Whew. What a day! So Ohio was the easy part. After waiting 5+ hours in the airport I finally make it on my plane to Paris after an hour delay! Although my landing time stayed the same. That was strange.

The flight wasn't that spectacular, except that I could really sleep at all. I even took some melatonin, but that didn’t help much. I had two meals on the plane, so I was well taken care of.

My lovely french breakfast. Nutella included!

Not so impressive dinner

 I even had movies and games in the seat infront of my so I was well entertained. I finally got to see Guardians of the Galaxy!


 After 8 hours in the air I get to Paris with a 45 minute layover thinking my connection would be pretty close.

False.

Charles de Gaulle airport is actually a mess. I get off my flight and all there is is this long hallway that everyone else is walking down, that has signs that say connections. I wasn’t exaggerating with long either. It was a good 15 minute walk, the whole way there were no boards that showed connections or gates or anything. Just some cool photography.

Nice sign, but little help in navigation! 

We finally reach the end of the hallway and there are all the connection boards, except now everyone is crowding in front of the them. So me, with my bad eyesight, had to wait and elbow my way to the front. And then none of the terminals are in logical order. They have K,L,F and E. My gate just happened to be a train ride away, through security and at the end the terminal! I made it just in time also! They had just started boarding! That's where I met 4 of my classmates and we were on our way to Casablanca. Like most flights it wasn't very exciting. Just waiting to actually get there! 

It was in Casablanca that I learned a very important lesson from traveling. Never ever NEVER never overpack! I thought it would be worse to leave something but, overpacking was a bad idea.  Especially if you have to carry it all! I packed all of this plus a backpack.

These across... 

... this are not very fun!

 And then I had to carry it across the airport and through the train stations. Which were layed with brick. If you don’t know, brick and luggage wheels don’t work very well. Not only was it tiring and frustrating, but it was extremely embarrassing! Everyone was rushing ahead of me while I was sitting there struggling! The train into Casablanca was pretty nice and nothing spectacular. What really struck me was how everything look outside of the train. We passed through a lot of country areas with many poor looking houses. There were run down apartments by the tracks and there was trash piled up by them. None of the building were brick or steel, like I am use to seeing. They were a concrete/stone/plaster looking material and some of them, especially the apartments, were painted bright colors. Some houses only had tarps held down tires for roofs. My guess is that these people were farmers because they also had all types of goats and cows. And then in the distance you could see these huge gated estates. It was a strange contrast to the poor houses next to the tracks.

Once at the Casa Voyageurs station we took the intercity train to Fez. It was a four and a half hour ordeal. The train was so crowded that the group had to be split into different cabins, but it was a great experience because I got to sit with a group of Moroccan who helped me with my darija! They were all very nice, excited and welcoming to me! No one spoke English though! Only Darija (Moroccan Arabic) and French. I was lucky enough at one point to have a guy who was studying American Culture at University and spoke English. It seems so weird to me that people study American Culture!

The Fez Station 

The view from the station 

At the Fez train station we had to wait a bit for the University to pick us up and when they finally got there we got to ride through the city before going up the to the University. The city was amazing. Lots of apartments again, but they were nicer. All the houses were colorful and open, but had these big gated yards so it was very private. I can’t wait to get the chance to actually walk around and see things! I get chances on the weekends as well as field trips to go see so many cities for very little money!

We didn’t get to the University until about 8pm local time though. I was so jet lagged and tired from not being able to sleep that I only really had time to eat and go back to bed! I barely had time to call my mom. I think I gave a few people heart attacks because I just didn't have the internet connection to stay in touch. I had to use my roaming in order to contact my mom and that stuff is expensive!!

My dorm is nice though. I had a bit of trouble with the shower. It has only cold and lukewarm water and them if you hook the shower hose up to the overhead hook it shoots across the bathroom. So… I’m going to have to work on that one. I have a nice bed, desk, wardrobe and dresser. The food is pretty good. The student ambassadors told us that they hated it, but I think its pretty damn good!

Today was relaxing as well. I caught up on my sleep so I’m not all that jet lagged any more. I actually adapted pretty well. Although that might change when I have to wake up for orientation tomorrow! But today we went for a scenic hike around the campus. Apparently there are monkeys that are in the woods around us, but we didn’t get the chance to see any!
 

We were probably too loud for them to come near us. There are cats everywhere though! One of my classmates said that there was one just chilling in his common room. I got a little more settled in and explored campus some as well. Tomorrow is orientation and we will be going into town and learning more about the upcoming semester!

Until next time!

Game Day!

And so it begins. I’ve packed my things and said my goodbyes. I’ve planned for months and stressed for hours. And finally I’m here.

At the Cincinnati airport….

It smells like chili and the air has the stillness of waiting. On the inside I’m a melting pot of 30 different and paradoxical emotions, but on the outside I sit quietly in a corner typing at my computer. If you passed by me I’m sure you couldn't even tell that today is the most important day of my life.  

But I made it!! It’s game day, and there is no turning back! I really do feel like doing a happy dance! Something about social norms is stopping me from doing that in the middle of the airport though. Instead here is a picture of me waiting in the Cincinnati airport outside of McDonalds.

