This past weekend was probably the best weekend I've had since moving to Casa. My SISTER and BRYAN were here!!!! It was so amazing to have family here! They got in Friday evening and left Early Monday morning but we packed the weekend full of super fun times, lots of laughter, and a few tears!
Friday: I don't remember a single thing from school that day except I told my students Amanda was coming and their first question was "Is she bringing the dog?"oh, my kids! Their next question was if they would meet her, which sadly couldn't happen. But I did give A&B a mini-bio of each student and showed them pictures.
Cherith (roommate) and her father took me to the airport. A huge saving grace! I didn't have to pay for a taxi or ride in the taxi awkwardly unable to communicate with the driver! Her dad parked and we ran (yes, we were the crazy American girls running into the airport!) to find them. When they finally came out, I started crying...I couldn't help it. You try not seeing any familiar faces for a month and then holding back the tears...psh! Good Luck!
We went back to the car to start our trip back to campus which took far longer than it should have! We rode half way back to campus but the Wellings were headed to a fancy party so we jumped out in town and planned to taxi back. Of course, I had the worst taxi luck Ever! We nearly walked (with backpacks) the entire way to the Grande taxi lot. Except that I got a little lost. I'm still trying to learn the city and the lack of road signs is really not helpful! We finally got a petite taxi to get us to the grande taxi station. Bryan and Amanda were able to experience the joys of taxiing! We finally got back to campus a few hours later than planned. Enjoyed some authentic couscous and delicious Chocolate Cake (in honor of A's bday!).
Saturday: We taxied back into town and went to The Mosque. It's one of the biggest tourist attractions in Casa and I missed the trip they took during orientation so it was perfect! We toured the inside of the 3rd largest and the tallest mosque in the world. (Fun fact: The mosque is on the other side of Casa, but I can still see it from my rooftop!) The tour was amazing! The detail and craftsmanship in there was unbelievable. I will post pictures eventually, although my camera died about half way through leaving me with few photos :( . After the tour we walked the Corniche. We stopped for a great lunch on the water then continued and walked the entire Corniche! Its a few miles. Thankfully, it ends at the Morocco Mall where we saw the huge aquarium and got smoothies! Mostly, because we were super hot and sweaty from our long walk in the Hot Moroccan sun!
We taxied back to campus. I gave them a tour of the school and my lovely classroom! We opted for a chill night after our busy morning/afternoon. I made pizza for dinner (meaning started with frozen crust, spread the sauce, grated the cheese, chopped the basil, and baked it in our uncontrollable oven!) They turned out quite well! Then we hung out and watched a movie.
Sunday:We went to church. We went to the Medina. Another place I'd never been too; but I can't wait to go back! It's a very touristy market. Lots of authentic Moroccan clothes and trade goods. And some really cute shoes! My friend Jasmine had joined us and her Arabic language skills totally came in handy while helping Bryan get a good deal on some souvenirs. From the Medina, we went to Rick's Cafe. The other major touristy thing in Casa! And another place I had never been! We had a wonderful lunch and decided to go for some smoothies for dessert. Another taxi ride across town for some panache d' orange! Yum!!! We ended our time in town by going to Weldom or the "Moroccan Menards" as I like to call it! It's a little hardware/home goods store. We bought a fan for my apartment...I have to admit, I am sleeping so much better! But I don't hear the dog fights at 5am anymore. ehh, pros and cons. ;)
Back at campus we decided to check out the school's car for a little bit. After a rocky start, Bryan figured out the Kangoo and we headed to Dar Bouazza for dinner. We ate the Sunset View Cafe and watched the sun get close to setting. We took some photos by the beach. And went back to campus where Bryan gave me my first driving lesson! I didn't hurt anyone or anything, although I did scare a stray dog but peeling the tires a little bit! I stalled the Kangoo no less than 10 times but I also got it a few times! I drove up and down a random dirt road hereby the school. I wasn't very excited at first, but now I can't wait to learn! Thanks for the first lesson Bryan...now come back for lesson #2! We got back to the school just in time to head up to the roof for the sunset. One of my favorite things about life here is the sunsets! And from the roof the view is amazing!!! Like I said, you can see the Mosque, Casa, DarBouazza, the King's palace, he school, random sheep, and of course the ocean! The sunset was beautiful but also reminded us that our last day together was over. We finished out the night by watching Friends...the one where Joey learns French...it's amazing!
Monday: We woke up at 4. They packed up. We waked the the gate and met the last taxi of their trip. He took them to the airport. I got ready for school. There may have been a few more tears.
It was a great weekend and I wish it could have been longer. I got to play tourist. See lots of new things in Casa. But most importantly, I got to see my sister!!!!! I know there are many great weekends to come, but I will definitely be wishing I could "play [the weekend over] again."
