BLOGGING PROBLEMS. I have several blogs with pictures ready to go, but can't view the photos on my computer at home, so will wait until I get to a cyber to finish editing and post. The problem is with my ISP and the fixed wireless modem I have. What can I say?! It's Morocco!

MARRAKECH MARATHON. January 27th was the date, and three people from the group I came here with participated, as well as numerous other PCVs. It was a fine morning for the event, and it was fun to cheer on the runners (especially scarved Moroccan women) at the 20k mark. The day before I enjoyed a great ham and cheese sandwich while reading the International Herald Tribune, then that evening I joined these folks for their carb loading (I had a wonderful salad) at an Italian restaurant.
The participants were, from the left; the first and fourth person, both women, did the 1/2 and the second person from the left ran the marathon.
That night I had a hot bath, and the next morning a hot shower. Wow. Sure felt good! Especially when I came home Sunday night to find that there was still no water in my house/town. So down to the landlord's for well water for the toilet, and to the store to buy drinking water. I sure hope they get their electrical problem at the well figured out pretty soon. These week-long water absences are a pain.

GREAT BOOK. Am reading "Seven Summits" by Dick Bass and Frank Wells with Rick Ridgeway, the story of an entrepreneur developer(conservative)and a movie studio president(liberal) both in their early 50's, who hooked up and attempted to hike the highest point on each of the seven continents. It's a terrific read if you are a hiker or a wannabe, or even not that, as their story is very inspirational.

To provide a visual to go with today's blog, here is the beginning of the little hike I took part-way up the highest mountain, Toubkal, in Morocco. (I fall into that wannabe category)

When they are on Everest, Frank's continuing lack of skills and ability and his frustrations of achieving his goal to reach the summit are reflected in this passage that so mirrors what many of the Peace Corps Volunteers feel at times about their service. Here it is:

"It was a funny thing he couldn't seem to overcome, this sort of dual pull between giving it his all versus giving in, and he realized he would actually be relieved to have an excuse to go down, (return to the base camp rather than try to summit) as long as it was for some reason beyond his control, as long as he could tell himself later he really had stuck with it as long as possible."

He doesn't give in, but gives it his all, and many times experiences the thrill of achievement. So often I have had the same thoughts; that if I had to go home for some reason other than I simply wanted to quit, that would be fine with me. Most of the time, however, I am content, and believe I am where I need to be at this time in my life, and that there is a need and a reason for me to continue attempting to reach the "summit," which is, in my case, the close of my service.

BUT BABY IT'S COLD...inside! But here I sit at my computer all dressed up in red and white, gifts from a couple of friends from Montana. So I can keep the Christmas spirit alive (don't think much of that spirit existed in my village~) and be ready to celebrate St. Valentine's Day as well!

There is a marathon in Marrakech this next Sunday; am going in to observe as I'm pretty sure they don't allow walkers, and am going to get a hotel room with heat and a bathtub. Wow...luxurious living coming right up!

UPS AND DOWNS. Rains have stopped, but water and power outages have not. Had water long enough to get laundry done and reserve replenished before next water outage. Power outage today for about 6 hours, but it was during the day, so no candlelight reading tonight!

Last week neddy closed for two days for calendar new year; this week is closed two days for Islamic new year. Hard to progress much with so many days inactivity. BUT! happy occasion today! Sixty new (white plastic) chairs arrived. Now this may not seem like a big deal, but here is what was happening. Every morning we (or they) had to go to the boy's boarding house and bring over chairs for the women/girls who were at the neddy, then return so the boys had a place to sit for lunch (the neddy closes for about 2 hours at noon) then go back and get them, then take them back at the end of the day. A bit of a hassle. The King's Foundation, which also funded the neddy to begin with, came through with some chairs; if I understand correctly, maybe a new computer and some new tricot (sweater making) machines as well will be coming, enshallah. These items will enhance my project.

The rains here meant snow in the mountains, and so the snow you saw in the photos of my New Year's Eve day walk is largely increased, and the mountains are very beautiful. The dry river beds are running with a great deal of "red" (clayish)water. It is hard to get out of bed in the morning to walk, as it feels SO good to be warm, but in another month it should be warmer in my house!

I had a great overnight in Marrakech Saturday and two nice hot showers. It had been a week since I bathed (we're talking bucket bath) due to lack of adequate water supply. Oh yeah, camping out is right!! While in Kech, I joined up with several other volunteers; one man's parent's are here. The parents met each other while serving as PCVs in Kenya in the 70's. We had a fun visit.

A NEW YEAR, AND WHAT a way to start it. Woke up in the middle of night to discover no electricity. There has been no (cold) running water since yesterday afternoon. (I've learned to store up water for times like this)

BUT! I got up and was able to have my coffee au lait, a wonderfully fresh orange, whole wheat pancakes with homemade maple syrup, and read church bulletins duly annotated by my dear friend, read Fairfield Times (and see my name in the 50 years ago column! :) and look at recent photos of family! And cry tears, not of sadness, but of great thankfulness for what I do have...loving, caring people in my life! I am continually reminded that I am learning and receiving so much more than I am teaching and giving from this Peace Corps experience. Marilyn refers to one of her favorite songs, "Let There Be Peace on Earth" which then states, "and let it begin with me." Rather appropriate for a PCV, yes?

Am starting to resume my language lessons again; my tutor is on my case about verb conjugations. It's good, because I need the prodding. I am going over to her house to participate in couscous preparation (along with sheep and squash) for our noon dinner before a lesson.

I know it will be a wonderful and meaningful new year; may yours be, as well! Peace...