My sister-in-law Keri had the great idea that I should write a blog about my stay in Casablanca, Morocco. Anyone who has seen me work has observed that for me writing is an extraordinarily onerous task. Being creative doesn't rank too far behind. But since I believe in trying new things and improving oneself and want to communicate better, here goes!
I have taken a job at George Washington Academy, a K2-12 private school just outside the city limits of the nation's business center of Casablanca. And about 1 km from the Atlantic :) It is legally an American high school. Students will graduate with a US HS diploma. The graduates, 60% Moroccan, 20% American, 20% "other" (from 25-30 different nationalities) will largely go on to university in the US or Europe. I am the Learning Specialist for the Upper School. May I say that my title is AWESOME - makes me sound much more intelligent than I am.
I've just finished 2 weeks of orientation. This isn't your father's training. Our days consisted of largely of crash courses in French and Arabic, learning about Moroccan culture and Islam, learning how to navigate this city of well over 3 million (5M+ in greater Casa), plus other school-type stuff.
A few notes: Morocco is a constitutional monarchy; King Mohammed VI is the head of state, son of Hassan II, grandson of Mohammed V. I didn't have to look these up. I haven't a clue who the Prime Minister is. Read into that what you will. This is an Islamist state - 99% Muslim. You might be familiar with Ramadan, a HUGE religious observance for Muslims worldwide. Practicing Muslims will fast from sunrise to sunset everyday for a month - no food or beverage (or familial relations) during those periods. The dates change annually. By coincidence, it has been Ramadan since I arrived and is just ending. I'll feel a little better about having lunch in front of my Moroccan colleagues now. What? You think I fasted? ROTF LMAO Foreigners get a pass, by the way, though it's been hard to find places to eat during the day.
Arabic is the official language of Morocco and French is the language of commerce and gov't. I speak all but two of those. It's been fun trying to communicate with cabbies while they are trying to rip me off (constantly). When I do find a guy not trying to fleece me, we are crammed in like a clown car at the circus.
Well, I'm getting tired. I promise pics very shortly. I don't have a bleeping clue what to do next with this - hope it gets published...
I have taken a job at George Washington Academy, a K2-12 private school just outside the city limits of the nation's business center of Casablanca. And about 1 km from the Atlantic :) It is legally an American high school. Students will graduate with a US HS diploma. The graduates, 60% Moroccan, 20% American, 20% "other" (from 25-30 different nationalities) will largely go on to university in the US or Europe. I am the Learning Specialist for the Upper School. May I say that my title is AWESOME - makes me sound much more intelligent than I am.
I've just finished 2 weeks of orientation. This isn't your father's training. Our days consisted of largely of crash courses in French and Arabic, learning about Moroccan culture and Islam, learning how to navigate this city of well over 3 million (5M+ in greater Casa), plus other school-type stuff.
A few notes: Morocco is a constitutional monarchy; King Mohammed VI is the head of state, son of Hassan II, grandson of Mohammed V. I didn't have to look these up. I haven't a clue who the Prime Minister is. Read into that what you will. This is an Islamist state - 99% Muslim. You might be familiar with Ramadan, a HUGE religious observance for Muslims worldwide. Practicing Muslims will fast from sunrise to sunset everyday for a month - no food or beverage (or familial relations) during those periods. The dates change annually. By coincidence, it has been Ramadan since I arrived and is just ending. I'll feel a little better about having lunch in front of my Moroccan colleagues now. What? You think I fasted? ROTF LMAO Foreigners get a pass, by the way, though it's been hard to find places to eat during the day.
Arabic is the official language of Morocco and French is the language of commerce and gov't. I speak all but two of those. It's been fun trying to communicate with cabbies while they are trying to rip me off (constantly). When I do find a guy not trying to fleece me, we are crammed in like a clown car at the circus.
Well, I'm getting tired. I promise pics very shortly. I don't have a bleeping clue what to do next with this - hope it gets published...
Yay!! So glad you took my advice ;-)! Can't wait to read all about your adventures...
ReplyDeleteBTW--what is the time difference there?
Thanks for sharing. I'll be sure to check in from time to time. Take care and be safe.
ReplyDeleteJoe
Love it still laughing hear from you soon
ReplyDeleteDan and Andrea