Morocco: Culture & Ecology, Fall 2007

Each time I go to a place I have not seen before, I hope it will be as different as possible from the places I already know.
–Paul Bowles, author of The Sheltering Sky, desert explorer, Morocco expatriate

A mere 17 miles south of Europe, across the Strait of Gibraltar, a very different experience awaits—an intriguing place of great contrast, color, culture, history, and hospitality: Morocco was the first nation to recognize the United States as an independent nation in 1777. The Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship stands as the U.S.'s oldest non-broken friendship treaty. Signed by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, it has been in continuous effect since 1783.

"Rooted in Africa, watered by Islam and rustled by the winds of Europe" in the words of its late King Hassan II, Morocco is a captivating and multifaceted country. If you are you motivated to learn firsthand about a culture rich in African, European, Arab, and Islamic traditions…if you are eager to explore an ecological diversity ranging from Atlantic Ocean to High Atlas Mountains to Mediterranean Coast to Saharan Desert…and if you desire close interaction with people of legendary hospitality, the Morocco semester will be intensely rewarding and enduring....

Audio from Elsewhere
“Sounds from the old city of Fes”
“Sounds from Marrakesh’s ‘Square of the Dead’”

Continue reading "Morocco Semester Overview: Sept. 14 - Dec. 16, 2007" »

Posted by Global LAB at 12:30 AM | Permalink

2007 Morocco Semester Program Tuition: $8,950

Tuition includes residential pre-trip orientation, preparatory and educational materials; dedicated student website for program communications and resources; all logistical facilitation; all hotels and guest houses; all meals; all domestic air fares/taxis/buses/trains/boats; museum, park and temple entrance fees; Global LAB faculty and instruction as well as local coordinators, cooks, porters; all program elements (independent study projects and apprenticeships, community service projects, home-stays, guest lectures, community support/charitable contributions).

Please note: Additional expenses not covered by Global LAB include r/t international airfare and costs of domestic travel to point of departure (NYC), inoculations, travel insurance and international medical and evacuation insurance; visa/passport processing fees; personal costs (laundry, phone calls/emails, souvenirs, etc.).

Semesters are open to those ages 16-22. While Global LAB semesters are geared toward interim or ‘gap’ year students, high school seniors as well as university students are welcome to apply. No language prerequisite is required

Global LAB accepts applications on a rolling admissions basis, accepting qualified applicants until programs are full. Each program has a maximum of 12 participants and 3 Global LAB instructors. For this reason, we recommend candidates submit their applications as early as possible.

To begin the application process, print out the preliminary application and FAQ below:
* Application form
* FAQ

Posted by Global LAB at 04:09 PM | Permalink

Alex and friend in Rabat, Morocco

I was an anxious, rudderless college sophomore when he got the call. It was from Washington, DC—the State Department to be exact—and the beige rotary phone was ringing in a remote University of Texas at Austin professor’s office, some 1,500 miles plus away. This was 1986, and to me, 1,500 miles was a faraway place. Dr. James Bill politely and unpretentiously said, “Alex, have a seat. I need to take this call from State. They need some input—help, really—with their Iran policy.” Now this is pretty cool, I thought, eyes like saucers.

So this moment isn’t how I bit on the Morocco lure, but it represents my seminal brush with “The Middle East”. In reality, the geo-political conflicts drew me in. And how we, Americans, perceived—and misperceived—related—and unrelated—to this diverse and complex region rich in culture and history. For a 20 year old, the menu was overwhelming and fascinating at once: the US reaction to the Iranian Revolution; the intractable Arab and Palestinian conflict with Israel; the Iran-Iraq war; Qaddafi’s provocations in Libya; the civil war in Lebanon; the phenomenon of political Islam; how the Gulf States influenced the world economy—the challenges and kinetic energy seemed inexhaustible. I think you get the picture.

Continue reading "Welcome from Alex Safos, Director Middle East & North Africa Programs" »

Posted by Global LAB at 08:25 PM | Permalink

Asalamualaikum!

I’m thrilled to be a part of what will surely prove to be an amazing, challenging, and life-changing experience for you all! My life journey began much as yours will. I took a leap–decided there was something beyond (what I did not know)–and landed halfway across the world into something exotic, strange, frightening at times, but nonetheless exhilarating.

Morocco is an incredible place filled with vivid sounds, smells, tastes, and images that will stimulate you, drive your curiosity, and eventually all come together in a myriad of ways in your mind, body, and soul.

I know that, at this moment, you’re wondering what it is like and thus I have chosen to share a piece of my writing…a piece of my Moroccan experience…

“As I wandered one foot after another into the infinite rolling hills of sand in the cool gray morning, I took in the vastness surrounding me. Over each dune lay another, taunting me to go further. I could hear the distant voices of the others, yet when I glanced around, there was no one else, just the desert and me. In that moment, I was struck with fear and awe. I felt like I had reached the ends of the earth. The experience felt surreal, yet frighteningly alive. Charting totally unfamiliar territory, I felt as if the dunes could swallow me at any moment.

