Culture Shock.

Claire has been here a couple of weeks now and to be completely honest, it has been the most welcome relief since moving here. Claire has been a breath of fresh air and a reminder of my life in America. The "old" me can be easily forgotten and lost in the ambush of Tashlheet and Islamic culture remaining only as a small glimmer seen in old photos. Claire has brought my two worlds together.

She flew into Marrakech after a 31 hour travel day just to get here. We have spent the previous days exploring Marrakech and all of its insanity, spending Christmas at Martin's house in Essaouira, relaxing for some much needed down time in Ait Erkha and back up to a riad in Essaouira for a New Year's celebration.

Tidbits about our trip:
-I caught a guy, red handed, with his hand in my purse trying to steal my wallet on a city bus in Marrakech. His response was classic.
-Claire got pooped on by a seagull on the pier in Essa. Hilarious.
-We ate lamb tajine, Claire didn't participate.
-Our laundry line fell down and we had to rewash everything (needless to say we are almost out of water).
-Claire doesn't like 7 people to a cab, rides.

The most important thing I realized while Claire has been here is just how comfortable I have become. Claire went through some major culture shock once we got to the village after all of the traveling, ect. I realized that the cab rides, bargaining, haggling, harassment and difficult transport doesn't seem to phase me anymore. I have actually adjusted to life here, what a welcome relief.

So now we are headed back to Ait Erkha to do some more exploring around my provence before our big departure and trip to Madrid.


A real Dominos pizza at the amazing mall in Marrakech


Claire in Essa, after she was pooped on.


My updated living room complete with Claire's stuff, my new ponge covers and my heater!