Same Place, New Beginning

"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered." - Nelson Mandela

So here we are the start of another school year- the rituals remain the same even though this year I start my career as a full time teacher. I came back to Casablanca to be the English 7th, 8th, 9th grade teacher even though last year was, how do I put it a rocky year. I should probably explain why. I find that however crazy and mixed up life here in Morocco can be, I have found part of myself captured by it, and strangely enough by the students. I have made a real connection with most of them especially those that I coached during soccer season and those that I got to go on field trips with. I find that the way that our students act in class can be very different from when they are free to be passionate about something of their choosing. I found that about myself as well. As soon as I started coaching and became actually active in my life here, I found a niche that fit me perfectly. Yes there were days where nothing could forgive some of the things and situations that the school put me through. But it seems to me that there are politics in most areas of life and that I simply had to find my way to avoid them as much as possible.

Anyways- a new year. I came back this year with the rest of the new staff, and even though I ended being more of a guide than someone brand new, it was a new beginning for me emotionally. Last year there were a lot of unjust happening at the school and I lost a lot of my friends to new places or simply because they were forced out of the school. But coming in to a sea of fresh faces and fresh attitudes made it so much simpler for me to let go and let it be. I found myself constantly happy, or as some of my new colleagues would say "way too goddamn enthusiastic about life." But as I told them right back- when you come back even after a tough year you have to start out without holding grudges or letting bad feelings cloud a new year. Of course I am no longer naive about some of the people who run the school, and that will guide a lot of decisions I make in order to protect myself.

The new group of people are very young and most are single, which may sound like an unimportant statement but it is significantly different from last year. That means that we have found a great group who are really willing to go out and experience all types of new things together. We have had several nights of good dinners on my new balcony which is pretty awesome.

Which brings me to another benefit of this year... MY FIRST APARTMENT ALONE!! Over the past 5 years I have had over ten roommates and finally being on my own is fantastic. Not that I didn't have some great roomies, it is just the feeling of coming home and being able to take over and do what you want without even thinking about it is indescribable.

Which brings me back to what one Nelson Mandela once said- coming back an altered person and being able to see a place with new eyes. Knowing the quirks and downsides of the culture and the school can't overshadow the benefits of living abroad and being able to live life as an international teacher. Being able to come back knowing what I have to face made me able to come back and appreciate the rest of it much more. And that has simply made me a more positive person already.

I can't describe how excited I am to have my first day of school on Wednesday and to be able to share a year of experiences with great students, colleagues, friends and our makeshift international family. I just hope that this year continues to be as hopeful as the past couple of weeks.

Au revoir, Besslama, until next time...

Viva Revolution- The Egypt Affect

When looking back at history we have the hindsight to see how significant events were sparked and how they grew into what we find in our history books today. However in the present day we rarely realize how significant events can turn out to be, which is the case with what has now become front page news for weeks.
What now has become a ripple effect spreading through all the Arab world began with a Tunisian man trying to sell fruits and vegetables to support himself and his family. When he had his produce confiscated and then he himself was beaten by police forces, he turned to suicide to truly demonstrate his agony. This simple event sparked what has now caused Tunisia's king to flee, as well as the history altering protests that have changed Egypts government as well. As of right now over 8 nations have seen anti-government protests with the most violent escalating in Libya. Now the world waits to see at what point the protests will end and how many new governments will be building their foundations.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41689225/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa/

Living in Morocco as the world changes signficantly is an amazing thing to experience. However few ripples have been felt here in Casablanca, it is still amazing to see how and why some of these revolutions have started. Morocco did schedule it's first protests today, but they were seen as a movement to draw attention to changes needed in governmental policies rather than in the King. In my opinion it seems as though Moroccans are happy with their current leader and his work towards getting his country to be developed and on the map economically. One of the biggest issues seen is the lack of available jobs for those who hold college degrees who aren't allowed to seek jobs internationally because of strict visa regulations.

