Gouda's Cheesewheel

Morocco April 15th

Hey all,

I am about to embark on my independent study project, so things are really going quickly right now as I plan to depart. My rough itinerary is Essouira for 6 days, Kenitra for 6 days, and Rabat for the remainder of the project. This is solely based on the fact that I know people in all of these towns, since I promised them I would visit, and also because they can hopefully lead me to useful sources (i.e. friends and relations I can talk to). In case I didn't mention this before, my topic is Masculinity and Femininity in Moroccan Wedding Rituals. It's truly a very interesting approach, but what I'll have to say by the end of three weeks I haven't a clue. Many students are staying in Rabat, at least for the beginning of their research, which would have been a good idea since the Center and my advisor are in Rabat. Unfortunately I already promised my friend I would see him this weekend, so off I go as of Sunday or Monday; in either case I have to leave my homestay family by that tim, so it's logical to leave. Honestly, I'm scared stiff and don't know what on earth I'm doing. But I can hope for the best and take heart in the fact that many people before me have done really crappy ISPs. No, I'll do fine. I just need to get down to business, which seems to be my problem. Maybe being independent will spur me to get out and go, since there won't be other people to accomadate. Yes, that's exactly right (think positive!) Ok, enough rambling and self-pity.
Last night there was a family farewell celebration with Gnaoua music. My mother and little sisters and Sophia and Mohammed Khalil all came. I wore my Djellabah and baboosh and scarf (my mother did it up like a Hijab, which made me feel like a poser and like I couldn't take it off without people gossiping; in any case I did take it off, because it was hot; people may have gossipped, but oh well). We danced and had a good deal of fun, and then each student said something to thank their family and Youness translated into Arabic. I took some pictures and went to have them printed out today as a gift for my family. I wish I had more, but most of them are off my camera already so I'm not sure if the photo place can print them or not. I can always mail them later I guess.
I realize that I don't speak very deeply in these emails. For those of you who wonder about the politics and the mindset and anything else that one cannot express through shallow accounts of the day-to-day happenings, I apologize that it isn't often included. Were I to write to individuals rather than a mass group, I'm sure I would go into more detail. As it is, these tend to stay very general. I hope to have conversations with people after I get home, when communication will be easier. However, I also fear that I may forget things; not forget, per se, but fail to see when I am no longer emerged in the society. I am so afraid of leaving, but I miss you all so much. Life is hard when one's world is large, I guess.

Well, I should head home. I hear that some other American students are staying with us this weekend. They're only in Morocco for two weeks, and then they're off to Spain or something. Such a different impression that must leave, being here for so short a time. I told my friend from Kinetra I would see him tomorrow, because he insists he misses me, and because Meryem and Khadija are going to visit relatives. But now I'm not sure if I want to. We'll see. Alright, take care everyone. I wanted to attach more pictures but the computer won't let me.

Karen, I'm thinking of you because I'm wearing the sample of "Glamorous," and last night I wore "Bora Bora."

August, I still miss you. I don't want to be a pain but if there's a reason you're not talking to me I'd like to know.

Much love,
Greta

posted by Greta @ 11:06 AM