Hello readers,
Happy holidays! I am sorry for the long delay. Now I see why many PC blogs take awhile to get regularly updated. I think it is apathy or maybe just laziness, although many PCVs don't have regular access to the internet.
Anyway, I am just now completing my first month at my final site, which, by the way, is not Guercif. I now live in a city named Khemisset. This city is much larger than Guercif and a bit more developed. Also, Khemisset is only an hour away from Rabat. At first, adjusting to the city took some time, since I did not get a chance to visit while the previous volunteer was available. However, aside from sheer size, Khemisset was pretty easy to acclimate to. I now know my way around and have developed some relationships with the residence in Khemisset. I already have a tutor and I will be moving into my own home shortly. My host-family in Khemisset is very nice. Although it is hard for me to practice my Darija, because my host-father speaks English. Best of all, Khemisset has a fairly large gated park for running and exercising. The park even has a quarter-mile track, although the perimeter around the park almost equals a mile. I just run around like a hamster in a wheel for a couple of hours free of dogs!
I have met with a cooperative that I will be working with during my stay in Khemisset. The cooperative is named Najah and they specialize in wood carving. Their products are really nice. The previous volunteers assisted the cooperative well during their volunteer stint, so I hope to do the same.
Prior to moving to my final site, I attended the official PC volunteer ceremony in Rabat. I am now an official PCV. It was an interesting experience, leaving the training environment, and immediately departing to a new location alone; such mystery, such intrigue. Now, it's no sweat, although I still speak like a bumbling idiot.
Happy holidays!
Thanks,
The contents of this Web site are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. Government or the Peace Corps.
I am very proud of you for completing the intensive Peace Corps training! I am glad you are enjoy Khemisset and will have your own pad! I'm sure you don't sound like a bumbling idiot, knowing how hard you are on yourself. I bet you speak perfect Darija! Merry Christmas Damion! We all miss you very much, yet are extremely pleased at your service to America and Morocco; and your success! Cheers to you!
ReplyDeleteHi, I was wondering if you had web address to that woodcarvers cooperative. A previous volunteer had developed one as part of his project to get them a sawing machine. I had it and then lost it. I even bought one of their fancy interlinked thuya wood bowls and props at last year's Marché Maroc. Do you happen to have it? It was posted on the old Yahoo! Groups but all the info was moved to Peace Corps extranet, which I no longer have a live account for. Please send and post when you can.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting Khemisset. I was there the night of site selections and remember hearing Guercif. I think Khemisset is a much better spot. Gotta hit Oulmes when you can. Good luck with the rest of service.
Jonathan aka Youssef
RPCV Morocco 08-10 (Sefrou)
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