Morocco

After returning to Spain from my 4 day adventure in Morocco, I am realizing so many things. My passions for learning Spanish are more about the thrill of being able to communicate with people from a different culture. Though I still want to improve my spanish skills, I don't think my goal is fluency, or fluency in the way I was thinking of it before. It's about breaking down barriers and connecting with people in different cultures. I learned a lot from my Moroccan family as my brother and I (and mt two new American roomies) struggled to find common words and gestures to express ourselves. His english was limited and my arabic (or Moroccan arabic, better yet) consisted of fewer words I can count on my hands and whatever he taught me. However attitudes, body language, gestures, and smiles go a long way. Language is a way to gain the confidence of those who welcome you in a foreign country. The Moroccans' eyes lit up and faces filled with joy as I thanked them--shokran, or attempted to repeat phrases I had learned. It shows I am willing to venture outside my comfort zone and try to express myself in a different way, with unfamiliar sounds and words.

I return to find I am experiencing a reverse culture shock, not knowing what to think of my resistance to Spain right now. I lack interest in Semana Santa and I am at the Mecca of these luxurious processions as I type. I had not anticipated this, only the biggies to return home in NY. Perhaps my trip to Morocco has helped move along the process of seeing Spain in a more objective, truthful light. I like this aspect, I don't like that, but this is Spain. Some of the things my family argue and whine about seem so minuscule compared to where I just came from. I guess it's all a matter of perspective though, and what one is experiencing. The ill-distribution of wealth is very sad though, especailly considering how warm and open the Moroccan people are. They deserve better. All the developing nations do. All humans beings. More to come (hopefully)... Shower now

ME VOY A ESTAMBUL EN ABRIL!!!!!! =)

ME VOY A MARRUECOS!!!