Where I will be for the next 5 hours before my connecting flight to Paris. After 8 hours in the air I have one hour to catch my  flight to Casablanca (less if it gets delayed!). Once landed I need to go through customs, collects my bags, exchange my money, get a local phone and then catch the train. I am being picked up by the University at the Fez airport. However, in order to get there from Casablanca I need to take two trains. One city train that stops in the airport and connects to the intercity train that will take me to Fez. So, I have a long and exciting day ahead of me. Even though it is very exciting and overwhelming, it is matched with a lot of sitting and waiting for things to happen!

There are also a few weather delays due to winter weather. My flight to Paris had already been delayed which means I may miss my flight to Casablanca. I’m worried, but I can’t control it, so I am just going to see how it plays out. I booked the same airline the whole way so I know that if my flight gets delayed they will take care of me. I've spent so much time stressing that now is the time to relax and enjoy the trip!

I’m taking this time for mental preparation. I've done my research and I know life will be very different for me in the next few months. There are going to be a lot of cultural and religious differences that are going to be hard to swallow. I won’t agree with or like everything, but somethings need to be done in order to maintain my safety and cultural appropriateness. Things like walking in groups with men. Women do not normally go out on their own, so if I want to avoid street harassment it is suggested I go in large groups, or groups with boys. I also need to watch my tongue and strong political views when I’m not in the University! There is also the consideration that I need to dress and act more modestly in public. None of these things seem particularly exciting to me, because I have been raised with the American empowerment to do what I want, independently, when I want, how I want. But it is all a part of discovering new cultures. You have to be open-minded and respectful of other peoples beliefs, even if you don’t agree with them. How can you ever expect someone else to respect your beliefs if you can not do the same?

To say the least, life will be different. But I got an amazing farewell from my family (Grandpa included!!!) along with several farewell feasts (compliment to the chef my mom, my Dad and Grandpa), and many well wishes from everybody. Everyone is so excited and happy for me, that the only thing I can do is have an absolutely, unforgettable, once in a lifetime, marvelously grand time!  

I’ll be posting again soon! Until next time!

20 Days!!!

I know I haven't posted in  a loooong time. I was just super busy with finals and moving, and by the time I was done, I was too burnt out to do anything similar to school work. I just needed a little bit of time to veg out and regain my sanity. But Oh my God!!!

Less than one month!!



And Yes, That is Neil Patrick Harris and Elmo happy dancing.

It all seems to surreal. There are still millions of last minute things to do, but everything else seems to be coming into order. The University I am attending set up a Facebook page for all incoming international students so I've had a chance to connect with a few students. I've actually found three other girls who have the same layover in Paris as me and will be flying into Casablanca together! We've all agreed to take the train together. It's a nice relief so I wont have to worry about navigating on my own. I was reluctant to get a Facebook again (I've been clean for 2 years), but I'm really happy I did so that I could connect with them.

All my finals are done also! I Aced them all!! It means I have a good chance of being accepted into the honors college (along with a sizably bigger scholarship). I still have my fingers crossed for that application! I've been accepted into American University through the automatic acceptance agreement they have with Montgomery College. All I have to do is graduate MC with 3.5. (I have a 3.8 and will graduate in Spring). I am just applying now for scholarships and the school of international service.

I've been trying to figure out the financial mess of this trip. My financial aid and scholarship won't be distributed until after I'm in Morocco, but payment is due on the 9th. So I'm going to have to take out a loan from Wells Fargo and my parents are going to have to pay a good bit to. They will get the refund when my financial aid is distributed, its just not fun. I also have more fees to pay once I'm in Morocco to the University itself, I just hope i have enough left over for personal expenses. I would like to spend some money exploring the country, and trips everywhere take money!!

I'm sure it will work out just fine though. I just need to get all the last minute things finished up and enjoy the holidays. I keep procrastinating until after the holidays, but I may not have much time after that! I still need to get luggage, and start getting things like medications, cosmetics and comfort items for when I get homesick. I will have wifi though! That means skyyype!

That's all for now!

35 Days!!!

I know I haven't posted in awhile, but I have been super busy with final projects, and studying for finals, and work, and community involvement and on top of that trying to sleep a little. Oh, did I mention I'm moving too!

Sigh...

But, I'm leaving in a little over a month!!!

One.

Month.

That's 35 days.

ohmygod!

And I have had a new advancement in my process! I was awarded a partial scholarship from my school! It only covers a small portion of the fees for my trip, but it was the full amount I could be awarded, so that's exciting! The only down side is that I have to do a school wide presentation when I get back. Totally worth it though.

My study abroad coordinator sent me into a frenzy when I went to accept the scholarship. He went to check on my financial aid status, and realized he had failed to give me a mountain of paperwork I needed in order to receive financial aid!! All of which needs to be turned in by this Friday! So I had to go running around the school getting multiple signatures from different advisers and administrators, who all have different office hours. I got most of it figured out, I'm just waiting to hear from the transcript evaluteor, who ok'ed my transfer credits, but failed to actually sign the paper (ugh!). After all that stress, its going to work out :)

I just need to get through this week and keep thinking about the future.