Continue reading "Greetings from Kempie Blythe, Morocco Semester Director" »

Posted by Global LAB at 09:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Below are some highly recommended books to help you maximize your experience in Morocco and southern Spain. If time allows, borrow or purchase a few of these titles before your travels. Many libraries are likely to carry some of these as well. Those marked with an asterisk (*) are particularly recommended.

General / Travel Guides

*Lonely Planet Guide to Morocco

OR

*The Rough Guide to Morocco

History (Arab, North African, Moroccan, and Moorish)

A History of the Arab Peoples, Albert Hourani (Harvard University Press, 2003). Emeritus Fellow at St. Anthony's College in Oxford, Hourani begins with Islam's rise in the 7th century and carries the rich and imposing story of Arab civilization to the late 1980s. In broad, sweeping strokes, Hourani moves easily from mosque to marketplace, from sultan to imam, from nomad to city-dweller, from Mohammed to Anwar Sadat. He focuses on the Ottoman Empire and on the European colonialism that followed, and concludes with a discussion of the modern resurgence of Islam that offers hope to thousands of Muslims and appears so threatening to Westerners.

A Traveller’s History of North Africa, Barbaby Rogerson (Windrush, UK/Interlink, US). Roger successfully takes on the daunting task of covering the history of Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya. An authoritative but readable account providing a clear vision of North African history from Carthage to the present.

Lords of the Atlas, Gavin Maxwell, (Cassell, UK). This is the story of the Glaoui family—literally the “Lords” of the High Atlas—where they exercised almost complete control from the turn of the 19th century through Moroccan independence in 1956.

Morocco since 1830, C.R. Pennell (C. Hurst, UK/New York University Press, US). This recent paperback, published in 2000, is one of the first general histories of modern Morocco. It covers the major strands of power but also the social and cultural life of ordinary Moroccans while focusing on the various contemporary challenges facing the country.

Moorish Spain, Richard Fletcher (University of California Press). Beginning in the year 711 and continuing for nearly a thousand years, the Islamic presence survived in Spain, at times flourishing, and at other times dwindling into warring fiefdoms. But the culture and science thereby brought to Spain, including long-buried knowledge from Greece, largely forgotten during Europe's Dark Ages, was to have an enduring impact on the country as it emerged into the modern era. In this gracefully written history, Richard Fletcher reveals the Moorish culture in all its fascinating disparity and gives us history at its best: here is vivid storytelling by a renowned scholar.

Continue reading "Recommended Reading List – Morocco Semester Program" »

Posted by Global LAB at 02:54 PM | Permalink

Although I am host to a plethora of nicknames, since most are embarrassing, I go by my given name, Laura. Along with my name I have a little bit of a Midwestern accent, so prepare yourself for "pop" instead of "soda" and my inability to say my state (Wisconsin) correctly.

If I could give you a good idea as to what my interests were, I assure you I would, but they span from Tai Chi to Pickles... so you can see why it's a little difficult. Therefore, I'll give you the cold hard facts. I come from a family of seven, all fully related.

I've traveled to Mainland China, Hong Kong, England, Italy, Holland and Germany, and I couldn't pick a favorite if I tried.

At the moment, I'm graduating from an institution I'm happy to be leaving behind. Someday I hope to be a kindergarten teacher. Anyways, as for my personality I think I'd give you a biased perspective so you'll have to wait for the paperback edition.

Laura

Posted by Global LAB at 02:51 PM | Permalink

Hi everyone,

A quick reminder that your tuition balances are due by July 1st. We'll be sending out an invoice next week. If you have any questions, please give us a call to discuss.

Hope you are getting excited--September--and North Africa--will be here before you know it!

John Eastman

Posted by Global LAB at 02:02 PM | Permalink

Lauren was born on November 26, 260 BCE, in Handan, the capital of the State of Zhao, China, during the Warring States Period. A restless youth, she was held hostage in Zhao due to negotiations between her home state of Qin and the enemy state in which her life began. Lauren was raised with a keen awareness of fierce political competition, scholarly pursuits, and the desire to establish her place in the world around her. In mid-childhood, she returned to her home state of Qin, where her father, Zichu, ascended the throne of Qin, soon passed away, and left Lauren to ascend the throne in 247 BCE, at a mere thirteen years of age. Lauren continued the tradition of defeating smaller feudal states and finally established control of China in its entirety in 221 BCE by defeating the last independent Chinese state. She did not wait long to declare herself the First Emperor, or Qin Lauren Huangdi. Lauren accrued many enemies given her role as First Emperor and was therefore paranoid about suffering an early death. Thus, she eagerly sought the elixir of eternal life. She thought she had finally found such an elixir to procure her immortality, and it was ironically just this that caused her near death. In fact, it was fabled throughout China that she had indeed passed away, and a new leader emerged in her place.

Lauren disappeared from historical encyclopedias until she reemerged in 1989, only to recognize Brookline, Massachusetts, as her latter day genealogical haven. She enjoys studying history, culture, and language, and has maintained the aforementioned desire to establish herself in this world. Her favorite movie is Hotel Rwanda (although Casablanca and The Lion King will always hold near and dear places in her heart) and she relies on Jack Kerouac’s On the Road for literary inspiration. Her favorite color is blue, her favorite flavor of ice cream is black raspberry, and though she loves virgin piña coladas, she is not always so fond of getting caught in the rain—after all, America’s Northeast tends to be slightly too cold to enjoy such affairs. Lauren is a sports addict, whether it be playing or watching, and is especially prone to joining a pickup basketball game no matter when or where.