We have many fellow teachers who have returned to their positions in Egypt, or who never even left. They continue to work towards educating those students who might even have a hand in the new democratic government. Which is after all what we teachers do; we educate those who are the future of the world, who will continue to change the history books for generations to come.

The School of Life- Essaouira

One of the perks of being a teacher: vacations and fall breaks. Especially when you can travel to exotic locations for cheap. As October was a rough month at school, the four day weekend we just had was especially needed. So a group of us decided to head to southern Morocco to a beautiful beach town named Essaouira, or for us the most peaceful place on the planet.

Our clan of 7 rented two cars and left early Friday morning to brave the crazy Casablanca traffic and escape the city. Jodee drove our petite car, and Nina drove the other, a nice olive green car that we named Pepe. We had a very useful TomTom at our disposal so we were out on the road shortly after 9. We had a couple of mix ups but otherwise easy traveling. We took a coastal road and wound all the way down, stopping in several awesome cities along the way. We stopped in Oualidia which is a quiet town on the beach where we enjoyed a nice lunch.

We went to Safi, a place where ancient pottery is made and we even got to tour the factory. The way they soften the clay is to let it sit in water for hours, then make a giant slab on the ground, which is then kneaded by a boy jumping around barefoot for quite a while. Let's just say I would have gladly taken his place, it looked like so much fun. After that we completed the drive and arrived in Essaouira, the place I will dream about from now on.

Essaouira was originally Portuguese, and it has a beautiful medina and harbor which reflects the architecture of that time. Our hotel was actually in the medina, but it overlooked the ocean which was wonderful. We got there around dinner time on Friday, and we decided to find a good place to eat. Well we found a good place for food, not so much for the service. We ended up spending over 2 hours waiting for food, and as we were sitting on couches we all were in serious danger of falling asleep at the table. When we finally got back to our place we just crashed as we were exhausted.

The next day we walked all around the medina and got plenty of nicknacks and decorative pieces to help our asylum white walls in our apartments. But the best part of the day by far was the camel ride. We went to the beach and rode camels for an hour, along the surf line as the waves crashed in. It was peaceful and entertaining at the same time. It's wierd how I never realized how TALL camels really were until I was on top of one. Also when they sit down you are pitched forward at almost a 90 degree angle. But they were fun and also meant I could cross them off my list of exotic animals to ride. Elephant in South Africa, Ostrich in South Africa, Camel in Morocco. Next I'm on to a wooly mammoth.

Saturday night we found a nice restaurant with a great owner who was very accomodating. In fact as we sat around dinner we realized just how amazingly nice the people were in this city. We had been invited to several private parties just because the people wanted to spend time with us. As we talked to some of these guys, they kept discussing "the school of life." In Morocco school isn't required as it is in the US, which means that families that need their children to work to survive put education on the back burner. But more people spoke English in Essaouira than i have met in Casa. Anyways these guys really put in perspective the fact that if you have a good head, and a good heart than thats all you need in life. They were extremely happy people and were so gracious to us. They made the trip that much more amazing.

Our last day was one for relaxing as we had been active most of the weekend. The best part of the whole weekend was when we took advantage of the rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean. We grabbed some wine, I Dj-ed some nice quiet music and we watched the astounding sunset. You know you are in perfect company when you can just sit quietly for hours enjoying the beauty of life. We all had our own worries, our own struggles that we left behind this weekend and this moment was the culmination of a much needed weekend. To sit and look at the ocean as the sun descended, it just made everything else seem so small.

Lately I have been stressed trying to figure out what my future holds for me. I know, I just got here, but with international teaching they hire in January. I have been trying to figure out if I want to apply to more international schools, or if I want to spend some more time in Colorado. It is hard when you have to leave your friends and family behind to pursue your dreams. It creates a pull towards home. I love what I am doing now, but it can be lonely on a day to day basis. At home you have friends, family and the independence to go your own way. I haven't found a place in Casa where I can retreat, or anywhere to take myself on a date.

