The Puzzle Pieces That Make Morocco

“Welcome, welcome! Where are you from? Please come in. Take a look, only student price here.” Oh the joys of being a tourist. After seeing a glimpse of the wonders that this country has to offer has been quite the experience thus far. From wandering the world famous “Blue City” to exploring the oldest medina in Morocco, I have been blown away by not only the physical beauty of the cities but of the rich culture that lies within. The culture here never stops filling its country with love and happiness, very similar to how the people incessantly fill your cup with more tea. The kindness in this country exceeds the amount of cats.

                This past week of teaching has been a great learning experience. With knowledge from past trips, it’s been a lot of help, but taking control and showing who’s boss still takes hard work.  So, I am not only proud of myself and my teaching partner but of everyone on this trip that has worked incredibly hard to be here and teach these eager children what they deserve to know. In an intermediate English class, my students have aspirations of being doctors and even teachers themselves, they want to learn English to succeed in a place where it’s hard not to follow the crowd. So, to be teaching them English makes me feel accomplished and relieved that they have the opportunity to learn another language. One student that stands out to me is a boy named Amine. He always goes out of his way to help kids around him that don’t understand, and is always asking for help and tries to do more than what is asked of him. And for that, I couldn’t be more grateful.

                Being able to see all these new cities has broadened my horizon. I have been able to see new sides of the country as opposed to our usual medina in Rabat. Chefchaouen also known as the “Blue City” full of blue doors, blue walls, and even blue stairs. A sight that you have to see to believe. Then the New York of Morocco, Fes. With 10,000 plus alleys of markets, residential areas and factories, home to the oldest university in the world which was founded by a woman.

                Going from a blue tinted city full of color not only in appearance but in feeling to a bustling medina in Fes, and finally back to our riad in Rabat feels like I’m coming home again. I think that once you experience what being a tourist is like for a couple of days, you get tired of carrying a camera at some point and you want to go back. Because of that, I am so excited to go back to the school and teach the kids English. A universal language that will help them thrive. To be able to witness that? Cause that? It’s beyond priceless to know that what you’re doing is going to help someone for the rest of their life.

                Viewing and learning about Chefchaouen’s beautiful color, Fes’ busy streets, and the excited voices of the students waiting for you to call on them. All these things have helped to motivate me to do my absolute best for the people here in Morocco.