But maybe focus more on the now.... I keep distracting myself with thinking how awesome Morocco will be, how cool it will be to be at AU next year, and even looking at future job prospects and Masters Programs. I'm not even through finals yet and my head is stuck in the clouds!!

I just can't wait!! I'm cising myself out!!

Back to studying...

Waiting....

The last month passed in a blur, because I was rushing to meet to many deadlines, for the program, for scholarships etc. Now all my paperwork is done, my scholarship applications are in, my passport is in the mail, and I have registered for my classes.

And now, I have to wait.

And wait

Aaaand wait

Did I mention wait?  I hate waiting. It feels so much like in action. (I think I get that from my dad)

The past week has drug on and I am probably checking my email about every hour to see if I hear something new. The biggest thing I am waiting for are my syllabi for classes at Al-Akhawayn. I need to send them to American University to see if they will transfer next year since Al-Akhawayn is not one of their approved schools. It would be crappy if my classes don't transfer to AU. I would still be happy about going because of the experience and new perspective. I would just have to pay double the price re-taking the classes at AU. So hopefully that comes in soon. I'm also waiting to hear about my scholarship and financial aid. MC has to process my classes to see if I will be approved to use my Federal Loan for the program which will take a huge chunk of the cost. My scholarships will also be a huge help. I spent the last month in a frenzy to get all of this paperwork done and now I'm just waiting. The anxiety is killing me. I just want to know!

I guess this period of waiting is a chance for me to focus on this semester, since it is the last month of class. I'm kicking ass in all of my classes (except French, I have a B which is driving me crazy) even with all of the distractions. I just need to study and get finals done. Might as well do something while I'm waiting.

Fears

I wanted to take a second to talk about my fears for this trip. Kind of a depressing post, but I need to express this. There is so much to be excited for, but I don't want to ignore my anxieties. It is important, in admitting your fears you really gain the ability to face them. I have spent years afraid of things I couldn't name and they ate me up. It's time to be proactive :)

1. Being Alone

This has been one of my biggest fears since childhood and I'm certain most people have this fear regularly. But honestly, I've never been truly alone. I've isolated myself and made myself feel alone, but I have always had someone there for me when I truly need them. When I'm gone, who is going to be there for me? Who will hug me when something goes wrong, or help me when I'm sick? Most importantly the hugs, I love hugs from the ones I care about. I know everyone will be home, there for me, but google maps says that's 3,924.58 miles away. It's scary, but I have been trying to look at it as a challenge, and through challenges we grow stronger. It will give me an opportunity to become more independent and leave my shell behind. I have to make new friends and get outside my comfort zone in order to fight this fear.

  

   2.  Missing Events at home 

Equally terrifying. I'm going to miss my nephew being born. He's the first of a new generation, and I am going to miss it :( I'm sorry Abbey. On top of that, what if someone gets sicks? What if something happens to the ones I love at home and I'm not there for it. I'm not quite sure how to fight this fear yet.

    3.  Debt

ohmygod. My student debt terrifies me. I'm only part way through school and it is already so huge. I basically owe my life to the American economic system until my loan is paid. And god knows how long that will be. Owing money really gives me anxiety. 

   4. Loosing my Wanderlust 

This is more of a fear of what happens if I don't go. I have this beautiful wanderlust spirit that just wants to go out an explore. To face the challenges of the world and see and experience incredible things. I'm scared of not going because I'm afraid of loosing that spirit. It's been caged, for what feels like ages, by the monetary inability to travel. If I keep ignoring it, I'm scared of what might happen. I don't want to settle for a job that pays, but doesn't fulfill. I don't want to be middle aged and miserable, because I didn't go out and do the incredible while I'm young. I don't want to smother my spirit and become an "adult". Where is the adventure and fun in that?


What I'm not afraid of

   1. Ebola

Yes, I know its a deadly disease with a 71% mortality rate. If I contract it, or come in contact with it, I'll be scared. But honestly, the infection zone is tiny compared to the size of Africa, and the germ would have to travel across the Sahara to get to me. I honestly doubt anyone with Ebola will be in the condition to trek the Sahara.  Morocco is really doing everything possible to keep the infection out of its borders, including canceling the African Cup. Which is huge, because it got them barred from playing in the tournament.  I would rather help against the problem then be afraid of it.

     2.  Culture Sock

I might regret this statement later, but I'm excited to be put out of my comfort zone. It's a challenge I can grow from. It is what this whole trip is about: being taken out of my comfort zone and introduced to a new world.

So, that's what I have. Back to the excitement :)

Lists

I feel like every part of planning this trip has been lists. Lists of what to pack, what to expect, what to do. I have lists about paperwork for Al-Akhawayne, lists for Montana State (the Uni that the program is through), lists for myself (doctors visits, cell phone, bank...). I love lists because they organize what I need to get done. But I hate lists because they show me exactly how much is left to do. So much organization is going into this process it is like having another job. I can't wait to just enjoy it :)