I have to dedicate an entire blog post to Moroccan food. Before coming to Morocco, I had never eaten “Moroccan” type food and I am pretty glad I waited. The food here is delicious and I wouldn’t want an unauthentic form to have ruined my expectations. First off, we have a cook who works for our Community Based Training Group in our village and cooks us some of the most amazing food I have ever had. She is a local woman who spends 6 days a week cooking us lunch and two snacks everyday. Our snacks always consist of some sort of delicious homemade pastry as well as tea and coffee. Our lunches start with an amazing vegetable/ fruit/ rice combo plate called “salad” and then a main course of something delicious.
Here are a few Moroccan dishes I have tried so far:
Tajine: It is basically a Crock Pot roast but about 100 times more tasty. It is made by slow cooking veggies and meat in oil and some spices in a special shaped cook-ware.
Cous Cous: A Moroccan staple and one of my most favorite dishes cooked here. The veggies are boiled and cooked while the steam from the boiling pot cooks the cous cous. To top it all off, the juice from the pot covers the cous cous, making it an unbelieveable meal.
Lentils: Lentils cooked in sauces and eaten with bread, yummy.
Bean type soup: I am not sure what kinds of beans are used in this but it is cooked similar to the lentils and eaten with bread, it is delicious.
Rice Mush: Essentially rice overcooked with salt and flour, making a rice type paste. It is usually topped with sugar or buttermilk and it quite starchy but good when your in the mood for a simple meal.
Noodles: Homemade tomato/ pesto type sauce served over noodles.
Other than that, they eat a lot of bread and drink a lot of very sweet tea. Snack time is always bread and tea-time and bread is homemade and readily available. Breakfast usually consists of bread, tea and jam or Laughing Cow cheese. Snack time is quite similar.
Needless to say, carb lovers rejoice in Morocco while Atkins Dieters cringe at the thought. I happen to love bread and sugar, so the bread and tea has been working out great for me.
It is also important to mention that tea-time is a big deal around here and no one is too busy for a cup of tea. Also, people eat out of a communal plate. I have grown quite fond of this method of eating and it allows you to eat as much or as little as you want. If bread is served, the bread serves as your fork/ spoon, if bread is not served, spoons are used. I have also noticed that very few liquids other than teas are drank during dinner, water is usually available by request. Most meals are finished off with a piece of fruit, a nice way to curb the sweet tooth in all of us.
I was really apprehensive of the food situation before coming and I was afraid that I would be in another Thailand situation where lots of foods that were eaten were either too spicy or too different for my tastes, but I have been pleasantly surprised by the food. Frankly, I love it. I look forward to Cous Cous Fridays (which replaced the El Rancho Fridays I had grown to love) and I enjoy about 98% of what we eat. It has been a nice comfort in a new place to eat some yummy and while unfamiliar, delicious foods.
As a final thought, this does not represent the scope of all Moroccan food, just what I have experienced in my small village so I am sure there are many more food adventures to come.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
The hatred of the dot g.
I am going to title this blog post, “the hatred of the dot g” because of my difficulty mastering this Tashlheet sound. There are 4 main languages spoken in Morocco: French, Moroccan Arabic, or Dareeja, Tashlheet and Tamazirt. I am learning one of the native Berber langauages, Tashlheet and I am having a really hard time with this one sound in particular. I am not sure why my mouth will just not make this sound, no matter how hard I try.
Alright well enough wineing already, I am loving Morocco. I have learned more in the past few weeks than I have learned from August until February.
On Friday, I came to the realization I had missed St. Patrick's Day. I CANNOT BELIEVE I MISSED IT. I have been quite a celebrator of the holiday in previous years and it passed right by, without me even knowing it. Wow.
This got me to start thinking about life and how much stuff changes over time. This time last year we had established a rooftop spot at Big 12, pretty early in the day to celebrate this great holiday with green beer and sunshine. We managed to have enough fun to last through the day and night, and this year I spent it in a small village in Morocco learning Tashlheet and eating moroccan food, booze free of course.
Life changes a lot in the years but its quite a nice change. I have made some great new friends who feel like they have been my friends for a long time and I feel very ready for learning about my sight. I am also taking reservations for visitors, so mark your calendars I am open from August 2010 until Jan 2012!
I am back in the main hub city for one night of relaxation, rest and internet before going back to site for a couple of days. Today has been some welcome relief for sure from the stresses of life!
My family and my cousin, Zarha.
