The first few days arriving in Ifrane were difficult dealing with the immense cold, altitude, homesickness and among other things, being the first exchange student to arrive. After sleeping the next day, literally, I met the exchange students. We quickly found that we all got along and could even laugh and joke around with each other, sense of humor in our foreign situation so necessary. As orientation went on, we learned more about this unique university. Al-Akhawayn and Ifrane feel very European and the architecture is even Swedish but only the people here are Moroccan. Everyone so far is very friendly and helpful, even the school administration. Hah! that's a solid change from home :) We went on our first field trip with the froshies to Mishliefen, a ski station. And Cesar, Jen, Amy and I rode into the well sun glare and snow with our horses. Clicking your tongue and yelling Zieb makes the horse gallop which it did and I felt like a cowgirl only in snow...and in Morocco. The bus took us to Azrou where we came upon monkeys chilling on the rocks and near the trees. Baby monkeys are so cute and its adorable the way they eat peanuts. Two monkeys got really comfortable with us and even hmmm aroused and began making monkey love in front of us. Oh how we tried to take pictures so we could post them on the internet and get these monkeys in trouble (just kidding) but the male got shy and it turned out to be a quickie. The female resumed eating peanuts. That was fun. And then our bus broke down going up the hill but it was okay. It just needed water. I guess buses get thirsty too.
Today Hannah, Brianna, Cesar, Jen, Bathsheba and I took our first trip outside the town to Fes. After death defying maneuvers by the taxi drivers. Americans have no idea what tailgating is, we arrived at Fes and the Old Medina. Immediately, the hassling began and as we entered the dark alleyways of the souks (shops), we were met by a kind man, Said, who spent his whole day taking us around the medina showing us the architecture, shops, tannery and the customary hospitality of Moroccan storeowners. After sniffing mint leaves because the tannery smelled so bad, (This is where they strip animal skin and dye the skin so it is ready to be sewn into clothes and various other leathery material), we had mint tea in Driss' Carpet Shop. He showed us handwoven and dyed Berber design carpets, rugs and table runners. He's good. Four of us bought rugs for a goood amount which we found could be much less if we bargained more and went to a different place. But then again, no two carpets are the same and mine is fritty :). But for the price I paid, it should fly. That would make Wendy happy haha. Here are some pics. Enjoy my luvs!
At the gate to the Mausoleum Gardens
Guards on horseback to the Mausoleum Walls
The Minaret of Hassan II Mosque