Sitting and staring at the sun made all this disappear. Wherever my path leads me, I know it will be an amazing opportunity. Let it be. A great phrase that really expresses my need to calm down and just enjoy the moment. To not stress while I am here about where I'll be next year.

Recently I was reading a book that was a collection of personal narratives about love. There was one from a man who stayed by his wife's side while she struggled with a terrible injury for over 18 years. She was finally cured, and one day they hiked (they live in Idaho Springs) up a mountain and just cried because of the beauty of life. He expressed this feeling of peace. When I was sitting there I felt that exact feeling.

Its amazing how certain moments in life just make you remember instances and memories that are similiar. I was brought back to a night almost two years ago exactly, when I was sitting on a patio overlooking the ocean in Wilderness, South Africa. I had amazing friends with me (Karie, Leigh, Sam) and we were just awestruck by the beauty of the stars clashing with the waves. I remember thinking that moment was one of the best in my life for many reasons: I was lucky enough to be living an adventure that most people can only dream of, I had amazing friends in my life both there and back home in Colorado, I had a supportive family that I am blessed to be so close with, and I knew what I desired for my life.

Last night was deja vu with that moment. And in realizing that it makes all of the small stuff that I worry about just wash away like the waves. I know that if I continue to pursue my dreams I will lead an amazing life. Of course it can be a solitary road, but when you have great friends and family like I do they are always a Skype away. This weekend was perfect, I couldn't ask for better company, place or memories. Of course there will soon be awesome pictures to accompany.

After our sunset we had a hilarious night in drinking, playing cards, and enjoying time with some new friends we made there. I had my forture told (not very well) but it was hilarious anyways. Apparently I am coming into lots of money soon, which means I can bring you all out to visit me!

Coming back to Casa was sad but I will definitely make it back to Essaouira before I leave next summer. It is truly a place of peace. Which I can never have too much of these days.

Indifference and Ignorance: When will it end?

As the days go past I quite often forget what the date is, because I really only need to know the day of the week. I try to check the news when my internet is fast, so I had heard some of the development regarding the *!#@& of a pastor in Florida and his publicity stunt. So in a conversation with my Dad he alerted me to the fact that the US Embassy had issued a warning for Americans abroad in case this man went through with his idiotic plan. Seeing as they are in Portugal and are coming to Casa soon this affected them as well. This got me into quite a mood as I really thought about the ability of insignificant people to affect and possibly endanger the lives of thousands of people around the world.

What right did this small minded man have to possibly kill people in consequence of his actions? He decided to take his ignorance and anger out on an entire religion, even though it was al-Quida that was resposible for 9/11 and the lives lost. Not the entire population of people that believe in a different diety and belief system. Living in a Muslim country the past month and learning so much about their beliefs and dedication has been so enlightening. There are children that go to school all day without water and food because they believe in something so much. We may not agree with some of the parts of the Muslim culture, but that doesn't mean you can't respect it.

When you are an American living abroad you realize that you are a representative of America whether you like it or not. Some people will hold you responsibly for your government's policies, or even what some insignificant man does with the whole 50 people that attend his church and actually want to listen to him. I remember that when we would go out in South Africa, one of us would end up in a political discussion with a local simply because of our accents. It is just something that happens. But if you acknowledge that, you tend to try and show that you are an individual and that you don't necessarily agree with said politics. And that Americans can be respectful of other cultures than our own.

I mourn what happened to so many families on 9/11/01. It was a terrible day and will always live in our memories and the scars won't heal for many. What many refuse to acknowledge however is that we cannot keep using that day to fuel hatred and ignorance.

