On Christmas, since we had the day off, most of us refused to work on our documentaries. So, instead of just hanging out we took the day as our one opportunity to visit Casablanca!
First though Becca and I had gifts our mom's packed for us, including full blown stockings from her mom, containing candy galore and little stuffed owls. Maybe Becca and I take them everywhere with us now... maybe we don't...
We got up and got on a train. First, we stopped at the Hassan II Mosque which is HUGE and beautiful and RIGHT on the water. We spent forever taking photos and sitting on the rocks on the water. Next we walked to Rick's Cafe, but unfortunately it was closed until dinner and we weren't going to be in Casa all day. We took taxi's to the strip of cafes that line the water front. Being the American's we are we all settled on a cheaper, safer, and guaranteed delicious meal of Burger King. We got barbeque and Heinz ketchup packets with our meals and I think that was all it took for us to shed a few tears. We headed outside to watch the sunset then met up back at the train station. I bought a Starbucks and my heart melted a little. It was great to get out of the Capital and see a city we otherwise wouldn't have, and to get away from the constant tours and schedules and being told where to go and when. The independence was a huge bonus.
A quick train back to Rabat and we had dinner with the whole group including our favorite IES worker, Majid. We exchanged Secret Santa gifts we'd all bought in Rabat, which was more fun than I think it sounds. People dispersed to Skype home and a few people watched The Grinch in the lounge and that was that!
Christmas full of Christmas music, friends, gifts, good food, travel, adventure, photos, sunshine, the coast, and Starbucks. What more can a girl ask for? As sad as it was to be away from family, I wouldn't change a thing about my first Christmas away from home.
First though Becca and I had gifts our mom's packed for us, including full blown stockings from her mom, containing candy galore and little stuffed owls. Maybe Becca and I take them everywhere with us now... maybe we don't...
We got up and got on a train. First, we stopped at the Hassan II Mosque which is HUGE and beautiful and RIGHT on the water. We spent forever taking photos and sitting on the rocks on the water. Next we walked to Rick's Cafe, but unfortunately it was closed until dinner and we weren't going to be in Casa all day. We took taxi's to the strip of cafes that line the water front. Being the American's we are we all settled on a cheaper, safer, and guaranteed delicious meal of Burger King. We got barbeque and Heinz ketchup packets with our meals and I think that was all it took for us to shed a few tears. We headed outside to watch the sunset then met up back at the train station. I bought a Starbucks and my heart melted a little. It was great to get out of the Capital and see a city we otherwise wouldn't have, and to get away from the constant tours and schedules and being told where to go and when. The independence was a huge bonus.
A quick train back to Rabat and we had dinner with the whole group including our favorite IES worker, Majid. We exchanged Secret Santa gifts we'd all bought in Rabat, which was more fun than I think it sounds. People dispersed to Skype home and a few people watched The Grinch in the lounge and that was that!
Christmas full of Christmas music, friends, gifts, good food, travel, adventure, photos, sunshine, the coast, and Starbucks. What more can a girl ask for? As sad as it was to be away from family, I wouldn't change a thing about my first Christmas away from home.
It is always so good to hear how happy your adventures are. We are thankful we were able to say "Hello" and see your face during our skype visit. Hurry home and be safe, love, gma gries
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