Becoming Moroccan

I've been told recently by a few different people that I am "becoming Moroccan," whatever that means. I guess it might have something to do with the way I'm adapting to the culture here. I have been feeling very at home and relaxed here, and right now Moroccan life is making me really happy. There are a lot of things about the way of life here that I love and will definitely miss when I go home.

First of all, everyone here shares everything. No matter what or where it is, people share it. You open a sandwich on the bus, you break it in half and give the other half to the stranger sitting next to you. You have one small bottle of coke at a party, you divide it into 10 small glasses. It's a very important and special part of the culture here. I also love how people here want to cook and share their food. Anytime you go to someone's house, they cook a tagine or a couscous for you. They'll spend hours preparing a meal for you, so even if you're not hungry you feel like you have to eat it.

Another thing I love is the call to prayer that takes place 5 times a day. No matter where you are in the city, you can hear it. The call is based on the location of the sun, so it's at approximately the same time every day. There is a mosque right outside my house, so I can hear it especially well. When it is time to pray, the Muslim people gravitate towards the nearest mosque. The medina is dead and the city is quiet just for a short period of time.

My favorite thing here is the music. I've realized nothing makes me happier than being surrounded by and playing music. I really wish music was a bigger part of life at home because it really brings people together. I have friends here who I don't even speak a common language with, but who I can just connect with by playing music.

Last night, I spent the night at Hicham's mom's house in Kenitra. As always, she was very hospitable and prepared us a huge dinner and helped us with our laundry. It's very cool to spend time in a home with a real Moroccan family. She and I talked about culture and stereotypes while Hicham and Gabriel were in the other room. I was a little bit intimidated because it was in French and I couldn't tell exactly what her mood was, but it was an interesting conversation. She wanted to know how she would be seen in the United States with her head scarf and if it would be difficult to get a job and also wanted to tell me about how Islam is a religion of acceptance and tolerance.

I've learned a lot in the past few months. I've made a lot of Moroccan friends and experienced much of the culture. It's probably one of the most valuable experiences I will ever have-- to really change stereotypes and prejudices of the Arabic world. It's what I came here to do, and even though the project wasn't 100% successful, I feel like my goal is being fulfilled thus far. I still have a lot to learn and see, which is why I decided to extend my stay by a few weeks. I want to learn as much as I can so that I can bring home the knowledge and extend it to my friends and family. The other day, Caitie was on skype with her mom and her mom asked her if she had seen any terrorists yet. I couldn't believe it. I understand it was kind of a joke, but I want people in the states to realize how hurtful that is. It's the reason there is a problem between Americans and Arabic people and if people don't stop stereotyping and making judgements like that, the problem is never going to be solved. Then, when I told my mom I had a Moroccan boyfriend, she immediately said something about STD's. I didn't think about it until later, but I wonder if she said that because she's worried about me having a boyfriend in general or worried about me having a boyfriend in Africa. The more time I spend here, the more I appreciate the culture and really understand the people and the way of life here. Life here is different, yes, but that doesn't mean bad. In conclusion: most Arabic people are NOT terrorists and most Africans do NOT have AIDS.