How much do most people really know about Islam? Or Ramadan? Did that small minded man understand that not only was he going to burn their "bible" but also that he was going to do it on this weekend which was a very religious and important holiday for Muslims everywhere? That he would have done more harm than good? It just makes me wonder at what point we will stop refusing to learn about the other cultures in the world, the other religions, the people that might believe something different. I have met many amazing people here that are Muslim, that have been accepting of who I am. Did they have anything to do with 9/11? No, absolutely not. But because of ignorance, they could have been affected by this man's actions. It's hurtful. Whether you don't want a mosque built by Ground Zero or not, his actions were not ok. In any context.

Living in South Africa for the brief period we did, I looked around and did I see hatred on the faces of the people that up to 15 years ago were oppressed and beat down. No because they had accepted the past, and were working towards the future. Ubuntu. "I am who I am because of who we are". They realized that their futures were tied together and that hatred would do nothing to heal their country or help anyone. Archbishop Desmond Tutu discussed the need for ubuntu in order to be a united country and heal. If a country that suffered from apartheid could understand the need for forgiveness and healing, we should as well. I'm not saying that we pardon those actually responsible, but that we don't let it cloud our judgement on a whole religion or group of people.

One of my favorite authors, Elie Wiesel wrote the novel Night, about his experiences during the Holocaust and in concentration camps. Does he talk about his hatred for all the German race? Absolutely not. He acknowledges what happens, he teaches the youth about it, and he moves on. He is a brilliant man who has been through unspeakable heartache, yet he knows that the only thing that can make us whole, make us loving and accepting is forgiveness and moving on.
He states that "The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference."

I truly believe that we must look to our past and learn from it, not dwell in it. For when we stew in the ugliness of what small minded people have done, we tend to forget about the beauty in others and in the world. And the world is just too beautiful.

Apartment Crawling - The New Tradition

Everyone needs a tradition, right? For those deeply routed in American holidays we all have the tradition of stuffing with turkey in November, or making delicious Christmas cookies and throwing flower at each other so that it's snowing inside and out. But when the temperature is over 100 degrees during the day, there is no air conditioning in the school you teach at, and it's Ramadan therefore meaning no bars open, what's a group of teachers to do?

Last year, the new teachers decided to start a tradition called an apartment crawl. Just like a pub crawl where you hop bar to bar possibly "crawling" your way to the finish. So this is similar, but a little less hardship to your knees. We decided to continue the tradition and invite the sophomores along for some bonding. So to celebrate the end of the first week of school, we busted out the beer pong cups, the awesome jams, and our walking shoes.

We had four apartments spread through the downtown area of Casablanca where we all live; the positive thing being that they are all within 15 minutes of each other. We made our way around, getting to know each other, kicking back, relaxing, and of course busting out the games. It was an awesome night and a really nice way to feel like this is home.

Why are traditions so important to people, not matter what the culture? Because traditions are what make you feel a part of something bigger, whether your with your family or they are thousands of miles away. So you make new traditions with new faces, and hope that they will be carried out by the next generation, or in our case next batch of eager American teachers. I think that as we settle into our daily routine of going to school at 7 and getting back at 5:30 if you aren't coaching, it is incredibly important to do such crazy outlandish things and make them part of our tradition. Some of the girls have been talking about doing family dinners every Sunday night, another way to feel like you have a home that isn't just temporary.

Another tradition can be our beach/surfing trips, a way to start our own community of surfing teachers!

If there is one thing I have learned so far from the Moroccan culture, it is the importance of family and ritual. Surviving 30 days of fasting would be impossibly for many people including me, but I see the students I teach preserving each day. They are helped by each other, and especially since most of the students are family or have grown up since preschool together. I still know a lot of kids I went to kindergarten with, and I know that when we were in Elementary school we would had each other's backs like these kids do today. I like to think that every time I move to a new culture, or back to one that I already love, that I am making lasting traditions that help make life just a little better. When we have stressful days, what is better than having a great group of people to do silly things with?

I really enjoy getting to know my new "family", even as much as I miss the old. There is so much in this country that makes me amazed, and lots more to come. As I am almost at the one month mark I marvel at our sense of home already. And it makes me just that more excited for whats to come.

