Chapter 5, Page 52

This blog has been a constant catch up process.  I have been in Meknes, Morocco for almost a week now.  So much has happened, so fast, it is oh so hard to keep up with it all.  I will try and stay current.

Rolling hills of green are what one sees traveling from Tangier to Meknes.  

My academic life consists of taking

Beginning Arabic 1 and 2

Peace and Conflict Resolution

Islamic Civilization and Artistic Expression

Irreconcilable Differences: Arabic Media

The classrooms are freezing.  It is fuzzy if Meknes really believes in heaters or air conditioning.  Well, we have some portable heaters in our penthouse like apartment to keep us warm.  If two of these heaters are plugged in with anything else, we wait for the power to blow.  You get used to wearing more cloths then you would expect was necessary.  Most times it is colder in doors then out.  The sunlight is more then welcome.  The shadows and sunlight live in two completely different worlds.  A passing stranger’s shadow can bring along a drastic drop in comfort.  Meknes is cold this time of the year, don’t forget it.  A warm glass of mint tea or coffee is always appreciated.

Minus Arabic all of the classes are taught in one straight shot.  I mean, the classes are not divided into two class sessions a week but one large lump usually lasting three hours plus some odd minutes.  There is a break to thaw out.  Maybe it isn’t as cold as I ramble.  I was just not prepared.  A plus is you can get a nice hot cup of Café au Lait for 3dhs at the university café.  What are these dhs?  Let me tell you. 

Ds = Dhs

Dhs = Dirhams

Dirhams = Moroccan Currency

At this exact moment

1 U.S. dollar = 8.19578081 Moroccan dirhams

I just say

1 U.S. dollar = 8 Moroccan dirhams

In the school café

1 Café au Lait plus a free sugar cube = 3Ds = Less then 40 cents

The class sizes seem to dance around 10 students each.  There are only 24 of us ISA abroad students at this Moroccan University.

Note:

I have yet to see anyone selling the Fancy Coffees one gets in the states.