My first item on Moroccan Credit

I have seen US currency since November 2012, I am completely living off Dirhams, I have to admit it is a bit strange being dependent on a currency that is 8 times less than the US Dollar..Buying fruit and vegetables is affordable, but one kilo of basmati rice cost as much as a pair of shoes..lol. Curtin things like clothes, shoes, and household items come after about a month of saving… The girl’s father sent them new coats for Christmas, and after a month of saving I just bought them new rain coats. But pour mommy was getting soaked ever time it rained. It is too windy to really use an umbrella here, it just flips all up, and then you have to buy another one before it rains again. So I have been pricing rain coats for myself. I saw one that I like but it was a little out of my budget, I had tried to bargain with the lady, but she was not budging. Then I kind of said under my breath I wish you had Lay-A-way…..then she said  “we do” she hops up takes down the coat and hands it to me, I told I could only put 20DH on it. The she says “no problem” and continues to put the coat in a bag. I asked her “how much is the next payment and when do you need by” her response shocked me!! “Whenever you have it” she said and handed me the coat…OMG!!!! Does it get any better than this…Buying an item on credit, you pay what you can when you can….She did not even ask for my name, number or anything…I love living in a place where people trust people…This is the most amazing feeling ever. So today I bought my first item with Moroccan Credit!!!! God Bless Morocco!

The world is my playground!!!

The other day we were coming from the only supermarket that sells soy sauce, and my eldest daughter (Nana) said “Mommy is it okay if I don’t live here when I grow up” of course I told her that it was okay. She then went to say that she would like to visit in the summer with her family since she knows the language and culture already. And that she might even marry a man from here because they seem pretty nice and that she would have one of her many vacation homes here. The others would be in France, Italy, Brazil, and Bali. My heart was getting happier and happier as I heard her well thought out future plans. She then went on to say that she loves being here in Morocco, but she misses the wonderful things that America has to offer like Wal-Mart and Chuck-E-Cheese. I burst out and starting laughing, I can’t even front I miss those things too….lol.

When I left America I did not plan to stay gone forever, just long enough to instill in my children that the world is their playground and that they should feel comfortable all over this beautiful planet… So based on my 8 year old conversation the other day in the cab, I would have to say to myself “Job well done”. I am not rushing it at all but I am really excited to see how their lives turn out…

Whats been going on??

So to all my Urban Mystic followers I know you are thinking OMG, how come we have not seen any new post…in like forever. I am so sorry..Life is in full motion over here. I know technically I am stilling having an adventure, but I have begun to embrace this adventure with so much conviction that, now every day I am just living my true life. Last year around this time when I was still in the states, I told my friend Tony that I felt like I was in the twilight zone; Like I had accidentally woken up in the wrong life. I had a memory of my real life and no way to get back. That is a terrible feeling.  When I left America I set out to find a couple of things,  (1^st) MYSELF, (2^ND) A PLACE WHERE I KNEW I BELONGED, (3^RD) A MAN THAT COULD BRING AS MUCH TO THE RELATIONSHIP TABLE AS I COULD, (4^TH) A PLACE WHERE I CAN FEEL SAFE WHEN MY CHILDREN ARE NOT IN MY SIGHT, (5^TH) A PLACE WHERE I COULD FEEL AND SEE GOD ALL AROUND ME, (6^TH) I NEEDED TO BE; NOT JUST NEAR BUT RIGHT UP ON THE OCEAN, (7^TH) A PLACE WHERE I COULD BREAK LOOSE FROM THE CRAP AND BE THE BEST ME ALL THE TIME, (8^TH) A PLACE WHERE HUMAN BEINGS STILL CARE, LOVE, AND NURTURE ONE ANOTHER, (9^TH) I NEEDED TO BE IN A PLACE WHERE MANIFESTATION HAPPEN BEFORE YOU EVEN KNEW YOU NEEDED TO MANIFEST THEM, (10^TH) LAST BUT NOT LEAST, I NEEDED TO GET OUT OF THE TWILIGHT ZONE AND BACK INTO MY REAL LIFE, THE LIFE I WAS DESTANT TO LIVE WHEN I WAS STAR DUST……AND I HAVE EVERY LAST ONE OF THOSE THINGS HERE IN ESSAOUIRA, MOROCCO….

