A Day to Remember

Today Youssef and Robin (the IREX director of our program who is here for just a few days) picked us up at our apartment and we headed straight to the school. We met with administrators, visited an English class (level one), and of course took many photos. Since today is Saturday, the school ends at noon. And since today is Saturday, we visited the local market. Here one can by second-hand clothing, products from Europe-- especially Spain since we are so close to the Spanish enclave Melilla-- plants and herbs, fruits and vegetables, eggs, dried fruits, nuts, various species of fish, meets hanging from hooks, live chickens to choose, as well as rabbits. This was such a busy, bustling scene, and one that the Health Department in our country would shut down in minutes!  Please know I do not say this because I think it was unsanitary. It wasn't at all. On the contrary, it made me reflect on our hypersensitivity to hygiene in the U.S.  We have so much sterility that what is natural has become taboo and what is unnatural is preferred.

The highlight of the day without a doubt, was the journey to the region near Mediterranean Sea, across the valley, zigzagging around the mountains, through this village, over this stream. Here we were close to where Youssef grew up. Here we experienced the traditional Amazigh (Berber) culture by visiting Youssef's friend, Youssef #2, who graciously hosted us for a mid-day meal.

Old-fashioned stone oven

Traditional Amazigh dish designed with the symbol and flag of the people

Our friendly host Youssef #2. He is studying law and speaks Spanish, Arabic, German, French, 

 and Tamazight (Amazigh language). He speaks just a little English. Of course, kindness 

transcends language and sharing his culture with us was expressed in the unique

memorabilia displayed in his family's cafe. 

 Gotta love the old-school glass Coke bottle with Arabic letters sitting next to our tangine meal. 

 Today's couscous was a dessert. It tasted like maize and oatmeal cooked in butter sort of, with cinnamon and sugar. It was a yummy dessert, but would also make a great breakfast.

Youssef #1 and I standing next to the stone artwork of the Tamazight letter for Z. He is the man of the hour. The man on a mission-- a mission to show us his culture, his life, his work. He took us to the market today, treated us to a tea at his favorite cafe, showed us the town in which he attended middle school, sang in the car to his favorite songs, explained the Rif region and its people, his people. He is friendly, smart, and fun. He is not only my new colleague, 
but most importantly, he is now my friend :)

This little guy entertained us for a few minutes, and yelled loudly at me when he thought I wanted his banana. There were also many chickens, rabbits, and pheasants around this old house. I think one of them may have ended up on our table tonight actually ;)

Traditional woven fabrics of the Amazigh, and cushions low to the floor
for sitting in this living space. 

And here is the entrance to this mountain side cafe, hidden in the trees. This young man helps with parking. We saw other young boys selling bunches of asparagus on the road sides. This is just a bit different than playing x-box or basketball all day with your bros.

Amazigh artwork painted on the door. The point/dotted technique is reminded me
a lot of Aborigine artwork.

Dried henna in a ceramic container. The tabel on which it rests if Youssef #2's collection of money from around the world. Yes there are U.S. dollars, and Argentine too!

 This beautiful artwork reminds me of Bavarian styles I have seen in Munich.  I love making connections and comparing styles. I would also love to study art more so, and even teach a full humanities course one day. Just so you know... :)

Allow me to introduce you all to Robin. She is our Teachers for Global Classrooms director, meaning she coordinates all of our travel logistics, acts as a liaison with the host teachers, and just supports us in anything we need before departure and now while here in our field experience. She has a great spirit, a true love of learning, and is an outstanding representative of our country.  Robin rocks!