I forgot to post these when I found them, but it is better late than never.
Thank you to all those I worked with on my project, and thank you for sharing it with your community:
http://almiraatblog.wordpress.com/2009/02/28/the-virtual-veil/#comments
http://taraummomar.blogspot.com/2008/11/male-and-female-blogging.html
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Friday, February 13, 2009
Menagerie of life on the streets of Morocco
The rhythm of the music keeps time with the racing of my heart as I soak in the sights and sounds and smells of the cramped medina streets. Drums beat as the call to prayer from the mosque ahead is mixed with the rap music flowing out from a music shop. Hundreds of colors swirl around me as my eyes scan the narrow lanes I pass, and the smell of orange oil mixed with burning incense reaches my nose. I glance through the crowd, in awe of the bustling interactions taking place – bargaining, laughing, crying, learning, and living. I place the viewfinder to my right eye and snap a progression of candid photos, trying to capture all the beauty and life within one moment. It is simply impossible. Human senses are simply not equipped to handle this much living.
Morocco is a country of mystery and oriental intrigue to most Americans. We see Humphrey Bogart wooing Ingrid Bergman while fighting Nazis in Casablanca, picture men in long blue turbans riding camels through the desert like in the film Lawrence of Arabia (which was filmed in Morocco), and flocks of women covered in black headscarves. But do we really know the real Morocco?
This January, for the first time, Whittier College sent a group of students to Morocco for Jan Term. The group, team taught by Gary Libman and Marilyn Gottschall, spent three weeks in the north-east city of Fez, living with Moroccan families, studying colloquial Moroccan Arabic, and discovering what it is to be Moroccan. Although we had taken a course in the fall to make us knowledgeable of the history and culture of Morocco, nothing could have prepared us for the rich culture we were submerged into. Here are the top 10 most interesting things we learned about while in Morocco:
(10) Transportation. Camels are not the normal mode of transportation. Contrary to popular movies, most Moroccans do not ride camels on a daily basis. Morocco is a modern developing country, driving old Mercedes and European-made cars through the city. In the old medina, however, cars do not fit in the narrow streets, so donkeys and motorbikes are seen frequently.
(9) Languages. Most people our group encountered spoke more than two languages! In Morocco, classical Arabic and French are taught in schools from a very young age, because both languages are national languages, and colloquial Arabic (Darija) is spoken at home. When entering into secondary school, students are given the option of more languages, including Spanish and Berber (the native North African language). In my household in Morocco, Classical Arabic, French, Darija, and English were all understood and basically spoken.
(8) Henna. Henna is a type of natural dye that is used to color hair and decorate hands and feet with intricate designs. Only women wear or use henna, usually during festive celebrations such as marriages. More and more it is becoming a tradition of the past, as many younger Moroccan women look towards Europe and stop using traditional henna.
(7) Food. All I can say is bread, bread, and more bread! Every meal is eaten with bread, with tea or coffee. Pork is not eaten in Morocco because it is forbidden in Islam, but Chicken and Beef is common. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day, like Europe, and children come home from school to eat with the family. Most meals are eaten off of one mutual plate, with bread being used as a type of utensil, instead of forks. Moroccan tea is served with every meal and most families finish lunch with some type of citrus.
(6) Dress. The styles in Morocco are very westernized and diverse. Most people in the younger generation wear similar clothing to those in Europe and America, with modesty guiding their tastes. It is unusual to see girls in skimpy clothing, but it is not unheard of in some of the larger cities. Headscarves are common, but not mandatory, and many women opt not to wear them. Others pick out colorful scarves and pin them with flashy brooches, adding a western style to the traditional garment. Most men take up the European styles, with “fake” designer jeans being a popular wear as well as French-style barretts.
(5) Music. Music is very popular and diverse in Moroccan culture. Moroccans have adopted much of the Western music, such as Akon and Celine Dion (both extremely popular), but have also stuck to their African roots. At any given cd shop, one can find Western and Moroccan forms of rap, hip hop, rock, and heavy metal, European pop, Chaabi and Arabic dance mixes, recordings of the Qur’an, and Sufi mystical music. Each has their own place in society and music frequents the streets where ever you are.
