Howdy from Morocco!
As someone who has never studied or traveled abroad, I was filled with not only excitement but also curiosity. How different is the culture, truly? Will I have as much fun as I hope? One week in, I must say that this week in Morocco has been filled with laughter, smiles, and amazing people I never expected to meet.
My initial impression upon stepping foot in Morocco was wonderful. I encountered incredible people who introduced us to the amazing culture here. On top of that, I visited cities that completely blew my mind. I had the opportunity to try new and delicious cuisines such as kefta with eggs and tagine. Hopefully when I have the time I’ll even try to recreate these dishes when I return to College Station!
During my first week in Morocco, the global business program has been nothing but supportive and welcoming. They provided the guidance I needed as a first-time traveler and answered all the questions I had including security, safety concerns, and traveling trips.
This first week, I visited several cities such as Rabat, Chefchaouen, Tangier, and Fes. Each of these cities was filled with its own unique charm and personality. Just like in the United States, every city in Morocco has a special personality. I experienced not only Moroccan culture as a whole but also the diversity within its cities. One of my favorite traditions in Morocco is how they pour mint tea. It’s not only impressive to watch but also a clever way to cool the tea!
I’ve also noticed several differences between Morocco and the U.S. The first thing that surprised me was the lack of shower curtains as the bathroom is often a single open space. Another unique experience was visiting a hammam. While we have spas and massages in the U.S., a hammam is quite different as it involves a thorough scrubbing to remove dead skin cells. I tried it, and it was an incredible experience and I recommend everyone to do it as well!
As this first week comes to an end, I can’t wait to see what the rest of this trip has in store. I hope to gain a deeper understanding of Moroccan culture and continue building meaningful relationships with the people here.
