Morocco.. Round "Jus"

Jus = Dareja (Moroccan dialect) for the number Two 

Ah.. To be back in “The Magreb” (The West, aka Morocco). It feels strange, but at the same time comfortable. It feels good. I’ve spent the last week going to and arranging classes, catching up on some sleep (an activity that was lacking on the Eurotrek), and meeting the group of 60+ new international students. I’ve found some strange characters, and some potential new friends.

Mostly I’m grateful to not be going through the process of being “The Newbie” again. I loved having friends to call up right when I got back. I enjoy knowing where to go, how much a grand taxi costs, and that the small gold coins with the number “10” on them are worth 10 cents, not 10 dirhams. I like that I can greet people in the street or on campus with confidence, and chat up the usual “Hi how are you?” “good, how are you?” both formally and informally, in Arabic. I love that I haven’t left Arabic class in tears of frustration (somehow I scraped a "B" last semester). I know where to go in town for the best food, and how to ignore the unwanted stares. I’ve traveled to most cities, and have stories of train rides, trekking, exploring the medinas, and playing on the beach.

On the flip side, I am trying really, really hard not to be an insufferable know-it-all. I haven’t forgotten that only 5 months and 8 days ago I was in the Billings airport, holding back tears as I said goodbye to all that was familiar. And it wasn’t until about three months ago that I became truly happy and at peace with this country.

There are still things that frustrate me. Harassment in the streets I have not missed in the slightest. The fact that off-campus apartments do not have central heating, and that no one seems to be able to close a door to the outside, even when it’s snowing, makes me crazy. It was about 31 degrees Fahrenheit out, and snowing. Wouldn’t it be more pleasant for all if the door to the café was closed? Do no ask me why this is. Perhaps I am putting practicality over cultural norms.

I also find myself missing the international students that left. It wasn’t until around November that I felt I had formed really strong friendships with them. Now I walk around campus looking for someone to get coffee, or go to Couscous Friday with. I try to just remind myself, just as when I left Rocky, I am so lucky I have people in my life worth missing.

So that is my week first week back. My birthday (Tuesday) was celebrated with drinks and dinner at the local place with both new friends and old. Early tomorrow morning we are going on a hike, choosing to ignore the fact it is cold and snowy. Since I will be around this weekend I want to post some more reflections of Europe, things I’ve discovered travelling, and new semester goals. Until then!