Lauren returned to China in 2005 to live for a semester with a host family in Xi’an—this was as close as she could get to the geographical location of her old throne. There, she was even able to visit the Terracotta Army that was built to protect her spirit following her feigned death over 2,000 years earlier. Lauren has also developed a profound interest in Middle Eastern affairs due to her experiences at the Seeds of Peace International Camp in 2004 and on the Bronfman Youth Fellowship in Israel in 2006. Curiosity about the Middle East has overwhelmingly preoccupied her studies and free time for the past few years, and motivated her to start and run a Middle East Seminar at Brookline High School. She is chomping at the bit to be given an opportunity to live in Morocco, study Arabic, and experience a new culture, region, and political atmosphere. Additionally, she is excited to forge deep new friendships by meeting bright young adults from across the United States, and cannot wait to undergo what will hopefully prove to be a transformative and enlightening semester traveling through Fez, Marrakesh, and beyond. Finally, she is getting unbelievably tired of referring to herself in third person…so let me close by saying, I can’t wait to meet you all, and I am fully confident that this coming semester is going to be unforgettably wonderful!

Posted by Global LAB at 12:19 AM | Permalink

If you aren't following our group now in Morocco, you should be. They are students from the National Cathedral School in DC and today they are leaving the beautiful fishing town of Essaouira to head up into the High Atlas Mountains where they will learn firsthand about the indigenous Berber culture.

You will get a good sense of some of the adventures you will experience this fall by checking out their program's blog.

John

Posted by Global LAB at 03:59 PM | Permalink

Hi,

My name is Catherine Ezzell, but everyone calls me Ellie. I am from Houston, Texas, and am 18 years old.

I am currently enrolled in American University, but have decided to defer for a year. I love languages. Because of my Mexican heritage, I speak Spanish, and spending my junior year in Rennes, France, taught me French. I cannot wait to go abroad again.

I love hanging out with my friends, reading, dancing, and generally living life. Right now I am working as a personal assistant. I love my job, but I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy life. I am a nature girl, living a city life (that I love) of cafes, thrift store shopping, and late night freeway driving. So, to fulfill my nature girl instincts, I go camping with friends and volunteer at a local community garden.

I am excited about the prospect of spending the fall semester in Morocco and the spring in India. It inspires me and I know that it is the right thing to do in my life.

Ellie

Posted by Global LAB at 09:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Hi, I’m Alexis! I’m from Great Falls, Virginia, but I usually tell everyone I’m from DC because it’s easier. I went to high school in DC (just graduated!), and I live about 30 min-1 hour away (depending on traffic, which, in Northern Virginia, can be absolutely horrific).

I am taking a gap year before heading off to college in fall 2008 (it was a last-minute type thing). Despite the last-minute-ness of my decision, however, I am so excited for my gap year—a whole year to do whatever I want! I can’t wait!

This summer, I’ve been hanging out with friends a lot, swimming, reading, waitressing at a country club (fun but a bit boring/overwhelming, depending on the time of day), and teaching at a math camp (I feel bad for those kids that have to go to math camp over the summer!).

I’m always willing to explore new places and meet new people. Other than that, I don’t really know how to describe myself…I guess you all will have to figure it out for yourselves.

I’m so excited to meet all of you and to have an amazing three months in Morocco.

Posted by Global LAB at 06:48 PM | Permalink

THINK LIGHT! You will have to put whatever you bring onto the tops of buses and you will have to carry your bag for long distances. Here's a list of all that you will need to stay warm, dry, cool and comfortable. When packing, think layers and do your best to stay away from cotton (save T-shirts) because cotton takes a long time to dry. We recommend that you only bring what's listed here. The lighter you pack, the happier you--and the rest of the group--will be. There will be opportunities to do “self-service” laundry where we’ll be staying.

PLEASE NOTE: We strive to be model visitors, and therefore ask that students bring clothing that is lightweight and durable, but that also covers the body well, and looks respectable. Tie-dyed T-shirts, cut-off jeans, tight fitting leggings and tank tops are inappropriate, as they show disrespect for local cultures.

BAGS:
BACK PACK/SUITCASE: Your main container to store your things. Something light weight and durable is best. An internal frame backpack functions well for easy mobility.
DAY PACK: A book-bag or fanny-pack to use for daily excursions (to carry camera, water bottle, jacket, notebook, etc).

Continue reading "Packing Suggestions" »

Posted by Global LAB at 03:51 PM | Permalink

Hellooo, my name is Tara. I am 20 years old and I'm from Montclair, New Jersey. I am going into my junior year at Saint Michael's College in Colchester, Vermont but I decided to take the fall semester off to go to Morocco!

When I'm not working I enjoy reading (books, magazines, newspapers etc), dancing, hanging out with my friends and family, taking day trips to New York City and spending time outdoors. I find humor in everything and am always laughing about something, in high school I was considered the class clown, (not the obnoxious kind, don't worry) so a sense of humor has always been very important to me. Besides that, I live very comfortably and always have but I am guilty of taking it all for granted from time to time. Because of this I am always challenging myself to try new things and meet new people.