So what has been going on in this awesome manifestation I am calling life. Let’s see, I’m going to jump around a bit, starting with the juiciest. Mr. Morocco and I saw each other just about every day since the dinner, we’ve had plenty of tea, plenty of dinners, watched a couple of movies, then more tea, then one unexpected evening he asked me to be his girlfriend. I was a little taken back because up until this point we had not kissed, held hands, or sat closer than a couple feet. But it was so cute, I had not been asked to be a girlfriend since I was in 3^rd grade. So I asked him “well what will change if I am your girlfriend?” he responded with his super cute accent “we can hold hands”… and that was the first time he touched me. I swear I felt like I was in a movie and the whole thing was happening in slow motion.  And he was dead serious, all we did was held hands…lol.. Sometimes for hours… then after a couple weeks of hand holding, I leaned in to cuddle up. He was a little taken back, but he adjusted.

 

 Next I have been teaching Zumba here in Essaouira, the classes were a little slow getting started, but now they are booming and I teach 12 classes a week plus I started teaching English…You know what they say ‘slow and steady wins the race’. Next my brother-in-law came to visit for a week, I was so pumped!!! We laughed, ate, talked, laughed, and laughed some more. He gave me some really good advice about how men view relationships, I am using his tips and all in well in paradise. I love telling jokes, and I got my fill when my brother was here because he is use to my humor. Now we are just living our day to day life. Some days I wake up and cannot believe I am living in Africa, then my alarm goes off, the girls come jumping  in my bed, we start rushing all around looking for socks and shoes, rushing out the door coffee in one hand, lunch boxes in the other, keys in teeth, cell phone on my ear, flagging down a cab, and when I finally sit in the cab, I start directing him to our destination in Arabic and French, then it hits me, yep this is my life in Morocco. And I am in love with every bit of it…

I have been known to be a bit of a germaphobe. So when we first got to Africa I was sanitizing every 5 min. and offering sanitizer to the people at the restaurant that were cooking my food…lol.. Well we have been here a little over 4months and I am calming down. All over Essaouira, they have men who grill meat outside on the street. The meat hangs out in a unrefrigerated case, the same guy who is handing the meat in handling the vegetables and the money. Yeah, that has sickness written all over it. So today I wanted to be a little Adventurous, so I ordered a chicken sandwich from one of the sidewalk meat guys. It was really good!!! It has been 2hours and I can still feel my fingers, so maybe I have built up an African immunity…. We will see??  To be continued…..

Also today Wednesday (mercredi in French) is my busiest day; I teach 3 classes and getting ready to add a 4^th. So I was in desperate need of a bath. But I have not seen a bath tub since I’ve been here. So I took something like a bath in the wash pan. Yes the wash pan….lol…. You know on those old movies where people light their homes with candles, well in those movies the woman have these big wash tubs, you only can get your butt in it..lol.. The top part of my body was out and my legs and I kept pour water on myself to keep from being cold. I kept laughing when I was in there thinking if people could see me now. But I can’t front it was great!!! I felt so relaxed and clean. Then Maheeyah came into the bathroom and said “what are you going mommy?? You are too big to be in there??”… Then she starting laughing and pointing with the door open, letting all the cold air in…. you can always count on a little kid to burst your bubble. My life has changed so much since I’ve been here….I even learned how to wash my own clothes in that funny little machine. I love my life here is Essaouira!!!!

I'm going to cook my way into your heart!!

