Over a week in Morocco, and Ive already decided to conform. Not to local customs and traditions--come on, would I ever do that? But to the masses of students who study abroad each year and spill their guts into diaries, field journals, and the blogoshpere. So welcome, "marhababik," to the first entry of The Mike Snyder Blog, not from Metcalf Hall, but from Morocco.
A quick note: I dont intend for this blog to be especially emotional, with inspirational accounts of personal hope, self-discovery, or cross-cultural bonding. Ill try to avoid statements like "I cant believe Im really here!" or "My time abroad has changed my life forever!" Really, I hope my time here wont be too life-changing, because that would mean I didnt know very much about myself or the host culture to begin with.
Click for photo: View from the old Medina of Rabat.
Click for photo: Same place, different time of day and facing North towards the Kasbah.
Click for photo: A scenic view from the Kasbah, overlooking the river, the Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
Click for photo: At sunset overlooking the old medina--where I live--in the distance. Look for the mosque!
What I want is for this blog to give some insight into Moroccan culture and society for those who are curious about North Africa and the Islamic world. Entries will be organized based on topics of interest--say, bargaining or Ramadan. Ill also throw in personal anecdotes, historical facts, and if I can pull it off, some analysis of the complexities that make Morocco a country worthy of study--and study abroad.
Ill keep this first entry short, but what kind of blog about Morocco would conclude without the traditional Muslim greeting that we all know and love? sslamu aleikum. Peace be upon you.