Language Decision

Let’s see…today is now Friday. I have now had a full week of Darija lessons and miscellaneous cultural, policy and health sessions. I also had my second rabies shot and my typhoid shot. Be very proud, I didn’t freak out this time for either one! :). The typhoid shot really hurt though, I was surprised. I also learned how to sanitize my water so I can drink it without any bad side affects as well as how to clean my food. I can’t say I have used a Turkish toilet yet, but I will soon. I also missed out on the Hammam (public bath house) experience tonight, but I am sure I will have the chance to go at least once while I am here. I have also had the chance to meet several current volunteers and it is great hearing their stories and points of view.

Today we learned the first big verdict, what language we will each be learning. I will be learning Darija! Very happy as this was my first choice, :). I will be going to a urban area for my community based training which I will have for the next two weeks, then it’s back to Azrou to regroup for more seminar training, then back to my training site. At the end of October I will learn where my placement as a Small Business Development volunteer will be and have the chance to visit it before regrouping again and swearing in as an official Peace Corps volunteer, :). I also really like the people who I will be training with, we will be a total of 6, three girls and three boys. I was hoping to see what a rural area would be like, but at the same time easily found amenities will be greatly appreciated, :). Internet is always good as well, :).

Due to the fact of it being Ramadan at the moment, we will be cooking our own lunch…:). We must also make sure that when we eat we do not eat in front of our homestay family between the hours of sunrise and sunset. Tomorrow we will be shopping for whatever items we have not already purchased as well as food. Last night I went to the Medina (old city) with some fellow volunteers and we managed to find what we needed. I had a list of getting a scrubber called a kiss, a towel to dry oneself after using a Turkish toilet called a futa sguira (small towel), and some sandala (flip flops/sandals). My sandals are really cool, they are a tan leather with a toe loop and band over the foot.

So far the food has been excellent. The main vegetables I have seen are carrots, squash, green beans, cauliflower, tomatoes, potatoes, cucumber, and eggplant. Meats have been varied between beef, chicken, lamb, tuna, and mystery meat.

I have done laundry for the second time since my arrival. Definitely a good upper body workout. I have learned that washing pants are the worst as well as my bath towel.

So far I love the people here. Everyone I barter with and meet are so nice and friendly and very helpful. If you don’t know where something is, just ask a shopkeeper and they will continue pointing you in the right direction. The scenery in Azrou is also amazing. The view of the mountains is amazing and the place in which we are staying is very nice.

Well, I will update more after I have experienced some community based training and living with a homestay family!

Bslama!