So if you have been wondering what happen after Mr. Morocco Cooked me dinner that night? Well let me just say it included a whole lot more tea drinking……lol….. Yes! More drinking tea! So after about 30 more cups I thought maybe I should try to move this along by inviting him to dinner; at this point I felt that if he says “No” then we are done drinking tea, but if he says “Yes” then maybe we can start drinking tea at the house instead of the shop in Medina. Here is a little informational note about me: I have always loved the idea of being barefoot in the kitchen, naked and pregnant. The whole concept of wives do wife stuff at home and men do man stuff at work, is one that sat very comfortable in my mind. The only problem is I was not born in the born in the 1800’s.  Being the oldest daughter in a traditional Choctaw/Muslim family, I was trained very early on how to run a house hold, in case something happened to my mom and I had to take care of my siblings. By the time I was 13 I was working 2 jobs, paying bill, budget shopping, washing, cleaning, and cooking 5 course dinners. When I was about 14 I had this crazy crush on this guy who would come over twice a week to catch a ride to theater practice with us. I was so head over heels for him; I overheard the older woman talking about a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so I thought I have this in the bag because I am a wonderful cook. So twice a week when I knew he was going to come over I would cook the most elaborate meals. He barely noticed it; the only people that got all excited were my older brothers and their friends. I remember they would be eating and laughing saying “this is not going to work; he is not going to marry you because you are a great cook… But we will!!..lol”  I remember thinking ‘I would not marry yall stinky butts’…lol…And they were right he did not marry me. Those women forgot to mention that the idea of cook your way into a man’s heart is so old school; new school could care less, they are just as happy eating McDonald's and living in a funk dungeon. So for a woman like me with a boat load of domestic skills would either have to marry a man in his 60’s or a man from another country? Well lucky for me I am in another country!!!
 
So I asked Mr. Morocco if I could cook him dinner, and he said “yes”.  So I prepared a Sautéed fish dish, with onions, tomatoes, green peppers, red peppers and yellow peppers, on a bed of Basmati rice. I can’t even front, I out did myself. When he saw the food he was like “wow, this is beautiful” but when he started eating his face got a bit red and he guzzled down a few glasses of water, when he came up for air he asked me is my food always this spicy….. “What!! Really dude!” I was thinking. I had to add hot chili peppers to my plate….lol… But he was sweet and finished the food and a ½ gallon of water….After a super spicy dinner I invited him into the living room for some coffee and dessert. He sat on one end of the couch and I sat on the other end, we talked, laughed and eat. An hour or so later I let out a yawn,( mostly because dinners start at about 9pm here) then he hopped up and  said “ I can see that you are tired, I will go” just like that. I walked him to the door thinking that maybe we might have our first kiss, but no, a hand shake and a smile is all he had offered me…. But later that night I did receive another text stating that he and a wonderful time, and he hoped that we could do it again sometime.  The real funny thing is if this was in America this situation would have had its introduction, it’s high, it’s low, and it’s finish by now.  This is the cutest thing I have experienced since I was a kid, I am really enjoying that feeling of innocence again…… To be continued….

Something is brewing in the African air…….

So to answer my first question I posted a couple blogs ago. How many cups of tea must one drink before it’s appropriate to say “hey I’m feeling you?” ; about 200 gallons, now keep in mind the tea cups are about 4oz…. One beautiful day over a cup of tea Mr. Morocco asked if he could cook me dinner. In my mind I was “HELL YEAH!! FINALLY!!!” but in real life I just smiled and said “that would be nice, thank you”. Okay so let’s pause for a second, to my ladies: What is sexier than a man asking if he can cook for you??? A hard working man asking if he can cook you dinner!!!...lol