(4) Hammam. A hammam is a public bath house where Moroccan men and women (at separate times) go to wash off, clean up, and gossip with friends. Most of the group was able to experience the hammam at least once during our trip. There are three rooms – a cold room, a warm room, and a hot room – with benches lining the walls. Water is brought to you as you sit on the benches and, using a cup, you wash and soak in the water and steam that fills the room. People usually stay in for hours and, for women, this is an arena for socializing that they do not usually have out on the streets.
(3) The medina. The old neighborhood of every city in Morocco, the medina is the center of Moroccan life. The medina is usually a neighborhood of narrow, twisty streets, used to confuse the colonizers and tourists alike. Within the medina you will find anything you are looking for from shoes to food to tea pots. Within each medina, there are areas for different types of craftsmanship, usually with a fountain and mosque nearby.
(2) The call to prayer. This was one of my fondest memories of Morocco. The call to prayer is recited from every mosque minaret in Morocco, which is usually about every mile or so away from one another. The call is done five times a day, in accordance with the second Islamic pillar. The verse begins, “Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar (God is the Greatest. God is the Greatest.)” and ends with “la ilaha illallah (There is no God but Allah.)” The call to prayer is the profession of the first pillar of Islam, which is the profession of the faith.
(1) The people. The best thing about Morocco is its people. Moroccans are some of the nicest people I have ever met. They will go out of their way to help a stranger and treat every person they encounter as their brother. In the public sphere, people may come off as rude and pushy, but really this is just the way to get around. There are no such things as lines, just pushing, yet there I never once saw anyone get angry. Instead, they are kind in almost all aspects of life. These people exemplify what it means to be a good neighbor, whether the neighbor is from another town or another country.
Morocco is a country of mystery and oriental intrigue to most Americans. We see Humphrey Bogart wooing Ingrid Bergman while fighting Nazis in Casablanca, picture men in long blue turbans riding camels through the desert like in the film Lawrence of Arabia (which was filmed in Morocco), and flocks of women covered in black headscarves. But do we really know the real Morocco?
This January, for the first time, Whittier College sent a group of students to Morocco for Jan Term. The group, team taught by Gary Libman and Marilyn Gottschall, spent three weeks in the north-east city of Fez, living with Moroccan families, studying colloquial Moroccan Arabic, and discovering what it is to be Moroccan. Although we had taken a course in the fall to make us knowledgeable of the history and culture of Morocco, nothing could have prepared us for the rich culture we were submerged into. Here are the top 10 most interesting things we learned about while in Morocco:
(10) Transportation. Camels are not the normal mode of transportation. Contrary to popular movies, most Moroccans do not ride camels on a daily basis. Morocco is a modern developing country, driving old Mercedes and European-made cars through the city. In the old medina, however, cars do not fit in the narrow streets, so donkeys and motorbikes are seen frequently.
(9) Languages. Most people our group encountered spoke more than two languages! In Morocco, classical Arabic and French are taught in schools from a very young age, because both languages are national languages, and colloquial Arabic (Darija) is spoken at home. When entering into secondary school, students are given the option of more languages, including Spanish and Berber (the native North African language). In my household in Morocco, Classical Arabic, French, Darija, and English were all understood and basically spoken.
(8) Henna. Henna is a type of natural dye that is used to color hair and decorate hands and feet with intricate designs. Only women wear or use henna, usually during festive celebrations such as marriages. More and more it is becoming a tradition of the past, as many younger Moroccan women look towards Europe and stop using traditional henna.
(7) Food. All I can say is bread, bread, and more bread! Every meal is eaten with bread, with tea or coffee. Pork is not eaten in Morocco because it is forbidden in Islam, but Chicken and Beef is common. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day, like Europe, and children come home from school to eat with the family. Most meals are eaten off of one mutual plate, with bread being used as a type of utensil, instead of forks. Moroccan tea is served with every meal and most families finish lunch with some type of citrus.
