Reflection and Redirection

June in Morocco

I made it. I taught my first year abroad! Totally crazy how the time flew! This year has had SO many ups and downs both professionally and personally, it would take a long time to write about it…although a great book it would make! I’m giving the highlights and keeping it clean….damn there is so much I want to say!

I have often said if video cameras were at our school it would make for a fantastic, addicting reality show! Who is a not friend with who anymore, who’s sneaking around with you, who totally went off on the secretary for something that would be easily done in the states. (There were many who did this…including me.) She’s an idiot…sorry, that part is true. And let’s not forget the art teacher who slapped and cursed out the headmaster and was escorted off the property, and then shipped home. Yes, it’s true. I even saw his belongings outside the apartment building on the ground….I’m telling you, a money making reality show!

I suppose I would be part of it as well., ‘The NY teacher who’s now dating the head of admissions, a young Moroccan man’. I always say, you can’t help whom you fall in love with. And when it's right…it's right. 

Learned a lot is an understatement. For all of us who have just completed our first year, the good times were good, and the bad times were pretty bad. While people’s friendships have shifted and changed, we all seem to remain supportive to one another because we all at times feel a little lost, a little alone, and making our way in our now, new homes.

June is always a good month in my profession. It marks the end of the year. The kids are generally happy, and a bit wild. This did not change being overseas.  We had a field trip to Terre D'Amanar which was pretty exciting and scary for me. Zip lining? Sure, I’ll try it! 

http://www.terresdamanar.com

Swing my fat ass from tree to tree while dangling from the cables you say? Ah!
My students were so supportive as I screamed the whole way!

Equivalent to the black diamond course. Holy Shit! 

 Beautiful sights along the way~

Got a kick out of this sign...

Youssef and I have made more trips to the square and he continues to show me where to get the best of things. It also is a place you can’t help but whip out your camera. It is especially magical at sunset, my favorite time to go.

He insisted on me holding a snake…a very touristy thing to do…and we did it. 

No pics with the monkey…I think its cruel to have them on chains…I could barley look at it. 

This is the guy that sells cups of water to drink. Yes, its an old tradition that still exists here however I brought my own bottle. I just paid him for a pic. 

The water is kept cool in a pouch made of goat skin. A yummy flavor I'm sure. 

I actually have begun to know my way around the windy, twisty paths myself.

Amazing! Just 10 months ago I thought I would never get out alive once entering the maze of colors, textures, and bustle of the souks. Now it’s walk in the park. 

Come, let me show you where to get the best olives!

They let you taste before you buy….yum!

Good thing I love olives!

Fresh mint for your tea! 

Turn right at the mint shop, and left at the sheep head….

Will never try!

Our favorite potato and egg place! A must try sandwich when coming to Kesh.

Sammi and Finster are doing just fine! They quickly adapted to a routine we have developed and Finster as always, leads the way on and off the elevator.

They enjoy basking in the warm sun on the balcony. 

Sammi before grooming…my little matted rat. 

Crazy Finster wanting to get the hell outta there….after his much needed cut and blow.

There is a French woman who cuts them in her shop and simply adores them. I don't know what she is saying when I enter and exit, but I know they are well taken care of while getting their baths. The bad news is the price is about the same as in NY. Poodle up keep, is not cheap!

My lil Prince Sammi after his grooming. Youssef likes them better without the fluff. 

My 2 handsome dogs….love them to bits! Sammi always smiling for the camera. 

 We searched for the perfect platter for our tabletop while he did all the negotiating of course. I admire the amount of patience he has. Good God, the souks at night are crowded and smelly, and when he purposely walked me into a chicken coop area where birds are stuffed in cages like sardines in a can, I wanted to kill him!

Trying to get just the right size platter/table. 

Making the balcony a bit cozier with more Moroccan touches. 

Breakfast of champions on the terrace. 

Yeah for cycling! We did a ride around Marrakech for a fundraiser. Felt so great to be back on the bike!
I will be buying one in August.

A bunch of us entered in an amazing race type of scavenger hunt through a café we all frequent. The owner as I may have mentioned before is a native of Long Island, Wantagh I believe. She was a former teacher at ASM. She met and married a Moroccan and opened Café du Livre. A good time was had by all! 

Clue #1 will be given to you after you get a henna tattoo with the word Morocco.

Team picture! What a fun day! 

One of the things I do NOT like about Marrakech are the way the mules and donkeys look and are treated. I can't even write about it, it makes me sad. I learned there is an organization called SPANA to help these and other stray and mistreated animals.

https://spana.org/country/morocco

Anyway…I was told by an expat who now lives in Marrakech that if you tell the man that you are going to report him to the police if he doesn't treat his donkey well, that they actually listen.

Sooooo….one night while walking through the souks, I said something. Of course I did my acting out of a mule dying of thirst and then made Youssef tell them that I WORK for Spana! Well, wouldn't you know, the man immediately took off the donkeys harness and the thing in its mouth!!! 

The animal then turned and looked at me! Almost like saying thank you! I was going to cry! :(

I was thinking of getting a badge made of some sort. SPANA police…that's me!

I recently rescued a dog near my apartment that look like Shilo! Ugh….can't take it! 

I continue to embrace all that comes my way and throughly enjoyed having this experience.

Next year I asked to teach 3rd grade for several reasons and really look forward to a great year!

At least I know what to expect and not to expect!

So for now, reflection and relaxation in the summertime!

Bring on the fun!

:)