When we arrived at his house he was still preparing the meal. (And when I say we… the girls and I) We were greeted with a smile, the traditional greeting, and a ton of fruit and snacks for the girls. Two seconds after we stepped in the house they grabbed their snacks and ran to the TV. I stood in the kitchen watching him chop, mince, dice, and stir. He looked so good with that dish towel thrown over his shoulder. I could not help think, wow he really knows his way around a kitchen…lol About 20 min later dinner was ready, he made a traditional Chicken Tajine, and it was wonderful. I did not want to seem to hungry, but dinner does not start in this country until 9pm, by that time I was famished. As soon as dinner was over the girls grabbed what was left of the fruit and ran back to the TV. He and I sat there talking while we finished the Tajine. After everything was cleaned up he offered me give me a nice, hot, steamy, cup of tea….lol….we sat in the par lour drinking tea and working on my Arabic and his English. Being as how this dinner party did not start until 8:30, we headed out about midnight. I was not sure what to expect when we were leaving but because he is very traditional and the girls were there we said good night with traditional greeting.  But before I went to sleep he sent me a text expressing that he had a lovely time.

Now for woman of my generation we do not have a clue about being courted apart from what we see on old movies and what stories we can gather from our grandmothers. But I have to admit, I am totally digging this. Someone asked me do I think that he is THE ONE or JUST ANOTHER ONE, well only the creator knows the answer to that. I mean I have felt that the men I loved previously in my life were  THE ONE’S I needed at that point in my life. I got two amazingly phenomenal l girls, so I would not have changed a thing. But loving when you are broke is very different than loving when you are fixed.  Cooking food in the microwave is different than cooking over a stove.  And drinking a wine that is 20 years old is much better than the one that was bottled a year ago. So if you put it all together I would say that the ingredients for this meal are already starting out better. So stay tuned….

Too Much Work for a nickel....

Our new house

We just moved into our new apartment today. The girls and I really love it!!. The universe is so good, because if you just let the creator do her job she will always give you the best. So after the people tried to extort money from me I started looking for a new place to live. While I was packing up my stuff I realized that mold was growing in some of the corners behind the furniture. Look at the blessing there those peoples greediness saved my health. BLESSTATIONS!!!! The house was very cold because it was stone and marble, and it did not get much sun. There also was a crazy man who lived above us and always wanted to move things around at 11 o’clock at night. So moving was the best thing for us, funny thing though had they not tried to get all that money from me I would not have moved because moving is a a lot of work when you have children. But god knows best… So our new place has 2bedrooms….YEAH!!! I have my own room!!!! No more getting karate chopped in the neck while I’m sleeping; No more waking up chocking and swinging thinking I’m getting attacked. …lol…Nice sound sleep for me!! YEAH!! The girl’s room has twin beds so Nana is pumped, we have a fire place, and the house is warm and gets plenty of light. But here is the kicker, I asked if they could put in a washing machine and they said okay. The guy calls and says he’s down stairs with the washer, so I’m thinking two or three men will bring it up. But much to my surprise there is only one man. He sits it down and says “Here you go” I’m looking like ‘what is this’. He starts explaining how to use it, you have to pour water inside plug it up then after take the clothes out dump the water, I cut him off “ like hold up, I’m sorry but I don’t have a clue what you are talking about. I need a machine that I put the clothes in dirty and dry and my next contact with them is rung out and clean. You do realize I was only born in 1981, my grandmother would know how to use this, but I am clueless.” He starts looking and me like ‘you spoiled American’ yes America has spoiled me a bit. …lol.. Then he says “if this is too much just have your maid do it” then I said “ oh you got jokes huh??” he did not understand what that meant, so I just asked “what maid”. He said she will be her on Wednesday, have her wash the clothes, everyone in Morocco knows how to use this. Super BLESSTATION!!! My new house comes with a house keeper…. I always wanted one of those…. Yeah!!!

