Observations

I am taking a much deserved break from my Arabic homework to write more for you, reader, and now I'm having trouble coming up with the words I want in any language, even English. I have realized it is pointless to try and record what happens every day here on my blog. I am therefore attempting to write mainly the observations I make that I believe are most pertinent and interesting for you.

As I sit here on the terrace, I'm facing the comfortably furnished T.V. room. I can see one of the kittens blissfully asleep in the shade under the table and would like nothing better than to follow his example and take a nap through the hottest hours of the day. However, I am committed to you, reader; I hope you're appreciating the effort I am putting into this.

On Life Around The House:

I find I spend most of my time on the terrace, largely because of the magnificent view but also because it seems to be the center of the household. We eat all of our meals here seated around this green plastic table. Occasionally we have tea at the table the kitten has claimed in the T.V. room, although I have the feeling this is mainly used when there are guests, specifically important guests who are elderly.

The terrace is by far my favorite spot in the house. It's hard to worry about much when you're facing the ocean, listening to the ebb and flow of the waves below and the sizzling of some meal being prepared in the kitchen (one of two) which is situated off to the side of the terrace. There is a second kitchen downstairs, the main kitchen, which is next to our bedroom. There is also a bathroom downstairs and one up here.

I suppose the house could be separated into two homes because they both have all things necessary for a family. There is enough couch space alone to seat at least thirty people, I'm sure. But cumulatively, in terms of space, it is just big enough for the family, myself and Emilie. If I have not explained already, Emilie is studying here in Morocco through CIEE as well and we share a room here in dar Baoudi (the Baoudi family house). I don't know if that's the proper way to say it in Arabic, but my romance language training inclines me to believe that it's at least somewhat correct.

Naturally, the culture is completely different than back home, but there are certain things that seem to be universal within the family life. For instance, while I'm doing my homework in my bedroom, I'll receive a Facebook message from my host-sister saying “hello”. Although she's still learning English so it came through as “heho”. It's fantastic because it reminds me that although I am somewhere I'm not used to, I can always rely on kids to be kids and families to look out for one another. I am very comfortable here. Aside from the fact that I'm still not entirely certain where the trash can is located (not as simple as you might think). Or the fact that I need assistance turning the hot water on to shower. But these things will come with time.

The one thing I am embarrassed about is that I really don't understand their familial relationships. There are constantly family members and neighbors coming and going, and sometimes it's hard to tell how they are all related to one another and where they live. It is clear, however, that this house in the Kasbah is the preferred meeting ground as opposed to other homes. This is due to it's prime location and I expect the fact that the atmosphere around here is always light-hearted and fun. At least that is how I feel. I've stopped trying to figure out their relationships and just think of them all as my extended aunts, uncles and cousins. It's working for me.