'Bsla', 'Difficult' in Arabic

I moved. It wasn't far from the original apartment and I like the quaint smaller place with a private patio and quiet location. It feels good to be getting settled yet again after so many difficulties with electricity and water. I feel better here and know that things will continue in an upward motion moving forward. As I see many peace corps friends leaving country, getting back to the states, a part of me is sad and the other part of me happy to know I have completed a full two years abroad and although somewhat anxious to get back to the states also feeling comfortable and happy abroad. Although a bit nervous and anxious I am ready for the well deserved break back home as I miss my family. Things in Midelt are busy which is occupying any thoughts of  visiting the states or fears returning that I have. As usual, I am enjoying fun and play in the city as my schedule is becoming routine.

Hiru

Local woman crossing barrage or lake

Yoga

Midelt from Lake

Mounaim decorated for my birthday

27 again!

Midelt Lake on birthday

Cleaning new apartment

In Midelt, cool small door

Donation to less fortunate families

Association Amal, kid time

Midelt on a warm day

Spray painted camel head on patio attached to window

Errichidia, 'Blue Source' springs

Public Springs, Errichidia

Yoga-Spring camp, Boumia

Morning stretching, Boumia spring camp

Boumia, walk with youth

Collage making, Boumia spring camp

Spring camp students, Boumia

Back to Life in the City

Kitty love

Home cooking, Moroccan style

Cake and tea time

Taxi strike last week

Running group

My apartment 'salon', living room

'La kuzina', kitchen

'Mario', decor and bookshelf

King's Center meeting and work

Still snow on the mountain tops

It's that time of year where I can feel a change in the weather. It's still very cold here with wind, rain and sunshine. The birds are out in full force singing. It feels good to be getting back to a semi routine even with Spring break and many locals gone. I am anxious for things to be in full swing before coming back to the states for a month long visit. My list is getting shorter but I keep adding things. I think the apartment problems I have been experiencing are fixed now which will make for  much less stressful living.    

Visit Back to Host Family in Ouargui

Saad has grown

Host brother, Zacharia

Groom's sister

Swing in front yard

Baby

Sun bathing

Host sisters wedding

Mom, bride and groom

Waiting....

Lunch tajine

Host sister and mother in law

It was so good to get back to see my host family close to Marrakech, it's been a hectic few months and my return was a pleasant experience. I only had the opportunity to stay a few days before coming back from a long bike ride and wanted to get back to my new home and kitty in Midelt. I will go back again in the next several months perhaps after I return from America for a much needed break from Morocco. I am so lucky to have friends and family all throughout Morocco.

A Bike Journey To 'Ahouli'

On route

Ruins on the way

Mounaim was a trooper on our 100km ride...

Resting at lunch spot, BiLaden

I love this photo, second resting stop in mining town

'Ahouli', abandoned mining town

Cool grafitti 

Upon the mountain

What happens when you are tired

 We traveled over 100kilometers in all to visit an abandoned mining village called, 'Ahouli'. It was a cool place with neat surprises all along the way. We discovered a crystal clear lake in BiLaden where we unpacked our egg sandwich lunches to rest and enjoy the silence and beauty around us. We moved on to Ahouli where we found a river and a few campers. We got our feet wet and ate some chocolate to return back home before dark. We ran into a man selling fossils which he gave to me in exchange of learning English next time I pass through. It was a wonderful day. We reached Midelt when dark and ended up getting two rides from locals in the back of a motorized cart. Midelt, dark windy and raining, we stopped at a local restaurant to have hirira. I hope to make it back for a second journey there.