I could not wait until Wednesday; I needed clean clothes now, so I tackled the weird manual machine today. I push it to the sink loaded it with water, put my clothes in and soap, then let it spin for 20 min. took my wet clothes out put them into a bucket, then drained the water out of the machine. Then I put my wet clothes back in the machine with more water, let them spin for 30 min. I’m sure they need another rinse cycle but I was tired by this point and this process already took like 2hours. So then I rang each piece by hand, I think I pulled a muscle in my ringing out a pair of sweat pants..lol after that I took the heavy wet clothes to the roof and hung them up…. Wow! that was a lot of work. I am defiantly giving the housekeeper a tip because that is too much work for a nickel…literally…. I told Nana all I had gone through while they were at school, her response “Welcome to Africa!!”…..

ZUMBA DANCE PARTY ESSAOUIRA MOROCCO

DECEMBER 29TH 2012

2PM TO 4PM

JUST NEAR LA MAISON GOURMANDE!!!!

 

FOLLOW THE ZUMBA PARTY SIGNS

 

 

 

Now That's Good Living!!!

Yesterday was 12-21-2012, and believe it or not I hardly noticed it. I have mixed emotions about that. Part of me feels like I should have dedicated my whole day to praying and sitting in silence. But the other part of me feels like I have done that over the past few years, working to get me to this place. I have so much peace in my life right now. This is what I have been waiting for my whole life. Growing up I was so uncomfortable with everything; I kept searching for the meaning of life, for the others who were like me, for the reason I never satisfied, basically I spent my whole life searching for me.  Yesterday slipped by me because I was having so much fun. Is it possible to get to a point in your life where you have just arrived and there is no more to ask for, only to give thanks for all you have been given…… That’s how I feel right now; I feel like I’ve been waiting 100 life times to get to this point right here, what more is there to ask for??? Some would say “you can always have more” but isn’t that the meaning of gluttony?  I feel like if I take this time to be completely present in what the universe and I have created then as I need things they will come to me before I even knew I needed them. Now that is good living!!!!

My mom is always sending me these recordings about deeper clarity, abundance, and prosperity. So I was listening to one yesterday evening while I was getting ready to out to yet another fabulous Moroccan party. Most of the time people talk about abundance it the form of things, how to clear your energy field so you can win the lottery, how to meditate to get a new job, visualize a never ending stream of money, practice this and you will have a new car in 30days or less,..lol.. The list goes on and on. But yesterday this gentleman had a different theory that I really connected with. He said that you can only really have true abundance if you are not connected to it……Then he went on to explain. The person doing the interview later asked him “well why do some people have so much and others have so little” his response was something like “ who is judging the amount of what something is worth???” A few post ago I wrote “just cause you got it all, do mean you got it all!!! And that’s REAL!!!!. The other day I was walking down the street and I saw a homeless man sitting on his little mat reading the Quran with so much conviction and passion. I was looking for something in my pockets when I walked pass him, during my search 20DH fell out on to the ground in front of him. I did not notice, but he chased me down to give it back to me. I was so completely touch by his honesty ( here we have a man that may or may not have had any food that day, clothes tatted, dirty, and turn, very few teeth in his mouth, spends his nights laying on the hard cold ground with a stone for a pillow,  no shoes on his feet, and yet has a heart that is so connected to universal law) I wanted to cry I was so touched. I know people who are dipping with material things and not a fraction of that mans honesty. So I 100% agree with the speaker last night, who is to judge worth and value of abundance, the man with everything and still that is not enough, or the man who seems to have nothing, but in truth has it all……. I thanked him for returning the money to me, then told him I’d like for him to keep, but he kept trying to explain that I dropped it, he found it and since it was mine I should take it back.  Trying to hold back the tears, I held his hand with the money in it, looked him in his eyes and insisted that he keep it. After about fifty “shukran’s” (thank you) he finally walked away. And just like that two blessings were exchanged; for him a week worth of meals and for me the honor of being in the presence of a true light being. So I say the day after 12-21-2012 that I have waited a hundred lifetimes to be rich and full of everything that really matters, my cup runneth over!!!! And for that I am eternally grateful!!!

