Essaouira And Talmest

Playing in the sand

Architecture on the beach

Boys looking at fish

Famous blue boats

Fish and eel for sale on the boardwalk

Boat coming in to dock

Bouy

Jacks

Oops, zoom lens on

Bird and bow

The Atlantic

Gorgeous sunset over the Atlantic

Collecting shells

On the beach

Camel resting

Rides anyone?

Carpet alley

Hats and slippers galore

Traditional handmade caps

Spices

Kitty sleeping

Mom and baby cat napping

Posing for a rest in the alley by the hotel

Blue doorway

Morning Pilates on rooftop

Talmest

Talmest douar

Archway

Essaouira has captured my heart as the smell of the Atlantic ocean, seagulls, camels and water front restaurants are all too familiar. Luckily the ocean is only about 4.5 hours West from my town. The medina is filled with beautiful hand made crafts, clothing, rugs and yummy treats like fresh fish and ice cream. For less than a dollar I had a big fish sandwich stuffed in a hunk of whole made warm bread with tomatoes, peppers and onions. The medina with it's narrow alley walkways have many restaurants where tourists are lured in from all over. I can't get over the number of well fed cats lounging around everywhere as comfortable as can be while they pose for photos. A walk to the ocean where you can have a burger and beer, stick your feet in the water, and take a camel ride for less than fifteen american dollars is a good deal. My good friends live in Talmest close to Essa where I have decided to extend my time away. I really enjoyed time with friends, talking, cooking meals, laughing, playing games and seeing their village which is so different from mine. I hope to visit Essaouira again and I am grateful to see such a unique and beautiful place.

"Drifa", means nice

Evenings in the village

Boy walking on top of water trench 

Kids show me around in fields

I often look at the moon

Grandma telling me about hair henna

Boys admire my bike

Duct tape cell phone holder, a new creation

Evening journal-ling has become a routine

As I continue to study and make friends, I am continuing to adjust to the slower pace of Morocco where an indirect culture doesn't provide direct answers and time is not of the essence. It's  challenging to stay positive when things are so different and often misunderstood. I am finding the rhythm of my village which proves to be comforting. Although it doesn't feel like much progress is being made yet, I am focusing on the integration process. Many locals in the community are telling me I'm, "drif", which means 'nice' in Arabic. I have made it six months in country and am reflecting on all I have learned so far. It seems so long ago I boarded the plane to get here to be a part of my dream. I'm proud of the things I've accomplished: journal writing, cooking, dancing with friends or alone, talking with new friends, meeting new people, learning a new language, traveling in Morocco, juggling in a talent show, star gazing, taking walks and bike rides, solving puzzles, sewing, creating artsy things, had a good long cry, having coffee and pastry in a cafe, bought something new, sing out loud, training for Peace Corps, giving messages, swimming in a pool, learned how to bake bread and Moroccan cuisine, blogging, skyping with friends, reading good books, coloring, sketching, organizing, going to the local outdoor market, going for a donkey ride, seeing Fantasia festival and ride an Arabian horse, go to the carnival, eat ice cream, sleep under the stars, have a cold drink, cloud gazing, nature walks, yoga, take a nap, meditate, listen to music, being domestic, going to weddings and funerals, move into an apartment, decorate a new place, paint my nails and spend time alone.

Life After Ramadan; "Mn b3d"

Carnival

Girls posing in new clothes

Mama cow producing milk

Kids playing on donkey cart

Beautiful horse

Baby calf one day old

Can't get enough of the sunsets here

My own kefta tajine

Corn crops begin

Pomegranate in season

Hair henna with beets

Enjoying an evening on the balcony

Making jewelry with recycled trash,beads and buttons

Fabric store

Choosing jilaba fabric

Life continues with more activity and a lively presence after Ramadan is over. All the workers are busy here and more locals are out and about. I am still anticipating work and will be looking forward to it when it begins as I continue practicing patience. To pass the time, I have been appreciating this challenge and abundance of quiet time and gratitude to myself. I have focused the past few weeks on journal writing and getting fresh air to combat the heat, cooking and with every tajine it just gets better. I will celebrate six months in country and am looking toward a break between meetings and visiting friends. The days are long and it's still very hot here. It's a treat to get out of the village once and awhile to shop with family and get a change of scenery. Today, I will join friends in the village for cous cous, cucumber juice, coffee, olives, bread, and a bit of studying and resting while I catch up on some Moroccan soap operas. During this month, I will observe a moment of silence here in Morocco to remember those that have died on September 11, a decade ago, in order to honor all victims of terrorism, whether in the United States or around the world. In doing this, it will help me better understand my role as a volunteer promoting peace abroad.  

Ramadan; "Baraka"

Collage table

Mobile made of recycled trash

Duct tape fans

A moment in time

Tajine

Overnight for "Lftor"

Making cookies for the big feast

Cookies ready for the oven

Neighbor girl

Village girls pose                 

Mama in the kitchen preparing
cous cous for Lai3id Sgir        

                                                                                                                               


                                                                                                                                                                     

Waiting for hajj, Eid al-Adha

 Man selling cilantro at the souk        

Up top a tractor

Ramadan has come to a close. In so many ways I don't want it to end, and so many ways I am ready. What a beautiful experience it's been. It's been a month of stillness and contemplation. It's been a hot, long difficult month. I have  learned to channel my creative side to cope with boredom and quietness. I have been keeping up with the weekly yoga and cardio workouts to stay balanced and provide a routine as well as weekly language lessons. I have spent Ramadan with one special family that has taken me in as their own. Aside from star gazing on their roof , enjoying learning to make meals and then eating them after a day of fasting, doing nothing and laughing, these are the things I have realized I will always remember. As September approaches, I am anticipating work, at the same time I am feeling the effects of being in site for 3 months and will be looking forward to a break away. What makes me most happy is talking with the people here, creating art, meditation, time to myself, fresh air, the night sky, routine, music, my apartment and knowing there is great possibility in all things.

Place Close to the Mountain; 'Blasa Qrib l Jbel'

Hike through the village and mountain  range

Under Anne's painting with artwork

Looking through local women's handmade jewelry

Overlooking the village

Did anyone hear me say cheese?

Tauama near Marrakesh

Boy sitting at Mountain ridge           

Sheep herder

Boy posing on top of donkey

Dead orange tree

Happy to be with friends

Fig, almond and avocado salad

Everyone needs a break from time to time. I decided to visit friends in a nearby village for the weekend near Marrakesh. We enjoyed each other's company, hiked, cooked together, laughed, rested, slept on the roof under the stars and talked about our challenges and good fortune in Peace Corps. I enjoyed my time so much and realized that the friends I am making in Morocco are special as this time in my life is very unique. The days are long and hot here. I have been keeping myself busy with reading, language, yoga, walking and art projects as well as spending time with friends in my community. I'm looking toward tomorrow, and appreciating these opportunities as they come.