A Day Off

Last night after the Woman's Day program at school, we were invited to dinner at the home of our host teacher's mother-in-law.  When we arrived, Hassan's lovely wife and her three amazing sisters were there along with her beautiful mother who had spent the entire day preparing food for our visit.  The ladies told us they had a surprise for us, and it was that they has traditional Moroccan dress-up clothes for us to put on.  The garments are for special occasions such as weddings and and are called "caftans".  After we ate a wonderful meal of chicken kabobs, soup, bread, and the best sweet treats we have had in Morocco, the ladies taught us traditional Moroccan dance moves.  You have to shake your shoulders up and down while you move your feet and bodies.  It was a great time.  One of sisters there was 12 years old- the same age as my students and she was so much fun.

This morning we got up early and Hassan took us to the resort town of Agadir- about 90 minutes from Taroudant.  His wife and sister-in--law accompanied us and it was nice to spend the day relaxing.  We started at the souk market and shopped for things to bring back.  There were so many spices and oils, leather goods and produce... it was so colorful and I bought several things for my family and the prices were very low compared to America.  

Moroccan products at the souk

Non-Moroccan products at the souk...

Holding two chameleons at the souk...

After the market we walked through a bird sanctuary, then went to a fish market for lunch.  We ate 5 types of seafood and it was all excellent.   

 Dora tasted the best

After the delicious meal we went to the beach.  After relaxing there and I took a camel ride on what looked like an old camel named Caesar.  He took me for a stroll on the beach.  

Camel selfie for Ms. Tiegs and Nate Adams...(look- matching smiles)

Finally one last surprise- Hassan's wife Sukaina made beautiful artwork on my hand with henna.  Henna is a dye prepared from a plant that stains your skin temporarily.  I hope it lasts until I get home so I can show my students.

A few questions answered...Delvin a common job is working in agriculture as Morocccans grow a lot of food.  In their free time people like to hang out with family and friends and share food and company, Makenzie.  Katie and Sierra, I leaned today that people don't really have many house pets.  Animals are more for outside!  

Question of the Day:  What is a souk?