I am thrilled to be going to Morocco for 3 months and can't wait to meet everyone! See you all soon!

Posted by Global LAB at 03:44 AM | Permalink

Hi everyone. I hope you are getting excited about our upcoming journey together! In the next few weeks I encourage you to explore what particularly interests you about Morocco. What would you like to study or explore further while in Morocco?

Here is a list of possible independent study project (ISP) topics. There are endless possibilities for ISPs, so use this list as a starting point for what subject matter you would like to dive into once we hit Moroccan soil. It's always helpful to give your ISP some thought before we arrive. There will also be some exciting opportunities to document your ISP through digital storytelling/mixed-media, so keep that in mind when exploring your options.

* Moroccan/Islamic Architecture

* Zillij Artistry and Artisans

* Moroccan Music

* Moroccan Cuisine

* Moroccan Literature

* The medinas of Fes and Marrakesh: how to balance cultural
preservation and progress

* Manifestations of Islam in everyday Moroccan life

* Berber Identity: what is it and how it's being preserved

* Contemporary Art in Morocco

* The role and state of women in Moroccan society

* Darija (Moroccan Arabic dialect)

* French

Again, this list is just to get you thinking. I am excited to learn more about your interests and help you all find ISPs that will inevitably enrich your experiences in Morocco.

Please feel free to contact me at kempie@global-lab.org with any questions or concerns in the upcoming weeks.

Take care,
Kempie

Posted by at 07:49 PM | Permalink

Please note: this itinerary is planned months in advance and may change due to group interest, health and safety concerns, or other factors beyond the control of Global LAB.

In United States:

Sept. 14-16: Group orientation at Hudson River Valley retreat center

In Morocco:

Sept. 16-17: Flight--JFK to Casablanca (“Casa”)

Sept. 17-18: In country orientation, visits to key cultural and religious sites in Casa

Sept. 19-20: Arrival in Fes via train, 2 nights’ stay in hotel prior to home-stay placements, tour of medina

Sept. 21-27: Begin Fes home-stays after American Language Center (ALC) courtyard lunch orientation; commence “Introduction to Moroccan Arabic” (“darija”) instruction, and “Moroccan Culture & Society” lectures; declare independent study projects (ISPs) and begin research; participate in initial medina restoration service project; attend first cultural encounter group meeting.

Sept. 28-29: Excursion to Asilah on the Atlantic coast via train.

Sept. 30-Oct. 3: Return to Fes via train. Continue home-stays and “darija” instruction; participate in “Introduction to Islam” lectures; continue ISPs and medina restoration service project; attend second cultural encounter group meeting; and have second ALC courtyard lunch.

Continue reading "Morocco Fall 2007 Daily Itinerary" »

Posted by at 07:18 PM | Permalink

Hello Global LABers-

We look forward to meeting all of you on September 14th to start your pre-travel orientation, which will take place at a beautiful retreat center called the Lifebridge Sanctuary, just outside of Rosendale, NY. There are two options for connecting with your Global LAB group on Sept. 14th:

1) You can meet us in NYC and catch the bus to our retreat site. If you would like to do this we ask that you arrive at the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) at the Adirondack Trailways ticket counter no later than 2pm. The PABT (located one block west of Times Square, occupying the blocks between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, from 40th to 42nd Streets) is the largest and busiest in the United States, so we recommend that you study the terminal's layout ahead of time to avoid confusion. Note: there are two Adirondack Trailways ticket counters within the PABT. We will be meeting at the one located in the North Terminal on the Subway Level. Brad Choyt, a founding director of Global LAB, will be there to meet you (with tickets to Rosendale). If you get to the bus station late (our group will be on a bus departing at 2:40pm) there are later buses which go the same route, but then you will need to get your own ticket and give us a call to let us know when to expect you. (The Rosendale bus station is about 3 miles from the retreat center and we can pick you up if you end up running late).

2) The other option is that you can be dropped off directly at Lifebridge. Directions to the retreat center are available here. Please plan to arrive between 3-4:30pm.

Whichever option you choose, you must let us know ahead of time. Thanks.

Questions? Call or email us and we'll be glad to help.

Posted by Global LAB at 07:33 PM | Permalink

Hi to everybody,

I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Dana Downey. I recently completed a two year service with the U.S Peace Corps in Morocco. I specialized in community based development.

During my service, I assisted my host community develop three self-sustaining income generating projects. With the help of the Peace Corps I was able to organize a women’s center for business offices and literacy classes, facilitate two reforestation projects to plant 45,000 almond trees, and purchase seven carpet weaving looms for use by local women in the community. Personally, I was able to assist in the project by writing and receiving four grants and by teaching organizational management skills to our women’s association. I also worked with the Moroccan ministry for Water and Forests to implement the tree reforestation initiatives.

I am happy to have the opportunity to be back in Morocco this year with Global LAB. I will be coordinating your community service and independent study projects and sharing with you some of what I have come to know about Moroccan culture over the last two years. I will also be assisting both of your program directors throughout the semester with logistics and transportation coordination. I look forward to welcoming you to Morocco next month and getting to know you over the course of the fall semester.