(6) Dress. The styles in Morocco are very westernized and diverse. Most people in the younger generation wear similar clothing to those in Europe and America, with modesty guiding their tastes. It is unusual to see girls in skimpy clothing, but it is not unheard of in some of the larger cities. Headscarves are common, but not mandatory, and many women opt not to wear them. Others pick out colorful scarves and pin them with flashy brooches, adding a western style to the traditional garment. Most men take up the European styles, with “fake” designer jeans being a popular wear as well as French-style barretts.
(5) Music. Music is very popular and diverse in Moroccan culture. Moroccans have adopted much of the Western music, such as Akon and Celine Dion (both extremely popular), but have also stuck to their African roots. At any given cd shop, one can find Western and Moroccan forms of rap, hip hop, rock, and heavy metal, European pop, Chaabi and Arabic dance mixes, recordings of the Qur’an, and Sufi mystical music. Each has their own place in society and music frequents the streets where ever you are.
(4) Hammam. A hammam is a public bath house where Moroccan men and women (at separate times) go to wash off, clean up, and gossip with friends. Most of the group was able to experience the hammam at least once during our trip. There are three rooms – a cold room, a warm room, and a hot room – with benches lining the walls. Water is brought to you as you sit on the benches and, using a cup, you wash and soak in the water and steam that fills the room. People usually stay in for hours and, for women, this is an arena for socializing that they do not usually have out on the streets.
(3) The medina. The old neighborhood of every city in Morocco, the medina is the center of Moroccan life. The medina is usually a neighborhood of narrow, twisty streets, used to confuse the colonizers and tourists alike. Within the medina you will find anything you are looking for from shoes to food to tea pots. Within each medina, there are areas for different types of craftsmanship, usually with a fountain and mosque nearby.
(2) The call to prayer. This was one of my fondest memories of Morocco. The call to prayer is recited from every mosque minaret in Morocco, which is usually about every mile or so away from one another. The call is done five times a day, in accordance with the second Islamic pillar. The verse begins, “Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar (God is the Greatest. God is the Greatest.)” and ends with “la ilaha illallah (There is no God but Allah.)” The call to prayer is the profession of the first pillar of Islam, which is the profession of the faith.
(1) The people. The best thing about Morocco is its people. Moroccans are some of the nicest people I have ever met. They will go out of their way to help a stranger and treat every person they encounter as their brother. In the public sphere, people may come off as rude and pushy, but really this is just the way to get around. There are no such things as lines, just pushing, yet there I never once saw anyone get angry. Instead, they are kind in almost all aspects of life. These people exemplify what it means to be a good neighbor, whether the neighbor is from another town or another country.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Photos of Casablanca friends
My favorite photo - Mehdi and I
Zouheir, Cameron, and I
Zouheir, me, Mehdi, Dami, and Amine
Mehdi and Dami
.....because it is funny to see the Kernel in Arabic......
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
My final day
There is so much to write about and so little time!I will write a great deal more when I get home but for now here goes.
We spent two days in Marrakesh. We took in the sights of the medina, ate a ton of gelato, took pictures with a monkey and snakes, and saw two films in arabic and french. We also went to a dance club where I go to dance the night away with a bunch of people we met. I got back exausted but happy. I love dancing! We had a blast!!
Next we took the train to Casablanca. We met some great people on the train and we hung out with them today. Lqst night we went to a night club next to our hotel. It was a bunch of old men, a few hookers, and us dancing to salsa and arabic music. It was fun but odd. It was not as good as the club in Marrakesh. Today we walked through the medina and got lunch at a street cafe. For a dollar we got an egg sandwich and fries. I am going to miss the prices here! Then; the boys from the train called, and we all met to hang out. They walked with us through the city and showed us all the sights. I got to see many beautiful parts of Casablanca that I would never have found without the help of Amine, Mehdi, and Zouheir. We went to a cafe and I was actually able to feel comfortable going in as a woman. My whole time in Morocco, this was the first time I had sat down in a cafe. We also got some great burgers for dinner.