First Day of School Ritual

Every year since I was little there has always been a first day of school, a day of new "back to school clothes" and new classes, seeing old friends and teachers. I have had the same ritual for almost 17 years, yet my days as a student are now over. Waking up yesterday, I realized that from now on I will have a different sort of first day of school. This involves preparing for the students, getting myself organized, and learning dozens of very difficult student names.

This past week I spent a lot of time getting to know my department, which only contains 4 plus me. This is significantly different from the English department at Chap which had over 25. The department here however small doesn't lack in terms of personality and enthusiasm, which means it's a pretty darn good fit. I have had the chance to be involved in developing curriculum and setting up classrooms. Plus lots of making photocopies which I don't mind so much as I get to dance around the copy room listening to music. Which was a funny sight to the many people who walked in on me jamming out to some 3oh!3.

My job as an intern isn't really clearly defined except for the rule that we are the substitutes when teachers call out. Other than that this experience is what I make of it, so I intend to get very involved and gain the experience needed for my own classroom next year.

A little info on my school: It is an IB prepatory school which means that students have the most rigorous curriculum that I have seen in high schools. Of course there are IB schools in the States, but usually they involve a two track system where kids have the option to be on the IB track or just to recieve a regular diploma. But here the kids are required to be IB so if they aren't on track they can be asked to not return the following year. It is pretty intense. Also these students are fluent in Arabic and French, but are learning English through their interaction in this school. The good news is that the students are proficient at speaking English by the time they are in the upper school grades. The bad news is that they sit and chitchat in French during class and you have no idea what they are saying. They are very smart kids, and are very fortunate as well. Their parents can pay for the most expensive education around, so they do have a sense of entitlement. One of the most jarring things for me is that at the end of the day they gather around a fountain and socialize while the guards call their name when their drivers arrive to pick them up. Yes, drivers. For the younger students most likely there is a nanny involved as well. It is a very wealthy population which you definitely realize when they whip out their Ipads in class. But they have great manners so far.

It is the second day of school and I am just getting used to the students and classes. I am participating in classes from 8th grade to 11th grade IB. Learning all of their very Arabic sounding names will take time because right now I butcher them for sure. One of the English teachers who is a prankster has decided to spread the rumor that I am the heir to Google, and that I am here out of a selfless need to help the youth of the world. It's pretty funny.

It's amazing that this kids can learn anything as they are fasting for Ramadan. That means we are sitting in 110 degree weather (last week there was a high of 117) without drinking water or eating anything. I admire their determination and dedication to what they believe in. I'm pretty sure most Christians or Catholics I know could not do the same. And without complaints.

I have been designated the soccer coach for the Boy's soccer program! EEk!! I offered to be the assistant coach but due to lack of help I was promoted. Let's just say the boys in my classes think it's hilarious that I am their coach. But I do know from experience that the most important parts of soccer include the ability to run for a long time so they will be doing lots of running in the beginning for sure. As for the rest of it, that's what Google is for right? Haha

As for our personal lives, I am just getting into a routine. We are going surfing every Saturday which is great because we get a day to relax after a long hot week. The old staff has been very welcoming and they are just as fun loving as the newbies. Lots of parties and traveling! I have been too busy to be homesick which is good. I need to do some decorating in my apartment to make it more home but other than that its good. I have been doing lots of reading which is so nice after years of having to read for assignments and school. Life is starting to be regular and I'm finding a nice place to fit in. Adapting gets easier each time you settle in somewhere new, and I am so thankful for my experiences in South Africa that make this a smoother transition.

Life is good, and I am finding my niche. I miss home but I am so excited for this to be my life. I fit the international life well, and I love exploring a culture so foreign to me. It makes your life just so much more interesting. Just like the first day of school ritual, I am adapting my life to this new part, and loving the good and the bad. That's just what life is.

The end of the longest week ever!

