I’ve been in Morocco for about a month now and the things I have learned and witness will always be a part of me. I don’t even know where to begin; I should have kept a daily journal rather than writing this novel. I’ll start with the people of Morocco who are very open minded. There is a melting pot of tourist and Moroccans with traditional and European style. There is a lot of European influence here; I see this in the clothes worn and public display of affection. I traveled to Egypt in 2007 and people there were very strict in their traditions. I assumed it would be the same here so I packed conservative. That’s not the case here most women wear whatever is in fashion and most don’t cover their faces. There is a lot of respect for mothers too. I had heard and read that the men here would say things to the women as they passed by, well they don’t if you have a child with you. Sometimes I hear comments but lucky for me I don’t speak French or Arabic. I am really amazed though of the respect they have for mothers and children. Chad has seen the difference first hand. For example he has a hard time walking around and has to dodge cars and squeeze through crowds, but with the girls in the stroller and cars stop and everybody makes room for the kids. They also have a way of showing love to your child and comment won’t do justice instead they give them a kiss. We are used to it now but women and men come up to the girls and give them kisses sometimes they ask. I think the girls get a little extra attention because they are Americans which don’t visit this are much. We are living in a smaller community outside of Casablanca called Mohammedia. Here they have a few visitors but mostly it’s just locals which I love. I think I get to see who they really are and not what they want tourist to see. Back to the people from what I have learned that Morocco hasn’t always been this way and a King few years back decided to create change. He allowed for more European influence and wanted the people to welcome tourist. They’ve only had the internet for 5 years and it’s everywhere. Some of the new technology is just getting to them and is becoming affordable for the medium income families. Moroccans have some down fall, their DRIVING! I was so glad I brought the Car seats which is not a law here. There driving isn’t as bad as Egypt and other places but we had never rented a car in those places. I would never get behind the wheel and I don’t know how Chad does it. We have this joke now that when we get back to the states we’ll make a bumper sticker that reads “I learned to drive in Morocco” LOL! So what makes driving here crazy? Well they only abide by certain rules and others just aren’t followed. Like a two lane road could be turned in four or you don’t have to ride in just one lane you can straddle to lanes for a while. Moroccans aren’t familiar with the do not litter campaign. I can’t wait till something is done about their littering problem. Beautiful beaches are covered in trash because of the locals. I think I should just pick a topic every day and write about it because I could go on and about each one. Today I’ll continue on with the people of Morocco. Moroccans speak both French and Arabic and little to no English. This makes it hard when you are trying to ask for something at a restaurant. Thank God I’m not a picky eater! Every time I order Chad asks me if I know what I ordered and I used respond with nope. I’ve had several surprise meals now and my least favorite is lamb. I don’t know why I don’t like the texture and dark meat I guess. Speaking of Lamb, this Monday is when they sacrifice the lamb. It’s a big event here and I’m not sure what it’s for or why but I’m going to learn more about it. I do know it’s a huge event and families get together and go out to pick a lamb. Chad see’s it like going out to get a Christmas tree. They are selling the lambs at the Marane (Moroccan Wal-Mart..lol) parking lot. I’ll write more on the lamb sacrifice when I learn more. While shopping at Marjane we ran into one of the staff from the hotel and he smiled and recognized the girls we exchanged a smile and went on with a smile. I told Chad it’s like shopping at home now. I’ve made friends at our coffee spot too. Every afternoon after the girls nap we go to a coffee shop where Aliana can play and I can enjoy a Café au lait! Since we go there every day the guys have really gotten to know the girls. I’ve made friends with the cashier who is from Canada and she speaks good English! AH ENGLISH SPEAKER! Today she was extra sweet and brought Aliana to the corner store to buy her some trick or treats (Candy) for Halloween! She has been a great friend since I’ve met here and has shared so much information. I think I like going there just to communicate with someone other than Chad. A few more things about Moroccans: Smoking is accepted almost anywhere, they love to people watch, don’t believe in having their coffee to go and they love McDonalds. Moroccans aren’t really that different from Americans. They’ve come a long way in a short amount of time!