Enfin de realiser le reve

Two weeks into my time in Morocco, and what have I seen? A little bit of everything, the extremely rich to the extremely poor, the devoutly religious to the strict atheist, the astutely educated to the sadly illiterate... and those working to change it all to those doing everything they can to stand in its way.

In this short listing I of course exagerate a bit, but I want to demonstrate the stark reality that I have come to perceive here in Morocco. Although I have yet to see much of the country, I can already say rather confidently that it is a place of contrast. I can also plainly see the residual effects of the colonial occupation of the French, as the language persists as well as the hundreds of French government agencies working in Morocco. I have yet to make up my mind how I really feel about their presence here, but I have to be somewhat grateful in a strange way as their language has facilitated my entry into the Moroccan culture. That being said, I can only imagine that there exists another world where my language capacities end.

Language is such an interesting thing, and something that is so firmly set into our daily routine that we forget its impact. As Americans I feel it is sadly convenient to overlook the fact that the whole world does not speak English, and for that matter really want to, and to cling to the idea that it is the world's obligation to accomidate our incapacities.

Now, I am an American, and I speak another language albeit quite freshly. In my short experience with bilingualism I will be the first to attest to its brilliance. Owing nothing to my own intelligence or merits, simply speaking a second language opens me up to a whole different world. It forces me to think in a different way, and allows me to interact with people that I would otherwise be completely ignorant of. The exchange of ideas that follows is simply fantastic.

That is why I look at so many people hear in Morocco with such amazement. Everyday I interact with people who speak three languages: Arabic, French and English. Every week I speak with someone who speaks four or more: the first three, Spanish, German, Dutch... the list goes on.

Three languages are required in schools here, and although they are French run and funded in some instances, the results show in the students issue from them.

In my humble opinion, Americans are doing themselves a huge disservice by not demanding multilingualism of their population. Why we don't have more bilingual schools baffles me, particularly with the proximity of a huge Spanish speaking population. The problems with Mexico are inflaming, growing by the day. I believe that by encouraging more Spanish instruction in our schools would sensibilize our students to Mexican culture and needs, and eventually foster a relationship built through the use of two languages rather than one.

Maybe the miscommunications that occur on the scene of international politics are due more to important details lost in translation than to actual misalignments of interests. Maybe we should be cultivating a youth privileged with the tools to speak with other worlds, in hopes to reduce the barriers that keep us worlds apart and instead construct one world with many visions.

Ahhh, le Maroc je t'aime!!

Yes, I am finally in Rabat, Morocco. I have finished with my semester in Aix-en-Provence, and I have happily moved South. So, from one place to another, I continue my records of thoughts and observations, although much to infrequent and brief if I may say so myself.

Upon arrival in Fes, I was greeted by Simo, a fellow AIESECer of the local community in Rabat. We trained from Fes to Rabat in a matter of 3.5 hours, and to be sure, it was not the speed or comfort I was used to in France. During this time I met two other fine men, who talked with me about the conditions, economic and social, of their beautiful country. I have yet to see more than city scapes and a few farms, but I am sure that I will discover more beauty in a matter of days.

I am here specifically to work on a traineeship with ADAL Educ, a local organization that deals mainly with the youth 12 and under to promote Biodiversity awareness and educaction. I am specifically charged with the task of helping organize and execute the educational summer camp that takes place all four weeks of July.

French is used here, thank God, otherwise I would be quite lost in the Moroccan Arabic of which I know all of 5 words on a good day. Other than saying Hello, Thank you, thanks to Allah, yes, no and shut up, I have no real linguistic capacities in the local tongue.

The next thing that struck me after a period of about 5 hours, was the shocking difference between the rich and the poor. Morocco is doing well for itself compared to developping standards, yet it appears to me that all the recent wealth developped has been placed in the hands of a select few. Imagine that. Well, another hard reality that I will soon become more familiar with. To be sure, the Moroccan people are incredibly kind. I have received two invitations already to family visits, which I hope to be able to take up.

Daily life moves at a much slower pace than even in France, and my stress level has been reduced significantly. I also do not miss the snobery that frequented Aix-en-Provence, although the other metropilises of France I will soon be missing. Marseille, Lyon (wonderfully beautifully delicious) and of course Paris are singular phenomenons all their own. Corsica... natural beauty that captivates the soul.

The good news is that I will surely have new opportunities to discover this land guided by the people who live it. For the moment I am simply happy to be living this opportunity and discovering new ones.

To end, briefly once again, I note a quote from the greatest man that I met in my time in France, Omar Namoune.

"Life is beautiful like a diamond. The harder it is, the more valuable and beautiful it becomes."

Keep on living the good life, and don't ever give in to your doubts or depressions. To the beauty and mystery of the ever-living present, I say goodbye to you all.