Dana

Posted by Global LAB at 03:18 PM | Permalink

To test your blogging skills and to avoid the crisis of everyone bringing the same books, I encourage all of my fellow Morocco adventurers to post a blog entry with the books that we can share throughout the semester. Also, feel free to use this forum to share any good packing suggestions, feelings as we approach the semester, good movies/books/articles you have watched/read about Morocco...really anything you want to share with our community.

Posted by at 06:59 AM | Permalink

I hope you all are enjoying your final week with your friends and family - I know they are excited for you to begin your journey! I just wanted to remind you to let your loved ones know that they can subscribe to this blog (the link is just under "search" on the right side) and keep up with all of our adventures in the next three months. Remember this blog is for you! It's medium for your own expressions of how you experience Morocco.

Posted by at 02:50 AM | Permalink

"How do I know what I think until I hear what I say?" -E.M. Forster

In a globally expanding age in which the possibility for interaction is unlimited and conflict is on the fly, an outlet for expression while traveling is absolutely crucial in processing and reflecting the meaning of a journey. For centuries, travel writers have shared their experiences and interpretations with the world while traveling through it. As a traveler yourself, what might you have to say?

We are G-LAB's digital storytelling instructors. We work with new media technologies to tell stories in a modern way - blogs, podcasts, photo essays, and digital stories. What are digital stories? ... they are a combination of text, image, voiceover, and video used to enhance the layers of the personal narrative.

In an increasingly technological time, expression is no longer limited to the written word. So let's move beyond the traditional; expand our creative horizons towards other mediums and disciplines. When we travel all senses are evoked. We see, hear, and feel strikingly new things that criss-cross into a mosaic of meaning. And when we process such experiences we need an adequate space to express this, a space that isn’t one-dimensional like the written page. When you are a traveler you are also a photographer, a documentarian, an anthropologist, and your tools are scarcely limited to the word. While in Morocco you’ll take digital pictures, video footage, voice recordings, write in your journal, and discover the intricacies and stories of the vibrant world around you. So how can you combine all these elements into describing what you have experienced abroad? Through the advent of new media, and particularly digital stories. The idea is to make expression as interactive as possible, to steer away from the traditional text on the page and closer to what it is really like to live and travel... to show what you see, share the sounds you hear, and present the textures and smells of the cultures you encounter. Create a short documentary, focus on the personal narrative, give a poem fresh legs with images and sound, record the landscape through soundscapes, or piece together a photo essay in the Medina. Start thinking of stories and bring your ideas to orientation at Life Bridge for our digital story (DS) workshop on Saturday. See you all there!

Posted by Piya at 04:00 AM | Permalink

Hello,

My name is Lamia Bouziane. I will be a leader for the Morocco fall semester trip.

My cultural heritage is Arab/Berber/ American. Half of my family is originally from Morocco. My father was born and raised in a small village named El-Menzel, near Fes. He married my mother who is American and then settled in the United States.

I was raised in the United States. Since my childhood I have traveled to Morocco during holidays to spend time with relatives. The introduction picture that I chose was taken in Agadir during my last visit to Morocco.

As a graduate of the School for International Training I am very interested in international education programs. This May I completed my Master’s in Sustainable Development. I spent part of my practicum at BRAC (Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee), where I conducted research on curriculum development. I also spent part of my practicum studying environmental issues through the Alaska Conservation Foundation internship program.

During this past year I have worked as a Capacity Builder Coordinator at Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council, and as a Contractor for refugee assistance programs in Alaska.

I look forward to getting to know you better in the coming months!

Best regards,
Lamia

Posted by Global LAB at 01:00 AM | Permalink

The Morockettes

Asallam Aleikum (peace be with you)

We are gathered in the pristine hills of the Catskills to prepare for our journey. From graceful dance moves to team bonding experiences we are developing our connection to one and other.

While at Lifebridge we have shared many awkward moments that will surely be worth their weight in gold when we think of this trip in retrospect.

Now we are looking forward to the future as we fly off tomorrow. We are pumped and excited to be in Morocco and to be with each other and to experience all we can.

Last night a lot of us witnessed a guitar concert which was very nice.

As we anxiously await our departure tomorrow night we are all taking in our last 24 hours here in the States with good music and dancing.

The camels have been watered and we are ready to caravan.

Bis salaama (with peace),

See India blog for more details.

Love,

The Morockettes

Posted by Global LAB at 07:21 PM | Permalink

Our Morocco semester group arrived safely this morning in Casablanca and are settling in well at their hotel. The next couple of days will be spent touring "Casa" sites of historical and religious importance before heading to Fes, so please check back for the group's first official blog post. Until then, we welcome them to North Africa!

Alex

Posted by Global LAB at 10:36 PM | Permalink

hey guys,

we are alive and typing on crazy french keyboards! Today is our second day in Morocco. It has been a whirlwnd of new sights and experiences;from our landing in the Moroccan morning when I was so sleepy that I could not keep my eyes open and focused on the approaching Moroccan landscape, (I unlike some of my wiser groupmates opted to watch Oceans 13 rather than sleep. It was still goood.) to trekking through a colorful and busy fish market where people worked hard despite their fasting for Ramadan. It has been overwhelming and exciting.

