Wow, what a jam packed first week. After a five day orientation, I have been released to my home stay! My family lives in the most liberal part of Rabat, near the Amideast campus. I am living alone with my Moroccan mother and father; their children have all moved out and they are calling me their "new" daughter. For our first dinner we had brochettes de poulet, mini pizzas, and lentil soup. To my despair, they informed me that tagines - the classic Moroccan dish I have been eating every day - are greasy and fatty. They assured me they will make it occasionally for me as a treat.
Week 1 Observations:
- As Agdal is the most liberal area of the city, I often see women with their arms exposed, smoking cigarettes, and walking without a man (shocking, I know).
- If you have to show skin, show your arms. NEVER show legs - men are included on this one.
- A/C is not a thing.
- Bread is a HUGE part of the diet and many Moroccans regard it as healthy. Meat is present at lunch, and sometimes at dinner.
- French fries are "in" right now
- Spinach does not exist in this country (It's been a week since I last had a real vegetable - I'm sorry mommy)
- If you clean your plate, Moroccans will just put more food on it.
- Everyone is pleasant, friendly, and eagerly engages you in conversation
- ... Especially the beggars. Do not make eye contact with the beggars.
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