A TRIP TO THE GROCERY STORE. I couldn't help but reflect last Saturday when I went to Kech how much time it took and what it cost to get a box a raisin bran. Now that may seem strange to you, but consider this. It took me about 4 hours and cost around $5 in transportation costs to perform that task. That being said, I can get what I need to live right here, but it's sure nice to occasionally get Sprite Light, and peanut butter (yes! I've found it here)and American type cereal...but it is a bit of a hassle. Compared to volunteers in other areas, though, I do have it "made!"
So back to the 8th deadly sin...thinking in generalities. What is it like for a Peace Corps volunteer to live in Morocco. Well, some have hot water heaters and satellite TV and flush toilets and of course, internet. But others do not have running water and some, not even electricity, much less all those other things. Just like the people of Morocco! But unlike the U. S., there are many fewer wealthy families and a lot more who live in pretty primitive conditions. Same thing in wondering, what does a Moroccan woman look like? I saw on the bus a young woman with skin tight jeans, snug top, but she wore the scarf. Now, even some Moroccans would ponder that. Next to her was a woman wearing a jellaba (the outer robe wear) and a veil. I met with my counterpart, Malika (the president of the women's association), in Kech. She took me to a craftsman to get a new price on the portable dividers for the boutique. If I understand correctly, the young welder here wasn't sure how to make it. I'm still hopeful we'll get all the project costs before the end of the month so I finish the app and get it sent in to P.C. for approval, then out to the website. What a long process this part has been! This is Malika and me on her roof.
There are finally trainers at the neddie again and new girls coming. The activity level is just now back to what it was last July before they closed. Four months of not much to do has been a bit much. But looks like now I'll be a bit active again with computer lessons, perhaps English classes, plus the project.
So back to the 8th deadly sin...thinking in generalities. What is it like for a Peace Corps volunteer to live in Morocco. Well, some have hot water heaters and satellite TV and flush toilets and of course, internet. But others do not have running water and some, not even electricity, much less all those other things. Just like the people of Morocco! But unlike the U. S., there are many fewer wealthy families and a lot more who live in pretty primitive conditions. Same thing in wondering, what does a Moroccan woman look like? I saw on the bus a young woman with skin tight jeans, snug top, but she wore the scarf. Now, even some Moroccans would ponder that. Next to her was a woman wearing a jellaba (the outer robe wear) and a veil. I met with my counterpart, Malika (the president of the women's association), in Kech. She took me to a craftsman to get a new price on the portable dividers for the boutique. If I understand correctly, the young welder here wasn't sure how to make it. I'm still hopeful we'll get all the project costs before the end of the month so I finish the app and get it sent in to P.C. for approval, then out to the website. What a long process this part has been! This is Malika and me on her roof.
There are finally trainers at the neddie again and new girls coming. The activity level is just now back to what it was last July before they closed. Four months of not much to do has been a bit much. But looks like now I'll be a bit active again with computer lessons, perhaps English classes, plus the project.
posted by Connie Genger | 9:15 AM
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