Courting begins with a simple cup of tea......

Watching the discovery channel is one of my greatest pass times. I love to see the courting process of different species. If I died and came back as an animal I hope it would be a Peacock or a Penguin. I love how the males in the animal kingdom work to proves there worth… I know I’m not the only woman who misses being courted. In the states the courting process is pretty simple, you find someone attractive you ask for their number, go on a date or two, and then hit the sack. Courting Over!! Well to be honest it never really began. Here is Morocco the courting process begins with a simple cup of tea. The first 3 invites are usually just a kind jester, but by the time that fifth invitation comes along you can almost bet that his trying think of the perfect time to introduce you to his family. With that being said, avoid having tea to many times with someone whom you have no interest in. Because while your thinking “Dag dude, step off, I was thirsty!” his thinking “You drank my tea!”

So what happens on the other end when you are really feeling someone and you come to every tea invite. How much tea most one person drink before it is appropriate to let them know you are interested. It is important not to come off fast and in a hurry because you will get the HOE stamp very quickly. It’s all about timing. I’ve tried the subtle things like, batting my eyes and giving my best googly look, but the only thing that came from that was “Are you okay? Your eyes are doing something weird” so much for being subtle. I have to admit this whole thing is kinda fun. So I guess for now, I’ll just keep drinking tea……..P.S. I’m still adjusting to that leather jacket, jeans, and sandal look.

Moroccan Fashion Mystery

So here is a little Moroccan mystery, how do the women stay so fly?? They be stepping out in stilettos, skinny jeans, leather jackets with ruffles, and white pants.  But every time I go trying to look cute I come back home looking all tore up, like I just got out of a wind tunnel. My lips start out shiny and glossy, 3 hours later I’ll have a pile of sand stuck to my lips, my eye liner running, scarf all cocked to the side thanks to the wind. And my shoes look like I’ve been walking in them for years. My heels are breaking, my soles are wore out, they just look ran the hell over..lol and every time I take off my clothes I find myself standing in a pile of sand…. I don’t know maybe I’m walking in all the wrong places. Cause I am constantly amazed how hitten their outfits are. Maybe one day I’ll figure out this mystery, but until then no more lip gloss and I need a new pair of shoes…lol.. In the words of Nana “Welcome to Africa!!”

Me a Rock Star?? No!!

Starting up Zumba Here in Essaouira has been a beautiful experience, starting over always is.  I am very thankful to the creator for the guidance to get certified to teach. I am slowly learning French, but I still don’t know enough to have a conversation…. Today I had my first Tiny Tot class, and since the little ones don’t really speak English, my face expressions were really big.  They loved it, the mom’s loved it, so job well done. Wednesday is my busy day cause I teach 3 classes, for the most part I try to teach class when the girls are in school, but since Wednesday is a half day I teach children on this day. After my Tiny Tot class I headed to a nearby school for another class. When I arrived the children were outside shouting my name MA-HA-TA-RA!! MA-HA-TA-RA!!..... They don’t really speak English either so I’t a good thing my name is not…lol…. When we walked in they were all trying to hug and kiss me. It reminded me of when Michael Jackson went to South Africa.. Nana said “Wow mommy you’re like a rock star!!” That was an awesome feeling. I did a dance presentation, and then taught a class. They loved it, I was loving it, so job well done.  People keep asking me when I’m planning on coming back to the states??? The question I’m asking “What’s the rush?” The day I turned 30 for the second time I promised myself that I am going to live the hell out of my next 30 years……..I think I’m doing a good job living up to that promise. But look at it this way if I don’t come back, you have a home in Africa…. Maybe it’s time for a vacation………..

I've never known Love like this before!

