Have I only been here four months?

Because it feels like four years! I am absolutely shocked at how quickly you adapt to a new place and time starts to warp as you forget what you were doing only a few months before. Or maybe that's just me? I've also done a really crappy job of keeping this blog updated. Also a big shocker.

I'm pretty sure I've turned into a Moroccan in these 4 short months...

From this moment on I pledge to post at least once per month, but to start off on the right foot, how about a high speed wrap up of the last three months? Ready.....Set.......Go!

November-

My second month of teaching and I was really in the swing of things. My prep time was cut drastically and I started to really enjoy the whole process. My roommate and I continued to furnish the apartment and things were good on the home front. Weather started getting COLD and I almost bought a heater.

Yes, November brought the cold, but also visitors! Started with a visit from Cara and Michael who spent a few days in Rabat as Cara completed some grad school research. We even managed a short visit to the Peace Corps office, but unfortunately the place was very similar to a ghost town. After Cara and Michael headed inland, Rebecca and Ahmed came for a weekend during their first visit back since getting married in the states. The visit was too short and sweet, but we did venture out to some cool gardens north of Rabat.

Cara and I perfect the jumping shot at the PC office

Rebecca and Ahmed as we explored the Exotic Gardens

Eid lkbir (the big feast) brought 4 days off in the middle of the month. Being the biggest Islamic holiday, Mohamed made the trek to spend the holiday with his family. My roommate traveled as well, so I was all by my lonesome for 4 full days, two of which I did not leave the apartment. And joy of joys I got a horrible coughing, sniffling, sneezing illness so while the rest was good, I did not get to enjoy my time off. I also did not witness the slaughter of any sheep, although I did see a head roasting on an open fire from my balcony.

sheep head roasting over an open fire

December-

Did not start out well. No need for detail, but at the beginning of this month we learned that my roommate's boyfriend is a sexist, abusive, horrible guy. We kicked him out and went about our business. Mid month, right before classes ended for vacation, my roommate and I hosted a fabulous holiday party at our apartment. Everyone had a great time, but the evening was tainted when the next morning we realized one of our guests stole my roommate's ipod. Ba humbug!

As soon as classes let out, I made a trip to Fes to visit my first host family. It was FREEZING, but it was great to see them as well as the tiny town where I learned to be a Youth Development volunteer. Another highlight was the amazing food made by my host mom. She really knows how to keep a guess from being hungry.

Me and former host family members in front of my first Youth Center

After returning from Fes, Mohamed, roommate and I had a very nice Christmas despite being far from home. Santa stopped by and made some good boys and girls very happy. Soon after Christmas brought my very good friend Kasey Marie for a visit! We celebrated New Year's Eve Moroccan club style before setting off on an epic tour of the country. Kasey and I visited five cities in 9 days. It was a whirlwind and the poor girl did not escape some tummy unhappiness, but we checked off her to do list and had a wonderful time.

Christmas dinner

Picture with monkey- CHECK!

January-

Despite the happiness of Kasey's visit and the fun of our travels, January also started out a bit roughly as my roommate decided to take back the horrible boyfriend. This was my cue to get out of there and within 7 days I had started my second semester of classes, found a new apartment and moved out of the place that I shared for three months.

All's well that ends well though, because life is glorious in the new apartment. Thinking back I realize how foolish and unnecessary it was to have a roommate to begin with. I didn't really want one, I was just so anxious for a place that I dove headfirst into to a situation that was not ideal. I'm 27 years old and feel the days of roommates are officially over. My new place has one bedroom, 1.5 baths and two balconies. It's also closer to Mohamed's store and right across the street from a big supermarket. It feels more like my own and I couldn't be happier.

Classes are also really great this semester. I'm teaching 26 hours per week and have to prep for 6 different courses, but I'm not even phased any more. The whole thing just feels natural and I genuinely like many of my students. Even my 8:15 am class is a joy!

Two of my students in their bug masks!

I also got the tortoise that I'd been wanting since arriving in Morocco. Teddy was purchased after the move and is slowly adapting to his new home. I'm still learning how to be a good tortoise owner as well- did you know that they hibernate?! I thought he was dying.....turns out he was just trying to hibernate for the winter.

Teddy trying to escape from his bed. It's cold at night, so this is where he sleeps, then goes out for the day.

February-

So far so good. Mohamed and I already took one day trip and are hoping to take more in the next few weeks. I've also started to think more about plans for the next 1-2 years and am very excited about the possibilities.

Day trip to the beach town of Bouznika, only 20 mins from Rabat by train

More to come!