Random updates

This one is from the week before last—I just didn’t get around to positng it before I left on my trip.

The other day, I was feeling restless while writing my paper in the library so I decided to go for a run. (By the way, somehow it has become acceptable in my mind to go for a run from school, come back all sweaty, change back into my clean clothes and go back to studying.) I got a bit more attention for being alone (as in every single car that passed by honked and stared at me) but it was relaxing to be alone for once, and so nice to watch the sun set over the ocean.

PS, check out the view where I run. It should be no surprise that Erin and I seem to get sidetracked and often spend more than half our time climbing down the rocks to explore or simply gawking at the view and the fact that we’re here.

Another day, I was running with my friend Alicia and we had an especially persistent suitor. He stopped in the middle of the road, shouting for our attention (and phone number), we ran by him and continued down the road. He then drove by us, trying to get out attention. At the next cross street, he had pulled in and was outside his car waiting with a phone. We continued to ignore him. Several more times, he drove by, completely holding up traffic on the highway to try to talk to us. Finally, he drove by again, and the girl in the passenger seat held out a piece of paper with a phone number.

Interesting occurrence—Boutayna and her friend Imam were playing with makeup and taking pictures, but as soon as Dad came home, they immediately stopped and huddled into the corner. A minute later, Boutayna asked me if her face was better—looks like daddy doesn’t allow makeup.

Another night, I was invited to go to a soccer game with some other SIT students and some host cousins. Rabat was playing Tunisia, and the stadium was far from full, but the fans that were there had plenty of enthusiasm—particularly the opposite side (which seemed to be having way more fun than my side). They unrolled a GIANT flag and were constantly dancing and singing and running around the bleachers. The next day, all the teachers were asking us about the game—apparently we made national TV. (They reported us as Rabat’s fans who had come all the way from America.)

In accordance with my practice of trying new things, when I saw strange fruits in the souk with green skins and funny lumps, I decided to buy one and see what was inside. Several of my friends were skeptical initially, but in the end, everyone gave in and tried it. It had the most unique and surprising flavor I have ever tasted—it reminded me of papaya, avocado, melon and strawberry. My friend Lauren said that she thought she’d had it in South America and it was called a membrio. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen it since.

Quote of the week: “What? Do I have American in my teeth?!” –Erin

Stalker of the week: I didn’t hear it, but Erin said that as we passed, he said “Hello, you’re so beautiful. I want to fuck you.” Hmmm…