I'll be in MOROCCO!
This is the "field study" portion of my program, so I will be spending two weeks in Rabat studying public health policy. I don't know too many of the details, but I just found out my homestay assignment yesterday and great news: I have a Western toilet!
It doesn't sound like much, but in Moroccan homes, most people use Turkish toilets. There's no seat; you just squat on the floor and go! My homestay doesn't have one, but most public places only offer this kind of bathroom. Joy.
And if you ever wanted to know the gritty details of how to use one, click here.
Here are some other cultural adjustments I'll be making:
- Moroccan homes don't have showers. You can clean yourself with a little bucket or go to the Hammam (bath house).
- My host family - a mother, father and their daughter - speak only Arabic and French. No English for me!
- Dinner typically isn't served until 8-10pm at night (and I thought 7pm in Switzerland was late)
But on the bright side, a dollar is worth 8.50 Moroccan dirham! Switzerland is so expensive, and I'm excited for some real bargain shopping (even if it involves haggling in Arabic at the souq, or market). I'm also hoping to travel around on the weekends, perhaps to Casablanca, Fez, or Marrakech.
Needless to say, this is going to be quite the adventure.
I'll be back in April, so until then, "ma'a salama" - that's goodbye in Arabic
And yes, Mom, I'll be very safe - promise!
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