I have seen, heard; and experienced so ,uch already, that it is hard to take stock of it all. What I know for sure is that I love Morocco. There are many things I dont understand; not knowing the language is disconcerting,and the gender relations are at times off putting and others intriguing. But; Morocco is also beautiful from its addition of beautiful designs to functional objects; to the friendliness of the people that we meet.

It is different, and I think the hardest thing for me right now is finding myself amongst all that is so different. With everything to which I used to define myself in relation to gone, I am left feeling a little lost. The people who know who I am are not here; so it is up to me show my group and morocco without the famliar things I left behind in Houston. It is daunting, but I can do it. I just have to figure out who I am first, eh? hehe, no worries, I still know that dont like spinach and that I looove chocolate.

Anyway, Tommorrow we go to fez and two days after, we meet our host families. Will write more later. I am excited to be here and miss you all.

Love, love, love,

ellie

Posted by Ellie at 06:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

We received word that our Morocco group arrived safely in Fes this afternoon. The transition from cosmopolitan Casablanca to medieval Fes should make for some compelling blog entries so stay tuned....

Alex

Posted by Alex Safos at 08:57 PM | Permalink

Assalamaleikum from Casa!

We arrived safely in Morocco yesterday. After settling into our hotel, we
explored the medina - from spices, tea sets, olives, and djellabas to a
colorful array of fruits, veggies, and the latest fashions of Casa -we took
it all in! Last night we caught up on our sleep and this morning we visited
Hassan II mosque, the only mosque in Morocco that non-Muslims can enter. We
were all quite impressed by the details of the stunning architecture and the
speed at which it was constructed. We got a taste of more unique
architecture in Casa this afternoon, with a tour of the Art Deco around the
city. We also got our feet a little dirty at the fish market as we walked
around the port and saw fisherman catching , scaling, and selling everything
from shrimp to stingray. Our tour of Casa also included a fascinating
journey into the Jewish museum, the only one in the Muslim world. From
pictures and clothes to fine metalwork and unique Moroccan menorahs, we
gained a better understanding of the Jewish influence in Morocco.

Tomorrow, we will head to Fes to settle in for the next 3 weeks.

Bislama,
Kempie

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 02:54 AM | Permalink

Fes is quickly becoming our new home. We have had a wonderful experience staying in a quaint guesthouse in the old medina. Our stomachs are full of tagines, mint tea, and delectable Ramadan sweets. The students are adjusting exceptionally well to the fasting conditions of Ramadan. This is truly a unique experience to be in Morocco during this time. We began our darija, Moroccan Arabic, lessons today. Although it will be a challenge, all are looking forward of what is to come. I am impressed with how quickly the students are picking up phrases. Tomorrow, the students will be welcomed in to their new homes and spend their first nights with their homestay families...a exciting time for all

Laila saida,

Kempie

Posted by at 01:27 AM | Permalink

Hello Morocco students and leaders,

To those of you with whom I have never exchanged e-mails or spoken, my name is Aaron and I work as an administrative assistant for Global LAB. I will be doing much of the management for this blog, as well as for the India group's. Given that your incredible program is just beginning, and that I will have a role in it from afar, it seemed proper for me to give you all a formal introduction.

I live in Washington, D.C., and have been working for Global LAB in various capacities since last April. Most notably, (and enjoyably!) I was the blogger and an assistant leader for Global LAB's June 2007 C.E.S.A.R. program in Mexico (the blog with that trip's experience is still up-check it out sometime!) My e-mail address is aaron@global-lab.org, and please feel free to write me any updates you want to be put on the blog, or any pictures you want directly on the blog, outside the flickr application. I will be checking my e-mail twice daily for updates from you all (in the early morning and the evening,) and will post anything I receive immediately.

I truly look forward to following and assisting your experience for the next several months. I understand how difficult it can be to manage a blog or use the internet while 'in the field' and I am here to alleviate that problem as much as is humanly possible!

All the best to a great experience for each and every one of you!
Your blog assistant,
Aaron

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 05:20 AM | Permalink

Marhaban,
Greeting from Fes! The group is in the process of settling into daily life in the heart of the old city. The students moved into their homestays with Moroccan families yesterday and began Dairija (Moroccan Arabic) at the American Language Institute in Fes.

In the coming weeks students will begin community service projects and work with in-country peer mentors on independent study projects. The students will fill in all the details about their lives in Fes soon. Until then - Bisalama.

Lamia

Posted by Lamia at 01:10 PM | Permalink

I am in an internet cafe that supposedly closed one minute ago, so in the interest of saving thinking-time, I will quickly copy an entry from my journal last night:

"Ecstatic. The kind of ecstatic of finally living a dream, so anticipated and exotic that it filled my imagination for months on end. We are here. Casablanca is our first of many peepholes into Moroccan life. Soon after pulling away from the airport, impressions and gut reactions--those so important but often overlooked or washed out--soaked into me. Smells, sights, sounds. Solid.

Continue reading "Update from Lauren" »

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 04:25 AM | Permalink

In short, the wiggy noose would not be possible without the following: tandem(sp?) bike, Mary-Ellen or the bump...yes the bump was essential.