Have you ever loved something so much that just the mere thought of being without it was overwhelming?? I have, for my family, my children, and a few of  the men I’ve dated ( what can I say, I love hard). But I have ever really known that feeling for a place or a group of random people. Until now!! I was talking to my older sister yesterday, wishing them a Happy Thanksgiving, and she asked me “when are you coming home”? I told her I don’t know, because I love this place so much..Then she asked “what do you love about it”?? There are so many things; the list can go on and on.  I hear many people say, because of the crime and brutality that’s happening; “That the Creator has forsaken us”… She hasn’t, she up moved to Morocco….lol  I have never seen a constant stream of God in people the way I see it here. We have all met those people that say they know God, and everything about them says “yeah right dude!” Now of course there may be a few people here that are not all peaches & cream, but they are far and few between. My reasons for loving this place are easy and simple but at the end of the day isn’t that what we al really want. The people I’ve met are so inlove with their country and yet they are able to love the rest of the world. People tell me “Welcome” about 50 times a day, and usually I’m just walking by. Prior to this I think the last time some said “welcome”, I was coming to their house for a party or something. Lol.. When Maheeyah falls ( which is a lot)  who ever walking by at the time will pick her up, hug and kiss her until she’s okay, they are never moving too fast to care. They have play ground attendants that watch your child so you can drink tea…lol.. I love seeing so many Fathers and Grandfathers playing with their children. I love waking up in this house. Sometimes when I’m cooking lunch I’ll look out the window and the butcher’s chickens will run away trying to avoid what next. And the children in the neighborhood will be running after them, because the ones that bring them back get a treat, and it’s usually fruit or something, but they are grateful none the less. The girls walk around the house singing Arabic and French songs.  Nana is taking to French and Maheeyah is taking to Arabic, and for me well I’m trying.  To sum it up the number one reason I love being here is because my psyche is not under spiritual attack. My mind, body, and soul are in a constant state of peace and tranquility; I have not felt anything remotely close to this in 30+years. I did not know what I was going to find when I packed up a came to Africa, but I have more then I could have ever asked for.  I’m not really sure what my future holds, but the one thing that’s definite , is I am knowing love in a way that I’ve never known it before…..

Made In Medina

I have been a professional dancer my whole life. When I wanted to teach, all I had to do is show my resume ( a very impressive one might I add) and in no time I had a job. I took a few years off to have children, and when I returned to the dance world everything had changed. They no longer asked who have “you studied with”, it was now all about, “where is your certificate”?? So I thought if you can’t beat them join them. I got certified in every style of dance I could before I left the states. What a great choice that was, because I am now here in Africa and I can teach Zumba.  This particular style of dance is fairly new here in Morocco, but I know they will love it, Zumba is so much fun!!  A woman from Made in Medina (a international tourist site) contacted me about the classes I would be teaching. This is the article below, originally was in French, but I translated it to English. Enjoy!!!

 

 www.madeinmedina.com 

 SPORTS halfway between dance and fitness, Zumba footprint both in choreography at the gym. Came from Latin America, this new discipline is emulated worldwide. Essaouira has the chance to host a teacher come from Washington officially launching its Zumba classes for children and adults this month. Meet a dancer and a sporty ultra positive!

The opportunity to talk about Zumba in Essaouira, primarily driven by the pleasure of revealing a new initiative, is also an opportunity to discover the story of a passionate traveler came dancing across the Atlantic. A meeting over tea, in English please.
Mahatara Youssef arrival of "Washington DC" this summer in Morocco. This exploratory of all dance styles danced since his childhood and traveled around the world alongside a mom singer with an international career. Bathed in an artistic and musical creativity, it carries a true inspiration, and her smile contagious.
Why Essaouira?
In search of a life experience away from the United States and possibly in Africa, Morocco Mahatara chooses to live with her two daughters, according to his intuition and the advice of an adventurer cousin. After a tour of major cities, only Essaouira combines the qualities and charm it seeks. Luckily for us, we will be able to get to Zumba.

Zumba: move, smile and muscles (in fluorescent clothing)

Created by Colombian choreographer (one of Shakira for the story), Zumba is a sequence of movements ultra varied musical styles (Latin, reggae-ton, indy, hip-hop, etc.)..
Proven over the years as a bodybuilding programs for all ages the most powerful and fun at the same time, Zumba classes are increasing in Europe and the United States. Mahatara reminds us, there is no need to be gifted to get into Zumba. There is always a movement we like to do, and we muscle despite ourselves to the rhythm of sub-bass. Finally, it is customary to wear the most colorful possible to practice Zumba, history of increasing positive energy.

