Training and Toubkal

Went to a Peace Corps sponsored training on project design and management with Moroccan counterparts and had an awesome few days hashing out details of projects we are really excited about for this year. Was a great opportunity for everyone. Afterwords, Zach and I took advantage of a small window of available time to do something that has been on the wish list since being here. Hiking Toubkal- the tallest peak in Morocco and North Africa. It was incredible. Just insanely beautiful and gratifying after the work it takes to get up there. ...

Camps, camps, camps

We had three consecutive 10-day camps in August. Need I say more? Here are some photos and 2 honorable mentions. First, Grassroots soccer is an awesome organization using evidence based curriculum to teach about Aids using soccer. Second, Zach is now famous for being the fastest fish in the pool and having a mean rendition of "Old Mcdonald had a farm" in Arabic that keeps kids entertained for days. ...

Ramadan 2.0 - July

Because religious holidays in Islam are based on a lunar calendar, the date changes from year to year. This year Ramadan, 30 days of day-time fasting, came at the end of June. It was our second while being in Morocco, different and still good. If you don't know much about the holiday, check out last year's post for more information and our experience both fasting in solidarity. This year, we decided not to fast. We would be studying for the GRE and wanted full brain power; we had our experience with it last year; it isn't obligatory for us...

Summer Break - June

School let out. Classes stopped. Tests were taken. Students were tired of studying, and we were tired of teaching. Attendance at clubs and other activities had fizzled with test prep and test recovery. It was time for a Moroccan endless summer part 2. June started with a Peace Corps training I participated in with someone we hoped we could work with. A few times a year, Peace Corps will offer opportunities for volunteers and people they work with in their communities to get trained in programs to meet organizational goals.  A...

Harassment

My experience in Morocco has largely been affected by my gender. Both my happiest moments and biggest challenges have stemmed from navigating the boundaries surrounding it. It has given me the ability to be in places, conversations, and activities that Zach can't experience. It has given me new perspectives on friendship and sisterhood. It has allowed me to meet and learn from fellow strugglers bravely and creatively challenging the status quo here in their country. It is also what makes me take a deep breath before leaving the house, daily...

At the souq - Bisara

One of my favorite things about living in Morocco, and our region specifically, is the produce. I go grocery shopping across the street at a daily farmers market filled with fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. With all of this quality and convenience, our diet has changed its focus to creating meals centered around this seasonal produce. This little series, "at the souq," highlights some of our favorite finds and grinds. This is a recipe using ingredients that are always at the souq and always where ever you are with grocery...