I'm already trying to sum up the amount of inside jokes that the Morocco fall semester group will have come up with by the end of this trip...it seems infinite.

In other news I'm in love with my host family. I have four brothers ages 4, 7, 10 & 15. They're incredibly cute but I have to say my favorites are the 7 & 10 year old. They move as a duo constantly and love walking around the Medina at night. Last night after we broke the fast they taught me how to count in Arabic & I taught my 15 year old brother some English phrases.

My host mom is incredibly fussy but in a nice way, she's always worried I'm not eating enough when in reality I constantly feel like I'm going to burst from how much they feed me.

This might be kinda vague due to the fact that I've been writing several pages per entry in my hand written journal. Sorry! I'll post again after we visit Asilah this weekend.

Much Love,
Laura

Posted by Laura at 03:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

hello allll! Morocco is going very very well! Katharine if you are reading this from India I MISS YOU AND HOPE YOU ARE HAVING A GOOD TIME!!!

To everyone else, when we talked about culture shock at lifebridge I didn't think I'd have a hard time adjusting to the Moroccon way of life, but I was definitely in for a rude awakening. (not that thats a bad thing). Everything from the food to children is sooo different than it is in America. It's fun to observe the way of life here, within a week I've already realized how American I am.

Anyway that's it for now, meal timmeeee!

Posted by Tara at 03:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

FOOOOOOOOOD calls.
I must go.
Otherwise I would write.
Perhaps later.
To tell all
About my stay
In Morocco
With my family
That I love.

Posted by Alexis at 03:58 PM | Permalink

Hello everyone!
At the moment, I am sitting at ALIF (the American Language Center, where we are learning Arabic), listening to the call to prayer (which actually just ended), and just barely tolerating this fly that keeps landing on my legs (only tolerating it because I am unable to kill it). It's quite frustrating, actually.
Derija lessons are great--our teacher is super enthusiastic, but all of us were a little taken aback when we learned that our first two Arabic classes, in which we learned the alphabet, weren't our "actual" classes, which will start tomorrow. Our Moroccan culture lectures were great too, and very helpful in terms of preparing to meet our homestays. We basically learned polite phrases to say (most of which contain the name of God) in different situations.
I'm getting really distracted right now though...I want ice cream.
So, anyway, my family is great...very warm and welcoming. I have a 17 yr-old sister (who has a very sketchy boyfriend...DON'T TELL!!!), a 12 yr-old sister (who took me around the medina last night, amongst many "hello beautifuls" and "gazelles" from enthusiastic men), a 15 yr-old brother (who, for the past two days just sat on the couch and watched TV), and a 26 yr-old brother (who took me around the medina during the day and is really nice). There's also a 29 yr-old brother in Germany...the 26 yr-old, Akhbar, lives in Germany with his wife, but he is here for Ramadan. Anyway, I'm going to go for ice cream...!
So to summarize: I am very happy and love you all!
Love, Alexis

Posted by Alexis at 04:40 PM | Permalink

The below is a reflection of Ramadan in Morocco from "Asharq Al-Awsat" (translates to "The Middle East" and is the leading Arabic international daily), and I thought our Morocco semester group might find it of interest. Is it accurate and does it resonate? What dimension would you add, what point would you critique? Whether this pillar of Islam has been a personal challenge or scheduling frustration...a period of insight or an opportunity for your own purification and reflection...do realize how special an experience it is for you--as westerners, non-Arabs, and non-Muslims--to experience it from beginning to end. In a medieval setting no less! Here's to Ramadan in Fes--and to a hearty iftar which you are enjoying as I write! --As Sallamu Aleikum (Peace be with you), Alex
==========

Ramadan in Morocco

24/09/2007
By Latifa al Arousni

Rabat, Asharq Al-Awsat- Amongst some of the justifications put forward to explain the low turnout in Morocco’s 2007 parliamentary elections, was that the voting process coincided with the country preparing for the holy month of Ramadan. In their own opinion, the Moroccans were too busy to take part in the elections - which had a turnout of no more than 37%, the lowest ever in Morocco’s history - with preparing for the fasting month by heading to the markets and buying certain ingredients that are unique to Ramadan in order to make sure that the dinner table was full at Iftar [point at which fast is broken] and Suhoor [last meal before the fast begins] with popular dishes.

Getting ready for Ramadan in Morocco begins in the middle of Shaaban [the month that precedes Ramadan] and it is the markets that inform customers of this point as the market traders begin to sell products unique to this noble month, most notably dates, dried figs, and ingredients that are used to make Ramadan sweets such as ‘Chebbakia’, [a deep-fried sweet that is covered in honey and sesame seeds] and ‘Sfoof’ [also known as Sellou in some parts of the country, is a powder-form sweet made of ground almonds, sesame seeds and butter], that are essential for Ramadan in Morocco, as well as ‘Harira’, the soup that is irreplaceable for the fasting Moroccans.

Continue reading "Ramadan Reflections" »

Posted by Alex Safos at 10:22 PM | Permalink

Good morning,
I enjoyed reading Alex's posting about Ramadan. Our group has spent almost every evening with families who have welcomed us and invited us over for Fatour (the meal for breaking the fast during Ramadan). We are enjoying warm hospitality, good food, and interesting intercultural discussions during the evenings.