It was a great last night in Morocco! Now I am excited to come home. I have the butterflies in my stomach and I cannot wait to see the people I have missed. As much as I love Morocco, it is hard to know that life still goes on at home without me and that I have missed so much. Hopefully life has not changed too awful much...
We spent two days in Marrakesh. We took in the sights of the medina, ate a ton of gelato, took pictures with a monkey and snakes, and saw two films in arabic and french. We also went to a dance club where I go to dance the night away with a bunch of people we met. I got back exausted but happy. I love dancing! We had a blast!!
Next we took the train to Casablanca. We met some great people on the train and we hung out with them today. Lqst night we went to a night club next to our hotel. It was a bunch of old men, a few hookers, and us dancing to salsa and arabic music. It was fun but odd. It was not as good as the club in Marrakesh. Today we walked through the medina and got lunch at a street cafe. For a dollar we got an egg sandwich and fries. I am going to miss the prices here! Then; the boys from the train called, and we all met to hang out. They walked with us through the city and showed us all the sights. I got to see many beautiful parts of Casablanca that I would never have found without the help of Amine, Mehdi, and Zouheir. We went to a cafe and I was actually able to feel comfortable going in as a woman. My whole time in Morocco, this was the first time I had sat down in a cafe. We also got some great burgers for dinner.
It was a great last night in Morocco! Now I am excited to come home. I have the butterflies in my stomach and I cannot wait to see the people I have missed. As much as I love Morocco, it is hard to know that life still goes on at home without me and that I have missed so much. Hopefully life has not changed too awful much...
Friday, January 23, 2009
Last day in Fes
This is my final day in the home of my family that I love so much. I feel as if I am going to lose a part of me when I get on that train. I hate to say it, but it hurts worse to leave here than it did to leave home. I will miss the people, the fun "Muzziene" teacher, the long walk to school, the call to pray outside my window, the late night tongue twisters, the cards games, the jokes of Rayan, and everything else that makes this place wonderful.
I will be in Morocco for 5 days after I leave for home, but I still feel sad leaving my wonderful family and life Ive created here in one short month.
I will count the days till I return.....
I will be in Morocco for 5 days after I leave for home, but I still feel sad leaving my wonderful family and life Ive created here in one short month.
I will count the days till I return.....
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
more on the dance party
so Marilyn stayed for a little while before she had to leave. Anna came about 10 minutes later and we tried to get her to dance too, but to no avail. Then all the kids went into Simo's room and went on the internet. We listened to music, Sara and I sang together, and we took more photos. We listened to Tokio Hotel (pretty good) which is Sara's favorite band.
We finally had to leave at around 8 to get home.
Next day.....
Sunday I met Azzedinne at the McDonalds down the street (the only McDonalds in all of Fes) and we walked to the church that he goes to. He is Muslim, but he likes to go visit other places of worship like I do. When we walked in I felt like I had hit the jackpot of white people. So this is where they all hang out??!! Everyone was speaking English and most were Americans. It was really a shock. We got tea, checked out the library of books that they have for anyone who wants them, and then snuck in the back of the church to listen to the French service. The music was so beautiful. All the people in the choir were African, so the music took on a southern baptist type vibe, but in French. I started singing along, even though I didn't know the song. It was easy enough to understand with my limited french, and it was obviously Christian so I got the theme.
After, we met Chaimae outside of the bank and then walked to the medina. We didn't have a plan of any sort other than just to hang out. I took them to cafe clock and showed Azzedinne the books shelves that are full of free trading books. We got drinks, took photos of the view from the roof, and then began to walk back. I was teasing Azz. because he said he knew where cafe clock was and ended up walking us in the completely wrong direction. Humuck! (crazy)!
I called Anna to see where she was and to my surprise she was in Meknes. Sara's family saw her walking home and put her in their van and took her on a picnic to Meknes. hahahahaha. When they got home, we went downstairs to say hi. I put on Abdul Ali's slippers and a baggy sweater to go outside. It turns out we were going somewhere because they put me in the back of the van and we started driving. I had no money, no jacket, and no shoes!!!!!