My adorable family.
Our posh cab, aka there were only 3 in the backseat. Sammy, Dave and I.
Alright well enough wineing already, I am loving Morocco. I have learned more in the past few weeks than I have learned from August until February.
On Friday, I came to the realization I had missed St. Patrick's Day. I CANNOT BELIEVE I MISSED IT. I have been quite a celebrator of the holiday in previous years and it passed right by, without me even knowing it. Wow.
This got me to start thinking about life and how much stuff changes over time. This time last year we had established a rooftop spot at Big 12, pretty early in the day to celebrate this great holiday with green beer and sunshine. We managed to have enough fun to last through the day and night, and this year I spent it in a small village in Morocco learning Tashlheet and eating moroccan food, booze free of course.
Life changes a lot in the years but its quite a nice change. I have made some great new friends who feel like they have been my friends for a long time and I feel very ready for learning about my sight. I am also taking reservations for visitors, so mark your calendars I am open from August 2010 until Jan 2012!
I am back in the main hub city for one night of relaxation, rest and internet before going back to site for a couple of days. Today has been some welcome relief for sure from the stresses of life!
My family and my cousin, Zarha.
My adorable family.
Our posh cab, aka there were only 3 in the backseat. Sammy, Dave and I.
Culture, even when you dont expect it.
I just had one of those life changing “cultural experiences” everyone keeps talking about. We stayed a little late from school, around 6 or so, and I walked home afterward. I was met by Hamid who told me the parents weren’t home, which was unusual but I didn’t think anything of it. I grabbed my computer and the table and headed for the living room to get in some music listening and studying Tash at the same time.
About 15 minues later, Fatima came to the house, told me to grab my stuff and follow her, we were going to meet her family. Great, I thought, some other cultural interaction. We went to this great house with outside painted doors I had seen everyday when I walk to and from school. The house inside was amazing. A huge open room and at first I thought it was some sort of a women’s club, but nope it was a house. I believe her mothers house but I am still sketchy on the details.
Needless to say there was still no furnature but a TV in one corner and a little hangout area in another. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, a reason we don’t always know. Tonight just proved that further. After I got a prime spot next to grandma, who was about 120 years old, and tried out my chit chat tash skills, I openied my book and started studying.
The reason I know this night was meant to happen was because it brought me all things I had been wanted to do. Meet more people in the town and family. See new houses. Help cook. Get uninterrupted time to just study my book, practice my langague skills and see the stars.
At first I thought they were preparing dinner but Im pretty sure there was a man only party happening in the next room and the women had the back room to themselves. We sat there for nearly 5 hours…. A lot you might say but honestly, the walk back gave me the best view of the stars I have ever seen! It was amazing how clear and bright and HOW MANY there were. Wow. So all in all I would have liked to have eaten around 9 instead of 11 but oh well and yeah I missed some sleep but I also got to see life behind the scense of a Moroccan party.
Also, my host mom rocks. Everyone was heckling me about eating and she told them that I don’t eat that much at dinner and then handed me an orange, because she knws I like oranges for dessert. Shes great, really. I couldn’t have asked for a kinder women to be my teacher. One of these days I will be able to speak to her, but as she reminds me, little by little I will get it!
Imick s mick (little by little).
About 15 minues later, Fatima came to the house, told me to grab my stuff and follow her, we were going to meet her family. Great, I thought, some other cultural interaction. We went to this great house with outside painted doors I had seen everyday when I walk to and from school. The house inside was amazing. A huge open room and at first I thought it was some sort of a women’s club, but nope it was a house. I believe her mothers house but I am still sketchy on the details.
Needless to say there was still no furnature but a TV in one corner and a little hangout area in another. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, a reason we don’t always know. Tonight just proved that further. After I got a prime spot next to grandma, who was about 120 years old, and tried out my chit chat tash skills, I openied my book and started studying.
The reason I know this night was meant to happen was because it brought me all things I had been wanted to do. Meet more people in the town and family. See new houses. Help cook. Get uninterrupted time to just study my book, practice my langague skills and see the stars.
At first I thought they were preparing dinner but Im pretty sure there was a man only party happening in the next room and the women had the back room to themselves. We sat there for nearly 5 hours…. A lot you might say but honestly, the walk back gave me the best view of the stars I have ever seen! It was amazing how clear and bright and HOW MANY there were. Wow. So all in all I would have liked to have eaten around 9 instead of 11 but oh well and yeah I missed some sleep but I also got to see life behind the scense of a Moroccan party.
