to let her know I am not Muslim and it's not shameful from where I come from and I want to respect the culture here which is why I am covered a lot like the scarf she wears on her head. Without her fully understanding, we got to a place of agreement which is all that mattered. I am saddened that the freedom that I have is not attainable in Morocco and although she may feel free enough, this is what divides us and our cultures. At any rate, I am lucky... to have the opportunity to share with those that might not agree and to show that having an opinion is a vital part of our being as humans.
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