I've only been in Taroudannt for 10 days, but already it feels like home. I'm living at Karima's right by the school which is very convenient, though I'm always late!! I don't think I could have asked for a better host family because they helped me with all the little, but important things you need to do like get a Moroccan sim card and a telephone card to ring home! They also taught me a lot about Morocco and its tradition, about life in Taroudaant, the food (Lubna has kindly offered to teach me to cook) and most importantly, the shopping!
We've done a lot already and our two introductory weeks are nearly over. I've found the Dialect Arabic lessons the most interesting though I have no idea how I'm ever going to pronounce the sounds properly!!! I can't even pronounce my own name correctly! Christina and I have been practising though we sound like chickens when we do!
Before I finish, I'll tell you about our trip to Taraghzout which is a little village near Agadir. It was very pretty and calm near the sea. But my favourtie has to be the transport we used. There seemed to be no way of knowing when or where the taxis could come. So, we decided to get a bus. Chris had warned us beforehand about what it would be like but it was the most fun journey I think Ill ever go on. The bus appeared and there was a mad rush to get onto it - one guy even got in through the bus window!! The atmospehre was great with the traditional singing and music. I cant wait to go on one again!
Basslama!
Shafiqa xxxxxxxxxx
