 (clockwise from lower left:) my hand, avani's hand, and sonya's hand, all with henna tattoos, which are traditionally used for wedding ceremonies.
over december break 2002 i had the opportunity to go to Morocco through depaul's study abroad program. it was so entirely awesome and amazing, and continues to affect me in new ways til this day. i met so many fabulous people - not only the citizens of morocco, but the people i went on the trip with - and i can't wait until i get a chance to go back.
 me, Salua, Ahmed, Nosheen, Abdou, and Rachid in the Place Jemaa el Fna, right outside of the Argana Cafe, heading towards the touristy part of the souk.
me holding TWO pythons in the jemaa el fna
rachid, a moroccan student at cadi ayyad university, and i on the Eid ceremonial day signifying the end of Ramadan.
rachid and i still keep in contact through email. i can't say how much it means to me to have met and really gotten to know someone from a foreign country, especially someone like him. my friends tease me and say that something romantic must have happened - but all we did was share an amazing connection between two people - one who was dying to practice his English and learn about the United States, and another who wanted to learn a bit of Arabic and all she could about what life is like in Marrakesh. |