Oh yeah - and a side note - there is no law that says that you have to have seats in the back, so we were sitting on the floor of the van with one wheelie chair tied to the drivers seat and one stool. CRAZINESS
So, when the car stopped we were at the supermarket - which is like a super Walmart at home. We got out of the car and proceeded to walk throughout the store IN MY SLIPPERS. Did I mention Abdul Ali has smaller feet than me!?! We ran into Matt and Donovan there too, and their homestay dad. We went down the aisles spraying perfume and putting on makeup, and then we went back to the car. We stood out in the parking lot for a while and played volleyball with a bouncy ball they had in the backseat, then we piled back in the van and left. The entire ride we listened to Spanish and Arabic music - I guess I would call it dance/electronica stuff. We danced in the back seat, swaying back and forth, clapping, and singing at the tops of our lungs. It was wonderful. We stopped at a lookout point and took some photos, then ran back and hopped into the van. By the time we got home we were in histarics laughing, and I could not for the life of me tell you exactly why.
It was the most random experience of my life and I loved it!
I love Chaimae and Huda and Sara and Malika and Leila and I want to adopt them and bring them home with me!!!!!!
I don't want to miss them.....but I leave Friday....
this is cruel!
We finally had to leave at around 8 to get home.
Next day.....
Sunday I met Azzedinne at the McDonalds down the street (the only McDonalds in all of Fes) and we walked to the church that he goes to. He is Muslim, but he likes to go visit other places of worship like I do. When we walked in I felt like I had hit the jackpot of white people. So this is where they all hang out??!! Everyone was speaking English and most were Americans. It was really a shock. We got tea, checked out the library of books that they have for anyone who wants them, and then snuck in the back of the church to listen to the French service. The music was so beautiful. All the people in the choir were African, so the music took on a southern baptist type vibe, but in French. I started singing along, even though I didn't know the song. It was easy enough to understand with my limited french, and it was obviously Christian so I got the theme.
After, we met Chaimae outside of the bank and then walked to the medina. We didn't have a plan of any sort other than just to hang out. I took them to cafe clock and showed Azzedinne the books shelves that are full of free trading books. We got drinks, took photos of the view from the roof, and then began to walk back. I was teasing Azz. because he said he knew where cafe clock was and ended up walking us in the completely wrong direction. Humuck! (crazy)!
I called Anna to see where she was and to my surprise she was in Meknes. Sara's family saw her walking home and put her in their van and took her on a picnic to Meknes. hahahahaha. When they got home, we went downstairs to say hi. I put on Abdul Ali's slippers and a baggy sweater to go outside. It turns out we were going somewhere because they put me in the back of the van and we started driving. I had no money, no jacket, and no shoes!!!!!
Oh yeah - and a side note - there is no law that says that you have to have seats in the back, so we were sitting on the floor of the van with one wheelie chair tied to the drivers seat and one stool. CRAZINESS
So, when the car stopped we were at the supermarket - which is like a super Walmart at home. We got out of the car and proceeded to walk throughout the store IN MY SLIPPERS. Did I mention Abdul Ali has smaller feet than me!?! We ran into Matt and Donovan there too, and their homestay dad. We went down the aisles spraying perfume and putting on makeup, and then we went back to the car. We stood out in the parking lot for a while and played volleyball with a bouncy ball they had in the backseat, then we piled back in the van and left. The entire ride we listened to Spanish and Arabic music - I guess I would call it dance/electronica stuff. We danced in the back seat, swaying back and forth, clapping, and singing at the tops of our lungs. It was wonderful. We stopped at a lookout point and took some photos, then ran back and hopped into the van. By the time we got home we were in histarics laughing, and I could not for the life of me tell you exactly why.
It was the most random experience of my life and I loved it!
I love Chaimae and Huda and Sara and Malika and Leila and I want to adopt them and bring them home with me!!!!!!
I don't want to miss them.....but I leave Friday....
this is cruel!
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