Prayer works

So here is some great news to welcome the winter solstice. I went to immigration and explained to them the problem and about the people trying to extort money from me. They said not to worry that they would give me 2 weeks to find another apartment and to just make sure I get the lease legalized and bring it to them and I will get another 3month extension….. So yeah! I don’t have to take a long bus, train donkey ride to Spain. All I can say is prayer works!!!!!

Anything worth having is worth fighting for!!

You know that saying if it’s worth having then it’s worth fighting for….. Well I am in that type of situation, not with a person as most would think when using that phrase, but more with myself. Those of you who know me and have followed my life know the type of person I am. “Wow that Mahatara sure can take a licking and keep on ticking…… But I often asked myself ‘why did I choose to keep on ticking’ when so many choose to give up. My children are a good part of that answer, but the real answer is, I kept ticking because I knew deep down inside that there was a reality that I owed to myself to live. There are very few successes in life without failure, and all of my “oh No’s, not again” led me to this point. I always try to follow the path of least resistance, but now I wonder what is on the other side of resistance?? Here in Morocco  I have seen myself in a way I’ve never seen me before, my heart has a joy in it that I have never known before, and for the first time in my life I finally feel at home….. My tourist visa is up and now I am faced with either leaving Morocco or renewing my visa.  Some people may wonder how can a person who comes from “the greatest country in the world”…lol… and find salvation in a 3^rd world country…. Life is funny that way, just because you got it all; don’t mean you got it all…. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure….

 So during this process to renew my visa I have to prove that I pay rent, which I have done for the past two months, but it has to be proved… So interestingly enough the person that has to provide this information to the immigration office for me, has decided at the last minute that I need to pay them $9000DH or they cannot provide this information….Meanwhile knowing that my visa will expire in 5days; talk about being caught in between a rock and a hard place. When I tried to reason with them they kept insisting that this is how things are done. I asked those people weeks ago for this document, and they said it was lost… REALLY!.. HOW CONVENIENT!!…Then they tried to hit me with the one two wammy, like you are American surly you can come up with this amount. So I’m thinking “its not a matter of rather I can come up with it or not, you are straight trying to hussel me.”( I don’t think these people have had much contact with BL Americans, they don’t know I’m from the Projects , I will get Projectish and I would have that whole office up in smoke…lol… They are lucky I know Jesus, and it’s almost 12-21-2012..lol…)  No, but on the real, I was real upset and starting crying, so I went to the ocean. While I was there watching the girls playing so freely and absorbing the beauty of our mother crashing up against the rocks along the coast line, I starting thinking about the life I had built here, the friends I had made, and the peace that I have on a regular basses, and how I am not ready to give all that up, not without a fight. So here comes another intense part of my journey. You know what grandma use to say “if you want something done right, do it yourself” so I am going to cut out the middle man and just leave the country, this way I can stay another 3 months without any problems and when I get back I’m looking for another place to live.  So I will have to pack up our house and leave it with a friend. Then take the bus 3 hours to Marrakech, from there take the train 8 hour to Tangier, then take something ( I don’t know what yet) to the borders of Ceuta Spain, and then walk across the borders.  So if you had the thought to donate anything to the Urban Mystic Gypsy Fund at the top of the page, Now would be a really good time….

Before I go on, let me stop and say my heart goes out to all the families who are trying to migrate to a different county to have another life, for whatever reason. It is not easy and I can see how some people will try to use manipulating tactics because they feel you are desperate. I often hear people talk bad about immigrants, like “why don’t they just stay in their own country?” and I think “Do you really wanna go there.” It is easy to judge someone’s situation when you have not taken time to walk in their shoes. So to all the families traveling around the world trying to give their children a different life, please hear me when I say ‘ Keep praying, keep trusting, and know that the Creator has Angels all around to help us stand tall when we feel like falling. And even though things may seem tough now, know that there is always a rainbow after the storm.  Many Blessing to all the readers……I’m going to pack L

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