Where? When? How?
For graduation coach Zumba United States Mahatara a demanding training and used her talents as a dancer with the modern-versed in jazz, classical and other traditional dances and for many years.
Today in Essaouira, it offers courses several times a week in a gym Borj neighborhood. In addition, it also offers its services to coach Zumba fitness rooms and private groups visiting friends in town. Notice to Essaouira hotels and tourists who wish to extend their range of sporting activities.
Course from 3 years, prices, practical information and address on your online guide:
Zumba Dance and Fitness Essaouira

Text Alice Joundi
Photo DR

 

Dead Man Walking

What’s worse than being stuck in a place you dream of leaving? Finally leaving that place and not being able to enjoy the new place because you stayed in that terrible place to long. I met an American man today here in Morocco, believe it or not I have met any Americans the whole time I’ve been here. I wondered where are all the Americans taking their vacations??? I was crazy excited, he was from Chicogo and he had that BL man swag that I have been missing so much.  But sadly about 5 min into the conversation he began to complain about the hardship of living in America, but we are not in the states, I thought. As a matter of fact we are in one of the most beautiful places on earth. And colonization is not a problem, because everyone I see looks just like me. Immediately I felt so sad for this man, at the same time feeling equally sad for myself that I had spent 10minunets of my beautiful vacation in such a low vibrational conversation. As soon as he came up for air I excused myself and walked away swiftly. As I left him standing behind me looking confused, I began to think about that saying “Oppression is worse than death” This poor man had lived over 60 years in pain and in chains and now that he was free, he left, but took his chains with him.

Dear Meracai

I was talking to my mother the other day and she asked my how could I marry someone like you. She does not see what I see in you. That smile that charm that charisma, and I know that your foundation is pure. I do kind of wonder though why do you look at me with such disgust. I used the bleaching cream you gave me, but it’s not working my skin is still brown, I straightened my hair just like you said, but the humidity just keeps making it bushy, I am so thankful for the contacts, but they hurt my eyes and I’m not sure if blue is my color. But I will keep trying, because I know that’s it’s me and as soon as I fix me then we will be okay. I nicked my finger when I was sewing the buttons on your shirt; I was so surprised that I bled Red White and Blue. When did this Happen? When did I become you? Was it when I stood by and watched you do things I knew were wrong, but my fear would not let me speak out. I remember that time I tried and you put your foot on my neck. You did not say anything, but the look in your eyes sent chills down my spine. Every time you leave a woman without her husband, I wanted to say something, but I still have the mark of stars on my face from the ring you were wearing when you hit me. But I know you don’t mean it, you just want what’s best for me. And I love you for that. Sometimes you make me so angry, but how can I stay mad when you come barring such wonderful gifts. That HD flat screen tv makes me feel like I’m right there in the movie, that I Phone is so nice ( you remembered that pink is my favorite color) and that Harry Winston Diamond Necklace sure makes me feel like a Queen ( I don’t even care how many children lost their limbs  for it, because I deserve the best). You tell me all the time that you are the greatest around and I will never find another like you.  I love to I hear you say United we stand it makes me feel like we are really becoming one. I found out I am pregnant today. I am so proud to be giving you my baby, I know you will treat her/him as good as you treat me. Remember those thoughts about equality I wanted to share with you, maybe we can finish that conversation later after swelling in my face goes down. Is this what you meant when you said black and blue look good on me? I remember grabbing my belly as I hit the floor; I hope the baby is okay. The nurse said I almost miscarried and I should think long and hard if I wanted to stay in a relationship like this one. What did she mean, this relationship is perfect!! Everyone I know has one just like it and they are all fine. I’ve never known anything else. I know we will get better, it has only been 500 years, and I have to give it time, right. As I laid in the bed looking at my bruised belly I wondered could life be different. I don’t know but I would like to find out before I die here at the mercy of your neurotic behavior. Meracai it breaks my heart to leave you, but please know that this is not good bye, I just need to take a break, I need to take some time to let my heart and my spirit heal. You have made it very clear that healing is not something I can do in your house. Please try to understand that I have to go, I am beginning to forget the names and faces of my ancestors. I told the nurse my name was Jill, but my mother keeps calling me Fatimah. If I don’t live now I will not remember how great I was born to be and I know that will be okay with you. I have loved you my love life, I don’t even know what it is like to love another, hell I don’t even know what it like to truly love myself. I need to know the feeling of truly being at peace.  I know you don’t understand this, but a stronger me makes a stronger you. My beloved Meracai I will see you again someday.

