Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Morocco Day 1

We finally made it.

That was the simple phrase uttered by my roommate as we both looked out our balcony toward the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Finally, after what seemed a lifetime of paper work and frustrations, anticipation and anxiety, we had arrived in Morocco. The end of a long day brought more reflection and excitement, and of course the continued inability to sleep.

I would like to explain how today started off, but with all the time zone changes, subsequent jet lag, and hysteria that has been my entrance into Peace Corps, I'm not really sure when today began. We left JFK airport in NYC to Morocco at 7:00 pm Tuesday. After a six and a half hour flight we were in Casablanca. This of course was followed by a 4-hour drive to our hotel. Half in hysterics, we grabbed a quick lunch (Moroccan food is the best and now my favorite) and went into our intro classes. I won't bore you with the details, but the day had just began.

After class our language teachers took us on a walk around town. We toured the area for over two hours, our heads spinning. The reality of our limited language skills and the fact that we were now the foreigners took over. For a guy who had never left North America, it felt like a dream. This was followed by dinner and more language lessons on the fly.

I'm still in awe. Trying to comprehend exactly what is going on. I know there will be valleys, but right now I'm on a peak. I'm scared, excited, confused, and so tired I'm not sure where is up. I miss my friends and family greatly. I love you all very much.

9 comments:

  1. Oh man this is so exciting for you. I remember my 1st time overseas - it's hard to believe - you are actually standing on a different continent! Wow!
    Enjoy this adventure - savor every moment - oh the stories you will have to tell!!!
    You are in my thoughts - always.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Steve,
    What a wonderful first day. How exciting! We are so proud of you and miss you very much. Day one of a great adventure. Keep up the blog. I really enjoyed reading about your day
    Love you very much
    Mom

    ReplyDelete
  3. Congrats brother! I can feel the nervous/exciting feelings from here. Look forward to hearing more!

    Blake

    ReplyDelete
  4. That sounds like a great beginning to potentially an even greater journey/adventure/whatever-you-want-to-call-it. I was look at TEFL jobs and it looks like the programs in Morocco offer a decent wage...some food for thought. Anyways, I am happy to hear you starting this thing off right and hope to hear more!

    Nijjawin

    ReplyDelete
  5. Keep posting brother! We all miss you too! Let me just say what an excellent strength it is to read a blogger with elegance and voice in their writing. Looking forward to lurking enviously over your adventures and wild new experiences! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Right on man! Im way proud of you Steve-o. I can't wait to read on, ya dig. Be easy my brutha, be safe, and most importantly have fun! Be easy.

    Much Love,
    Dano

    ReplyDelete
  7. It has literally taken me this long to figure out how to message!! Sorry bro!! I have to say, that is the craziest commute to work I've ever heard. I love hearing about your day to day life, makes me feel like I'm there with you. Have ablast man and know I'm thinking about ya and missin ya little bro.

    Love, Brian

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm so glad you made it safe Steve!!! I can't wait to follow all of your awesome adventures on here. I know I've said it a million times, but I'm so excited for you and PROUD of you! You are going to have an amazing time. Can't wait to read some more! Take care, little brother!

    Love,
    Angie

    ReplyDelete
  9. Steve this is great that you will be documenting every step of your adventure. I admire your determination, you made it to Morocco!! Can't wait to read more!

    ReplyDelete