Also, my host mom rocks. Everyone was heckling me about eating and she told them that I don’t eat that much at dinner and then handed me an orange, because she knws I like oranges for dessert. Shes great, really. I couldn’t have asked for a kinder women to be my teacher. One of these days I will be able to speak to her, but as she reminds me, little by little I will get it!
Imick s mick (little by little).
Washing your clothing, harder than it sounds.
Each day in Morocco seems to get better. There are just so many new things to learn and be apart of, that I cant possibly take it all in.
Today was a half day of language since it is Saturday and we just did some language, ate lunch and then practiced on the new bike that was provided by Peace Corps. After that I came home and we washed my clothes. By we, I mean Fatima while Isma and I watched. It is SUCH labor intensive process but I honestly don’t know if my clothes have ever been so clean! I am not strong or skilled enough to do my own wash just yet, but maybe soon I can figure it out and Fatima will let me try.
I also met up with Martin and went to the café where we saw an amazing view of Alsfalo and the neighborhering areas. Sammy and Dave met us there so we got a little bit of gossip off our chests and I feel a lot better. I really do like hanging out with my family and the older brother finally came home today. He goes to high school in a neighboring village and he is quite awesome. He also speaks a little French so its slightly helpful to me. Right now I am watching, This is It, Michael Jackson’s movie that Sammy gave to me today. All in all, I am loving living such an interesting life. I know it will get old eventually but I cant wait to share some life skills with everyone back home ☺
Today was a half day of language since it is Saturday and we just did some language, ate lunch and then practiced on the new bike that was provided by Peace Corps. After that I came home and we washed my clothes. By we, I mean Fatima while Isma and I watched. It is SUCH labor intensive process but I honestly don’t know if my clothes have ever been so clean! I am not strong or skilled enough to do my own wash just yet, but maybe soon I can figure it out and Fatima will let me try.
I also met up with Martin and went to the café where we saw an amazing view of Alsfalo and the neighborhering areas. Sammy and Dave met us there so we got a little bit of gossip off our chests and I feel a lot better. I really do like hanging out with my family and the older brother finally came home today. He goes to high school in a neighboring village and he is quite awesome. He also speaks a little French so its slightly helpful to me. Right now I am watching, This is It, Michael Jackson’s movie that Sammy gave to me today. All in all, I am loving living such an interesting life. I know it will get old eventually but I cant wait to share some life skills with everyone back home ☺
Every day is an adventure.
We are a couple of weeks into my Moroccan adventure and I can honestly say that it is getting better. There are multiple times a day I have to force myself to realize what I am actually getting to do. While I know that this phase will not last forever, it has been great so far. Today I watched my mother, Fatima, do some of the most extradinorarily simple things. She was able to conquer difficult tasks with such ease. I never knew hand washing dishes could be such a breeze, or cooking a meal, from scratch would seem so simple. I am constantly impressed by the Moroccan women I meet, and their ability to do so many things at once with such ease. In America, loading the dishwasher seems like such a task, much less washing them all by hand with only two buckets.
Today was also my second bucket bath since I have been here. Frankly, I don’t mind it one bit. If I could convince my family to let me use up so much water and buta gas to heat it up, I would take one every day. Its actually a really simple task. Boil water, add cold water to make it the right temperature. Take your bucket with water, smaller bucket and supplies to the bathroom/ bitlama. (Basically the bathroom is a room with the turkist toilet as a drain). You then get your hair wet, soap up, rinse, and repeat for your body. It uses WAY WAY less water than in that States. Today I took a pretty good shower/ bath for about 2 gallons of water. I cannot even imagine what my brother’s 20 minute showers at home use. After your done you just leave the bitlama and get dressed, feeling fresh and clean.
I have decided that I am an every day shower kind of gal, but since that isn’t a reality, I think I am going to be an every other day shower kind of gal. Washing your body is easy and requires little hot water to freshen up between showers, but my silly hair is another thing. After about 2 and a half days it turns into a giant greesy mess, which my hairdresser tells me is good for my hair, but not so good for my classmates or self image. Therefore I resort to being an every other day shower gal.
Other than that, Morocco is a great place. The langugage is difficult but the scenery and people are beautiful. Everyone has time to greet you and meet you. No one is ever too busy for a chat or an introduction. The families get to spend a lot of time together, granted, it is in front of the TV, but time together none the less. You are never too busy for a tea and bread break and dinner is made COMPLETELY from scratch. While I am sure I will get bored of these things once I am living on my own and don’t have children to entertain me or homework to do, it is quite awesome having this time for now. I am finally getting a good amount of sleep and that is a great feeling.
