So Chris and I were under the impression that our host family simply did not like us. When they were around they rarely spoke to us, they served us dinner in a separate room and they just seemed generally unconcerned. Then we realized last thursday that there was a reason for all this. Their daughter Shama's was getting married in a few days!They had told us the first day that there was a wedding but I hadn't realized that it was for there daughter. Good old language difficulties. 

Anyway the wedding was awesome!!

 This guy had mad skills with the tambourine.

 My host brother Mohammed.

 Shama undergoing the ritual henna ceremony.

 My other host sister Amal.

 Henna ceremony.

 These things are delicious!!

Pastella! Who knew fish and honey could be so could?

Islamic Tradition. French Culture. African Development. 

This is my quick summation of Morocco after my first few days here. I'm not great about recounting every detail of my journey so instead I'm just going to relay some interesting and possibly funny stories from my trip so far. 

The Umbrella Sellers

This actually happened in DC  but I think its worth mentioning. When I left for DC I was prepared for anything. I'v spent the past two years preparing for this trip after all. So of course when I arrived in DC on a rainy afternoon I had neither a raincoat nor an umbrella. Luckily for me some savvy washingtonians were selling umbrellas outside the metro station. I guess the Gene is looking out for me from heaven ("Sunglasses, sunglasses.. Umbrellas, umbrellas!). 

After a lot of travel (and a lot of orientation in DC) we arrived in Morocco on Friday. I have to admit that Morocco was sort of underwhelming at first. It seemed like a dry desert land that god forgot. However, that was before we got to Rabat, and the Medina.

 Train Station

 Parliament

 Mohammed V Blvd.

 Had to check the time.

 حلويات كتير

 The Hassan Tower

 Salle in the background.
Salle is Rabat's older more conservative neighbor across the Bou Regreg river. Its famous for the Salle Rovers from Robinson Crusoe.

 The guard at Mohammed V tomb.

 In the middle is Mohammed V the father of the current King and the first independent ruler of Morocco after French Colonisation. In the right corner is Hassan II and in the left is his brother Moulay Abdallah.

 Water Seller.

 My house with Zakia.

 Entrance to the Old Medina where I live.

 Rabat Lighthouse

 Rabat Cemetary. Shortly after taking this photo I was informed that non-muslims are not allowed and sternly asked to leave. Hmm I wonder how he knew I wasn't a Muslim.

 Kasbah Oudayas

 Rabat

See mom Rabat is safe. Pirate prevention included.