So it is officially the end of the first week of my life here and let's just say that I have never felt a longer week in my life. Not in a bad way, but because we have had such a jam packed schedule that it has seemed as though everything would fill several weeks at least. But you know they do say work hard and play hard, but this weekend was more relax hard for me!



During the school days we have attended many meetings that take up our time and the teachers have been preparing their classrooms. For the interns however there isn't much to do until the returning staff arrives so that we can meet our departments and start figuring out our schedules. So during those slots of time we have found different things to do aka reading outside or bugging friends. I have tried to help here and there but being new it's not as though I know where anything is to get.



On Thursday Night we finally had couscous (EXCITING!!) We were invited over to the Director's house for a proper couscous dinner, which if they saw how we eat it back in the States they would be horrified here! You sit around round tables and they prepare huge dishes of couscous with lots of vegetables and meat placed on top. Huge amounts of food. Then you clean your hands and dig in. Literally. You use the vegetables and meat to clump the couscous around and mush it in your hands until you get a round ball. Then you get to eat it! Lots of work but well worth it. Let's just say my couscous skills are severly underdeveloped as of right now and I did more of a scoop and eat deal.



Friday was a long day at school followed by a nice night they planned as the end of orientation week. Most of the returning staff has arrived and so a couple hosted a happy hour on their amazing balcony! (Seriously this balcony could have fit at least 50 people) We got to mingle and I met all of my department which was great. They are all super cool and laid back which helps considering I am coming from one of the best departments around at Chap! Speaking of this world is a lot smaller than you think. The English Department Head actually taught at Chaparral before coming here which is awesome because his wife and him will talk Colorado with me when I need someone to understand where Turquoise Lake is or Casa Bonita.



After that we went to a nice restaurant named India Palace for Ftour dinner. It was a beautiful dinner and we had amazing Indian food. And lots of wine. Afterwards we all headed home as it was an exhausting week. However my body had something else in mind. I got rather sick that night and had to battle a fever and stomach issues for hours. When I got up on Saturday I felt pretty dehydrated but I wanted to go to the beach with everyone else even if I didn't surf. So I trekked to the meeting point with plenty of water on hand as well as medicine.



So to get around in Casablanca there are two types of taxis : red and white. The red ones fit 3 people max and for the inner city. They are cheaper but you absolutely have to make sure they reset the meter as they try to make an extra Dirham whenever possible. The white taxis fit 6 and go in general directions, for example out to the beach or to the city. They also differ in the fact that they are per person and will stop to pick up people until they get 6. So you could make tons of new friends on the way! We had to take a red taxi to the white taxi station to then make our way to Dar Bouzza. We had 7 of us so we fit in and headed out. Jack Beach is where the surf school is and it was really easy to get to. We got there and as I was feeling better we all got suited up (wetsuits are needed so the salt water doesn't cause too much friction with the boards). The couple of guys who own the surf school are really cool, they have competed internationally and are part of the Surf Europe Initiative. They taught us how to stand up while still on land as it's much harder in water. Then we went for a jog which must have been a sight for the Moroccans enjoying the day at the beach. Imagine 10 americans in wet suits jogging past you waving their arms as they stretch. Awesome.



Now here is what I learned: when you watch movies like Blue Crush, it makes surfing look so easy. Not. True. At. All. At least when you are a beginner. We might have seen 1 minute of standing time together as a group. But it will be great to learn more and it seems as though the more we practice the easier it gets. I lasted only half the time as I was still dehydrated so I sat and took some photos. There was lots of people watching to do so I stayed entertained. Afterwards we stayed for a couple hours and hung out, played around in the waves. We made our way back and it was only around 3. A great morning. Afterwards I seriously just crashed and relaxed. Listened to music, read, watched lots of great pirated movies that were left for us. (they don't sell real ones here, I promise). But in other words the perfect Saturday to end a crazy week.

Life will slow down soon and we will get into routines. But I hope that surfing saturdays stay a part of my routine as it's amazing and a great workout. And its fun to have a community of us learning something new in our new home.