Few pics :) and descriptions

So here are a few pictures of my adventures today. First one is of the Qalam center where I will be studying. It's actually quite beautiful, and there are a lot of students from across the world who attend.

The second is the entrance of an ancient house in Sale, and how elaborate the architecture used to be.

The last one is of the beach in Rabat. There aren't many women on them because they don't go out to the beach often. It's the side near the Atlantic Ocean not the Mediterranean.

Day 1&2 in Morocco

The plane ride wasn't as bad as I thought, even if it was 8 hours. The fist of many "black experiences" to come was when a Latino women flying from Madrid, Spain to Casablanca was talking to another boy from my program in Spanish. I couldn't heard much, but I caught on to a few words. After the plane ride he told me what the talked about and the lady was asking where I was from. He responded "America" and she continues to say "no, she's darker so where is that from". He said again America like me, she's American. The lady had never seen a black person from America. It really made me think of how small some people's worlds can be, and how blessed I am to see other ethnicities and cultures from around the world.

Nonetheless, I'm having a wonderful time!! So far I have seen so many things! First off, the people here are so nice and welcoming, they literally will do anything to make you feel comfortable. And they have such physical proximity that it's ridiculous! It's so cool seeing people talk to each other here, very personal.

The food, as promised is delicious! For dinner we had lamb, which I have never had before and it was really good! The vegetables are so fresh and beautiful. For breakfast we had croissants and jam, which was fresh from they're apricots! Everything is so tasty. The only adjustment so far are the drinks. I love tea so that's not even a problem, but the water and juices are a little different but still so good (it's only bottled water here because the tap takes some major adjustments to your body).

If you were wondering, YES! IT'S HOTTTT!!!! The rooms at the camp we are at now don't have AC, but they do have a lot of breeze coming through for most of the day. Otherwise you just have to take it really slow so you don't over heat. There's running water at bathrooms and all the western traditions so it's not that different. The nights are the most beautiful because it's a cool 80 degrees and breezy. I really love it.

So far so good my way! I get to meet my host family Saturday which was switched from just a mom and dad, to mom, dad, 3 brothers and 1 sister! I'm so excited to meet them! This weekend I will be going to Fez, which had the biggest Medena (shopping market) in the world! Shopping is one thing I can and will do VERY well!

If there's anything you want or want to know you will have to email me at deveneybrown@yahoo.com! Or Facebook message me, I check every few days :) pictures to come soon!

Alhumdiliah!

Deveney

PDO

First days in my journey to the east and first stop was NYC. Such a big place with a different atmosphere, and smelly roads! But the view from almost anywhere is absolutely gorgeous.
Most of our sessions were standard protocol. My absolute favorite was hearing about "sexual harassment". Me, being the scaredy cat I am was all like "omg, I'm going to be pulled down some dark alley" when in reality they just mean cat calls. You know, like "hey ladies 😉" or really sly things. But the reality of it is, I've gotten worse than that just walking down the street in Durham! Not to say this won't be a completely different experience or anything, but I'm a little more prepared than I thought.

The web page to view this blog if you didn't notice is "black to the homeland" which I felt was an appropriate title since 1) I'm black and 2) I'm going to North Africa. I've asked my RD (resident director: lady who is American but fluent in Arabic and Moroccan culture) how it would be for me since I am African-American (Incase you were wondering!). She pretty much said there's race discrimination in morocco, and I'm just wondering will I ever catch a break at this point!? But, nonetheless I am do excited to be going to such a beautifully diverse place. Keep me in prayers, stay blessed, and stay tuned! Departure in T - minus 20 hours!!!

Love,

First time abroad :)