Sunday, July 9

We arrived in Morocco and were greeted by absolutely beautiful weather, but no luggage. Fortunately, that scenario was temporary...we're finding that Moroccans operate on their own time schedule- usually SLOW. This also explains why we waited two hours at the airport for our transportation to arrive.

Finally on the bus, we enjoyed our first look at Morocco. Immediately, we all recognized the juxtaposition among social classes here; the wealthy living next door to the poverty-stricken, buildings that could be found on 17-Mile Drive snuggled up against buildings that resemble the Projects. In other ways, it reminded me of the Central Valley with stretches of farmland, lots of produce, and similar foliage.

We were quite impressed upon seeing the school for the first time. The facility is equipped with most modern amenities, including an outstanding children's library. We were taken on a brief tour of the campus before being released to start work in our classrooms. By this time, we were all feeling a little like "The Night of the Living Dead"...eager to finish and get home to bed.

But first...another meal. Our first taste of authentic Moroccan food! It is customary to eat only with one's right hand, so our first attempt was a little challenging.

Now, I'm sitting in bed listening to the call for prayer over the loudspeakers in the distance. This occurs five times a day, including the night. In addition, there are what seems to be dozens of dogs barking. It reminds me of the "barking brigade" in the movie 101 Dalmations. Looks like I won't be falling asleep any time soon.