I wise woman once said: The heart and the spirit are fragile but the mind is strong, and we convince ourselves so many times,that if we just hang in there it will get better. But by the time we become comfortable in uncomfortable situations we have cracked our mind and completely broken our heart and spirit. And at that point we are all Dead Men Walking!!!

I have to send a HUGE THANK YOU to my family and friends!!! We have received some wonderful packages. I have never been so happy to see wash clothes in my whole life…lol.. Also thank you for remembering Maheeyah’s Birthday. And Thank you so much for remembering that Nana and Maheeyah are like twins, so sending two of the exact same things was so thoughtful and it made everything around here super peaceful.  I am beyond grateful for your love. I know Africa was the last place you ever thought you’d be sending a package... Nana is loving the fact that she can eat grits in Africa…lol.. So again thank you! Thank you!! Thank you !!!!

Blessings all around me!!

A friend of mine invited us to Marrakech to spend the weekend with her and her family. The invitation was a bit late notice but something inside me felt the need to go. We were to leave Friday morning but I did not read the email until 9pm the night before. Packing in a hurry with children is more than stressful but I was determined. My friend’s parents are from the states but she grew up in Morocco and lucky for us she and her family speak English. The children hit it off as soon as we walked in the door,  she and I headed to the kitchen (my favorite place to be). I loved her house it felt so warm and real with children’s art posted up around the walls. As I got comfortable at the table, filled up with groceries, she started showing me her species and different things she’s had to import because they are not available in Morocco, like pure vanilla and smoked paprika. We drank Earl Grey, laughed and talked about how we donated our bodies to science by having babies. In the middle of all the laughter, children running in and out of the kitchen, grabbing snake after snack from the grocery bags, I began to feel overwhelmed .I wanted to cry but more than that I wanted to hug God and give my deepest thanks. I had been missing my family so much, not just my family but the things in my life that make me who I am; things that can seem so small but mean the world to me. I had a thought the day before about changing my ticket and coming home early, just so I could sit in the kitchen with my mom, drink tea, cook, tell stories, and watch the kids run from room to room. Every time I left the country before I had my mom to make every place feel like home, but this is the first time I have left the country without her, and there is a big difference.  I prayed for strength and the Creator brought to my reality my deepest inner desires. I was beyond grateful. And just when I thought I had gotten all that my heart could handle, she leans over to me and says “What do you think about having Maheeyah’s birthday party tomorrow here at the house? We can make cupcakes, decorate the house, it will be great!” And right then I knew the feeling of being filled up with so much joy that your heart literally feels like it can’t take any more. I was crazy excited!!! Maheeyah will be turning 4 in a couple of weeks and I love throwing fabulous parties for my girls. I was a little stumped on what to do this year because we are in Africa and no place says “let’s have a party” like America. But before that super stressful day could arrive the Creator took it right out of my hands and made it easy and effortless. And before the weekend was over she made the best Curry Ginger chicken I had ever tasted. The children had a wonderful time, they played games, eat cake, ice cream, drank soda, and dressed up like Moroccan kings and queens.  Hands down it was one of the best weekends I’ve had here in Morocco and I came home with smoked paprika & nutmeg. My kitchen is on fire!!! All I can say is the universe knows best, and when you let go and let God, you will always be happily amazed.  

 

I have never thought of myself as spoiled ( others may beg to differ) until now, with the girls being in school. At first I was really sad and lonely, but now I am counting down the days until they go back. I have had a taste of the good life. I now know what it’s like to walk in silence. (I would like to meet the person that made up the game 20 questions.) Even my wardrobe is happy. Outfits look so much better when little people are not blowing their noses on them. The girls have a 12 day break from school because of the Eid Holiday, so I am doing my best to keep them busy, but Essaouira is running out of animals! That’s the part I miss about America, there constant need of over stimuli, where is Chuck E Cheese when I need it.

 

 

 I just found out that Jack’s real name is Cappuccino…lol It is not easy  getting a camel to move when you’re calling him the wrong name