Last night our group was invited over to the home of one of the Moroccan peer mentors. The girls ended up dancing with their peer mentor. The father, an excellent short story writer, shared some of his work.

Yesterday we took a tour of the old medina. We visited the oldest university in the world and saw many different artisans making crafts.

I hope that the students will share some of their stories about the tour and their feelings about Ramadan soon. Now I must meet the students for Arabic class.

Bismallah
Lamia

Posted by Lamia at 09:47 AM | Permalink

Asalaam Aliekum!

www.speakingspice.blogspot.com.

Above is the link to my blog. Rather than writing mass emails to recount some of my experiences this fall, I created this space. I welcome you all to check it out! I think that that makes more sense than copying all of my entries here. Hope all is well for each of you, wherever you may be.

Bislama (with peace),
Lauren

Posted by Lauren at 06:50 PM | Permalink

As I flipped through the Frommer's Guide to Morocco in a bookstore before my departure from the States, I found some excellent summaries of Idrissid rule and suggestions for quality budget hotels. Then I saw the following bolded comment (and I paraphrase): DO NOT TRAVEL IN MOROCCO DURING RAMADAN. I put down Frommer's and bought the Lonely Planet (which is great by the way). We are so lucky to be here during Ramadan. Frommer's lost my business because it is written for an audience planning a short Moroccan vacation. Its cautionary comment makes sense for those coming for a brief stay: resteraunts are closed (and beware if you eat on the streets-- you will be eyed by unhappy, hungry Moroccans, or worse)m operating hours of every business are significantly decreased and often subject to change by people who are too tired to workm some Moroccans are more on edge from the fast, etc.

But what an unbelievably incredible experience for those of us who get to witness one of the five pillars of Islam from near beginning to end-- and in a Muslim host family no less. From 4am s'hor, to witnessing mass exodus's to local mosques, to delicious specialty foods, to learning more about Islam as a whole, Ramadan brings with it a totally unique perspective into the world of a religion that guides the lives of 99 percent of this country's population. The preparations for f'tor (break-fast at 6:30ish pm) occupy a woman's entire existence. I sat in my kitchen for six hours the other day with my host mother making shibekia- a caramelized Moroccan sweet special for Ramadan- a true bonding experience. Speaking of which, this this the first time after growing up in a liberal American home that I have felt completely comfortable, even happy, hanging around the kitchen with a group of women. I enjoy the chattering company and humor that accompanies such an experience here. I much prefer this to the wallowing hunger that consumes the men as they lie around bored all day.

Cheers to setting me up for Ramadan in Morocco. Surely the nature of Ramadan interferes with the daily schedule of the rest of the year, and often creates scheduling problems. But in the most laid back and wonderful sort of way. Thank you.

lauren

Posted by Global LAB at 03:15 PM | Permalink

We arrived last night just in time to experience the streets of the Medina opening up to the sounds of the night life during Ramadan. A band of men paraded through the narrow, sweaty streets banging loud, deep rhythms while younger boys danced with metal symbols clacking, everyone was passing each other shoulder to shoulder, men at a nearby bar cheered for FC Barcelona (we think), and we ate an incredible dish of couscous and chicken and tajine and chicken. I mean, really good, served with freshly baked bread and mint tea, where half the glass is stuffed with rich mint leaves and a quarter of it with sugar. A spicy scene to wrap us up in for the first night.... and this was all on the edge of the Medina.

The students are working on ISP's, and we met with them today to see where our tech components could best enhance their projects. Everyone gave us a rundown on their projects, and we're excited to start working on incorporating some sound and image into their projects and get them out and give them some legs. We'll leave it to them to fill you in on the details.

Tomorrow we're off to Asilah, but right now we're off to stuff ourselves with some excellent spice.
P&R

Posted by Remy at 07:39 PM | Permalink

We have been busy, busy, busy! This past week we have dove into lots of enriching activities in Fes. We have had darija classes almost every day and the students are learning the challenges and rewards of learning such a difficult, but beautiful language. Earlier this week, the group took a tour of the medina with our knowledgeable guide, Hamidou, who incidentally we keep seeing around the medina. Hamidou lead us through the weaving labyrinth streets of the old medina. Our senses absorbed the sights and smells of spices, raw meat, herbal remedies, olives, and more. Yesterday we had a chat with an American Fulbright researcher who converted to Islam. It was extremely interesting to listen to her journey of self-discovery and learn about her spiritual path and research. This morning we began our medina restoration project. The girls showed their physical strength as they shovelled sand, mixed concrete, and laid bricks; this project will continue throughout our time in Fes. We finished the day with a lecture on Women and Education in Morocco.

When the students are not busy with classes, lectures, community service, and their ISPs, they have been spending invaluable time with their homestay families.

Tomorrow morning we will rise with the sun to head off to Asilah for some much needed relaxation. There we will explore the art galleries, murals, and enjoy the beach! Hopefully, we will make it to the hammam, Moroccan public baths, as well enshaala!

Posted by at 09:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)