One thing I haven’t talked a lto about is the food. Moroccan food is different in some ways and the same in other ways, to American food. For one, they are both full of oil, which is bad for my friend Jessie’s face but the same as the States at least. We eat cous cous, rice and we always have bread. Tea, very sweet, is always a staple and it is served at every single meal which works out great for me, since I love sugar. Its not looking like im going to be loosing a lot of weight here, I am just trying to make sure I don’t die a carbohydrate induced death. We eat a lot of bread, cous cous, rice and sugar, mostly since they are cheap and easy to store without a refridgerator.
Our cook at our langugage and cross culture facilitators house makes good salads, so I do my best to stock up on fresh veggies and fruits while I am there. One thing I really like is the fruit for desert concept. I never realized that an orange or banana could actually curb my sweet tooth just as well as chocolate, I am going to have to bring this back to the states. Also, I am super glad I have weined myself off soda. I am down to a soda every couple of days, unlike the 44 ouncers I was having once a day at home. They are a lot harder to get a hold of and they aren’t cold, so it wasn’t really a hard habit to kick actually. Hopefully I can keep it up, we will see ☺
Life is good here, really good and I am hoping to find out more about my final placemetn soon, as soon as I do I will let you know.
Bslama.
My site mates at the weekly souk.
My host sisters and I.
Today was also my second bucket bath since I have been here. Frankly, I don’t mind it one bit. If I could convince my family to let me use up so much water and buta gas to heat it up, I would take one every day. Its actually a really simple task. Boil water, add cold water to make it the right temperature. Take your bucket with water, smaller bucket and supplies to the bathroom/ bitlama. (Basically the bathroom is a room with the turkist toilet as a drain). You then get your hair wet, soap up, rinse, and repeat for your body. It uses WAY WAY less water than in that States. Today I took a pretty good shower/ bath for about 2 gallons of water. I cannot even imagine what my brother’s 20 minute showers at home use. After your done you just leave the bitlama and get dressed, feeling fresh and clean.
I have decided that I am an every day shower kind of gal, but since that isn’t a reality, I think I am going to be an every other day shower kind of gal. Washing your body is easy and requires little hot water to freshen up between showers, but my silly hair is another thing. After about 2 and a half days it turns into a giant greesy mess, which my hairdresser tells me is good for my hair, but not so good for my classmates or self image. Therefore I resort to being an every other day shower gal.
Other than that, Morocco is a great place. The langugage is difficult but the scenery and people are beautiful. Everyone has time to greet you and meet you. No one is ever too busy for a chat or an introduction. The families get to spend a lot of time together, granted, it is in front of the TV, but time together none the less. You are never too busy for a tea and bread break and dinner is made COMPLETELY from scratch. While I am sure I will get bored of these things once I am living on my own and don’t have children to entertain me or homework to do, it is quite awesome having this time for now. I am finally getting a good amount of sleep and that is a great feeling.
One thing I haven’t talked a lto about is the food. Moroccan food is different in some ways and the same in other ways, to American food. For one, they are both full of oil, which is bad for my friend Jessie’s face but the same as the States at least. We eat cous cous, rice and we always have bread. Tea, very sweet, is always a staple and it is served at every single meal which works out great for me, since I love sugar. Its not looking like im going to be loosing a lot of weight here, I am just trying to make sure I don’t die a carbohydrate induced death. We eat a lot of bread, cous cous, rice and sugar, mostly since they are cheap and easy to store without a refridgerator.
Our cook at our langugage and cross culture facilitators house makes good salads, so I do my best to stock up on fresh veggies and fruits while I am there. One thing I really like is the fruit for desert concept. I never realized that an orange or banana could actually curb my sweet tooth just as well as chocolate, I am going to have to bring this back to the states. Also, I am super glad I have weined myself off soda. I am down to a soda every couple of days, unlike the 44 ouncers I was having once a day at home. They are a lot harder to get a hold of and they aren’t cold, so it wasn’t really a hard habit to kick actually. Hopefully I can keep it up, we will see ☺
Life is good here, really good and I am hoping to find out more about my final placemetn soon, as soon as I do I will let you know.
Bslama.
My site mates at the weekly souk.
My host sisters and I.
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