Love you miss you A&B. Give Dooley a hug from me!
Friday: I don't remember a single thing from school that day except I told my students Amanda was coming and their first question was "Is she bringing the dog?"oh, my kids! Their next question was if they would meet her, which sadly couldn't happen. But I did give A&B a mini-bio of each student and showed them pictures.
Cherith (roommate) and her father took me to the airport. A huge saving grace! I didn't have to pay for a taxi or ride in the taxi awkwardly unable to communicate with the driver! Her dad parked and we ran (yes, we were the crazy American girls running into the airport!) to find them. When they finally came out, I started crying...I couldn't help it. You try not seeing any familiar faces for a month and then holding back the tears...psh! Good Luck!
We went back to the car to start our trip back to campus which took far longer than it should have! We rode half way back to campus but the Wellings were headed to a fancy party so we jumped out in town and planned to taxi back. Of course, I had the worst taxi luck Ever! We nearly walked (with backpacks) the entire way to the Grande taxi lot. Except that I got a little lost. I'm still trying to learn the city and the lack of road signs is really not helpful! We finally got a petite taxi to get us to the grande taxi station. Bryan and Amanda were able to experience the joys of taxiing! We finally got back to campus a few hours later than planned. Enjoyed some authentic couscous and delicious Chocolate Cake (in honor of A's bday!).
Saturday: We taxied back into town and went to The Mosque. It's one of the biggest tourist attractions in Casa and I missed the trip they took during orientation so it was perfect! We toured the inside of the 3rd largest and the tallest mosque in the world. (Fun fact: The mosque is on the other side of Casa, but I can still see it from my rooftop!) The tour was amazing! The detail and craftsmanship in there was unbelievable. I will post pictures eventually, although my camera died about half way through leaving me with few photos :( . After the tour we walked the Corniche. We stopped for a great lunch on the water then continued and walked the entire Corniche! Its a few miles. Thankfully, it ends at the Morocco Mall where we saw the huge aquarium and got smoothies! Mostly, because we were super hot and sweaty from our long walk in the Hot Moroccan sun!
We taxied back to campus. I gave them a tour of the school and my lovely classroom! We opted for a chill night after our busy morning/afternoon. I made pizza for dinner (meaning started with frozen crust, spread the sauce, grated the cheese, chopped the basil, and baked it in our uncontrollable oven!) They turned out quite well! Then we hung out and watched a movie.
Sunday:We went to church. We went to the Medina. Another place I'd never been too; but I can't wait to go back! It's a very touristy market. Lots of authentic Moroccan clothes and trade goods. And some really cute shoes! My friend Jasmine had joined us and her Arabic language skills totally came in handy while helping Bryan get a good deal on some souvenirs. From the Medina, we went to Rick's Cafe. The other major touristy thing in Casa! And another place I had never been! We had a wonderful lunch and decided to go for some smoothies for dessert. Another taxi ride across town for some panache d' orange! Yum!!! We ended our time in town by going to Weldom or the "Moroccan Menards" as I like to call it! It's a little hardware/home goods store. We bought a fan for my apartment...I have to admit, I am sleeping so much better! But I don't hear the dog fights at 5am anymore. ehh, pros and cons. ;)
Back at campus we decided to check out the school's car for a little bit. After a rocky start, Bryan figured out the Kangoo and we headed to Dar Bouazza for dinner. We ate the Sunset View Cafe and watched the sun get close to setting. We took some photos by the beach. And went back to campus where Bryan gave me my first driving lesson! I didn't hurt anyone or anything, although I did scare a stray dog but peeling the tires a little bit! I stalled the Kangoo no less than 10 times but I also got it a few times! I drove up and down a random dirt road hereby the school. I wasn't very excited at first, but now I can't wait to learn! Thanks for the first lesson Bryan...now come back for lesson #2! We got back to the school just in time to head up to the roof for the sunset. One of my favorite things about life here is the sunsets! And from the roof the view is amazing!!! Like I said, you can see the Mosque, Casa, DarBouazza, the King's palace, he school, random sheep, and of course the ocean! The sunset was beautiful but also reminded us that our last day together was over. We finished out the night by watching Friends...the one where Joey learns French...it's amazing!
Monday: We woke up at 4. They packed up. We waked the the gate and met the last taxi of their trip. He took them to the airport. I got ready for school. There may have been a few more tears.
It was a great weekend and I wish it could have been longer. I got to play tourist. See lots of new things in Casa. But most importantly, I got to see my sister!!!!! I know there are many great weekends to come, but I will definitely be wishing I could "play [the weekend over] again."
Love you miss you A&B. Give Dooley a hug from me!
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